Scholarships and Financial Aid

Funding your education

The theatre and dance department provides scholarships to help support your studies at Missouri State University. The department wants to help you receive as much financial support as possible and has created a listing of departmental scholarships that can help you fund your education.

You may also be eligible for scholarships through the College of Arts and Letters. The office of student financial aid provides information about Missouri State scholarships, grants and loans.

Office of Student Financial Aid

Applying for scholarships

You can apply for scholarships offered by the department of theatre and dance by completing the MSU Annual Scholarship Application, or if you are wanting to renew your scholarship complete the Returning Student Scholarship Application preferably by March 1. Please note that additional materials may be required depending on the scholarship. If a scholarship requires proof of financial need, you need to complete the Federal Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) by March 31.

MSU Annual Scholarship Application
Returning Student Scholarship Application

Departmental scholarships

The department awards 16 $2,000 activity scholarships. Distribution amount and quantity is dependent upon the recommendation of the faculty.
There are also six $2,000 scholarships associated with the department’s student theatre troupe, In-School Players. These are assigned via an audition process held in the spring and require recipients to participate in In-School Players for a full year.

Some "out-of-state" tuition waivers are available. These are assigned by need and on the recommendation of the faculty. Students must reapply for fee waivers each semester, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA to qualify.

Graduate students may be interested in assistantship opportunities to offset the cost of school.

Scholarship list

Ann Page Theatre Scholarship

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time student seeking a degree in Theatre.  Awarded with regard for financial need.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Ben Soto Costume Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500 - $750.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time sophomore or greater majoring in Design, Technology, & Management within the Theatre and Dance Department.  Student must have an overall GPA of 2.5.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Bob Comer Memorial Scholarship Award

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $1,500 - $2,000.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually undergraduate or graduate student.  First preference for student that is a member of the box office staff for Tent Theatre.  Second preference for a student that is a member of the box office staff during the regular academic year.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Brad Ferguson Costume Assistant Scholarship

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student that has worked in the Theatre Department's Costume Shop, and has a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Byrne Blackwood Scenic Design Scholarship

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student pursuing a career in Scenic Design professionally or in education.  Must have completed 30 hours and have an overall GPA of 2.5.  Preference given based on contributions to scenic design at Missouri State University. Must submit statement of long range goals, resume of work and/or portfolio.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Chyrel Love Miller Dance Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $300 - $400.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to full-time student seeking a degree in Theatre and Dance Department.  Selected based on audition and/or participation in a dance performance production.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Clint Overstreet Memorial Award

Selection criteria

Student must be a graduating senior with an overall GPA of at least 3.4, and graduating with a BFA in theatre and dance. Student must demonstrate versatility as a theatre professional and active involvement in theatre and dance activities in the department as well as outside.  Student CAN'T be an officer in UTD.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

David Kerrigan Fly Tent Theatre Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student participating in Missouri State University's Tent Theatre.  Awarded selected according to the needs of Tent Theatre as determined by the Head of the Department of Theatre and Dance in consultation with the Managing Director.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

David Kerrigan Fly Theatre Scholarship

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student majoring in Theatre from Southwest, MO, with preference going from residents of Monett, MO, Barry County or Lawrence County.  Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and if awarded to an incoming freshman student must have maintained a 3.0 in their last 2.5 years in high school.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Dennis Warning Memorial Award

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500 - $650.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student that has made outstanding contributions to the Department of Theatre and Dance.  Selected by the faculty of the department.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

George W. and Bernadene B. Oliver Musical Theatre Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $250.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time sophomore or greater majoring in Musical Theatre.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Howard Orms Memorial Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $250 - $750.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time graduate or sophomore or greater majoring in Theatre and Dance with potential and desire to be a stage director.  Must have completed THE 430 or its equivalent.  Must have overall GPA of 2.5.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Jean Jones Johnston Memorial Scholarship

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time Theatre or Dance major. Sophomores or greater must have an overall GPA of 2.5.  First priority will be for students from the Hartville or Mansfield, MO areas.  Award made with regard for financial need.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Student must maintain a 2.5 Cumulative GPA.

John Klineline Memorial Tent Theatre Internship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded as an internship with Tent Theatre to a deserving performer or technician who is a member of the company of the summer production.  Consideration based on past performance as determined by staff of Tent Theatre.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Joseph Cantlin Memorial Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to student making outstanding contributions to the Department of Theatre and Dance as selected by the faculty.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Kathleen Turner Performance Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

The Department of Theatre and Dance requires an audition for this scholarship. The live audition is generally held in the spring of every year on the Missouri State University campus; students will be notified of the date and any material requirements. If you should have questions, please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student majoring in Theatre and Dance that has completed 75 hours or more with an overall GPA of 3.0.  Must be active in Department and have commitment to continue professionally. Must present a 10 minute audition scene of two pieces of contrasting nature selected from both modern and period dramas, be interviewed, and consideration will be made of body of work and cooperation.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Leslie Irene Coger Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $1,000.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student majoring in Theatre and Dance.  Student must have completed 50 hours and have an overall GPA of 3.20. Student must have made contributions to all activities in department, but special consideration for students participating in activities in Performance Studies.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. Students can only receive this scholarship up to three times.

