Joseph D. Thomas Memorial Scholarship

Awarded By:

Portland Players

Number of Awards & Eligibility: The number of awards offered varies annually, depending on the level of funding. Last year, three awards were offered.

Description: Maine residents pursuing a major in the performing arts are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must participate in an audition (or interview if majoring in a technical field).

Application requirements for the Joseph D. Thomas Memorial Scholarship are:

• Application form
• Official Transcript
• Recommendation letter
• Essay
• Audition with two pieces of contrasting style

Additional Information: Students must audition for the scholarship committee to be eligible to receive an award. Auditions will be held at the Portland Players Theatre for the Joseph D. Thomas Memorial Scholarship in May, on a date to be determined. (The theatre is at 420 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106.) The auditions will vary slightly depending on the student's emphasis of study. Those singing will be asked to prepare two numbers in the musical theatre/operatic genre: one ballad and one up-tempo (a pianist will be provided). Actors should plan to do one serious and one comic monologue, each 10 minutes or under. Dancers should be prepared to perform a dance; if they need their own music, they should bring their own tape or CD player. Instrumentalists should bring their instruments and be prepared to perform a piece. A student who is planning a course of study to do technical work in theatre will be interviewed and should bring any reviews, recommendations, and/or a portfolio that they wish to share with the scholarship committee. The Portland Players is a community theatre dedicated to the development of interest in dramatic arts and the creative expression of those arts. This scholarship was established in memory of long-time artistic director Joseph D. Thomas.

Award Amount: The award amount varies annually, but will not be less than $500. Last year, the awards were $4,000 each. All awards are non-renewable.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $500.