Lowell Fleenor Memorial Tent Theatre Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $600 - $750.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a performer in Tent Theatre based on outstanding performance ability as shown through auditions.  Preference given to vocal or instrumental performers.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Maggie Wilcox Tent Theatre Stage Manager Internship

Value

$3,750

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a sophomore or greater Stage Manager of Missouri State University's Tent Theatre with an overall GPA of 2.5 planning a career in Theatre.  Awarded as an internship.  Must submit resume and must be available for interviews.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Mauny Mesecher Memorial Summer Theatre Internship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually as an internship for Tent Theatre to a performer or technician who is member of company of a summer production.  Consideration based on performance in theatrical productions as determined by Tent Theatre staff.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Michael Quinn, PhD., Memorial Tent Theatre Internship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $350 - $500.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually as an internship for Tent Theatre to a performer or technician who is member of company of a summer production.  Consideration based on performance in theatrical productions as determined by Tent Theatre staff.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Mickey Talbot Summer Theatre Performance Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $250 - $350.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a performer in Missouri State University's Tent Theatre.  Final awarding will be based on an audition.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Mike McElhaney / Shakespeare Award

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to full-time student deserving of recognition of excellence in the study of Shakespeare.  Student can either be in the creative field of research field and must have an overall GPA of 2.5.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Professional Performance Award

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for at least $1,000.

Application

Complete the MSU Annual Scholarship Application by March 1.

The Department of Theatre and Dance requires an audition for some of their scholarships. These live auditions are generally held in the spring of every year on the Missouri State University campus; students will be notified of the date and any material requirements. If you should have questions, please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time senior performance student majoring in a program in the Department of Theatre and Dance intending a career in performance.  Must demonstrate ability to translate author's words into an audience response, an adaptable voice and body to any performance, ability to bring any character to life, proven ability in departmental productions, ability to perform in various periods of drama, ability to fully understand a character, a sense of basic business and audition processes in the profession, and a dedication to art in humanity.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Robert Bradley Student Travel Fund

Selection criteria

Student must be a major pursuing a degree in dance, theatre, or musical theatre.  Undergraduate or graduate students may apply, but must be enrolled in 12 or 6 hours, respectively.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Robert Gilmore Tent Theatre Founders Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for at least $1,500.

Application

This scholarship considers financial need. Please submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) preferably by Feb. 1.

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time student majoring in Theatre and interested in directing.  Sophomores or greater must have an overall and departmental GPA of 2.5.  Awards made with regard for financial need.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal. 

Roger Jinks Memorial Tent Theatre Internship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500 - $750.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded as an internship with Tent Theatre to a deserving performer or technician who is a member of the company of the summer production.  Consideration based on past performance as determined by staff of Tent Theatre.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Sam and Adele Huber Memorial Scholarship in Theatre

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate with at least 30 hours majoring in Theatre with an overall GPA of 2.5.  Financial need will be primary consideration.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship is renewed automatically. Student must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Scot Heminger Memorial Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $500.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to full-time student that has been enrolled as a full-time student for previous two semesters that is participating in Tent Theatre.  Consideration based on performance in Missouri State University theatrical productions determined by Tent Theatre staff.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Stephen Emanuel Tent Theatre Internship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $750.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually as an internship student participating as a performer in Tent Theatre.  Consideration based on performance in Missouri State University theatrical productions determined by Tent Theatre staff.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship cannot be renewed. 

Ted & Sol Rosen and Elizabeth & Emilian Furtak Tent Theatre Scholarship

Value

Scholarship amount varies depending on the availability of funding, but awards are usually for $250 - $750.

Application

Students interested in scholarships available through Missouri State University's Tent Theatre must be active members of the Tent Theatre Company during the season in which the scholarship is awarded. For more information on Tent Theatre scholarships please contact the Theatre and Dance Department by phone at 417-836-4400 or by e-mail at TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.

Selection criteria

Awarded annually to a student participating in Missouri State University's Tent Theatre.  Awarded selected according to the needs of Tent Theatre as determined by the Head of the Department of Theatre and Dance in consultation with the Managing Director of Tent Theatre.

Renewal criteria

This scholarship can be renewed, but students must reapply to be considered for renewal.