Departmental Scholarships

Presented at the end of the spring semester to graduating senior theatre and dance majors, the Faculty Awards are cash awards designed to help a student take the next step into their professional artistic life. Recipients of the department’s Faculty Awards must have contributed significantly to the department during their tenures at Ball State. Recipients must also have a grade point average of 3.0 or above. Students do not apply for Faculty Awards, but rather are nominated by the faculty.

Awards are given to graduating students in all disciplines.

The Theatre General scholarship provides funding for the welfare, support and advancement of programs of the Department of Theatre.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

This scholarship was created to honor the contributions of Edward S. Strother during his 41 years as a Ball State faculty member. As author, scholar, teacher, administrator, actor, director, and constant friend of his colleagues and many generations of students, Strother may aptly be called "The Father of Theatre at Ball State University."

Award Criteria and Selection

• Recipients must have proved their commitment of the Department of Theatre and Dance by actively participating in the department's production program.
• The recipient shall be selected solely on the basis of talent and be in good academic standing with the university.
• The chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Dance shall be solely responsible for selecting the recipient.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Dance Theatre Scholarship provides funds for the welfare, support, and advancement of dance theatre programs.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Department of Theatre and Dance provides financial support for the showcase programs in which students take part in original productions for agents, talent scouts, and industry professionals for course credit.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Showcase Endowment provides financial support for the Department of Theatre and Dance's showcase programs in which students take part in original productions for agents, talent scouts, and industry professionals for course credit.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Theatre Scholarship provides financial assistance to departmental students.

Award Criteria

Freshman

• be a freshman
• major in theatre or dance
• display talent and potential during your audition

Upper-class Students

• be a sophomore, junior, or senior
• major in theatre or dance
• have a GPA of at least 2.7
• participate in departmental productions

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

Dance Scholarships provide assistance to students enrolled in dance programs through the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Award Criteria

• be a sophomore, junior, or senior
• major in dance
• have a minimum GPA of at least 2.7
• participate in departmental productions

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Gil Bloom scholarship recognizes Gilbert Bloom, who served as a teacher, artist, colleague, and mentor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. During his 42 years of service, Bloom taught courses in theatre history, acting, directing, introduction to theatre, technical theatre, children's theatre, and dramatic theory and criticism among others. As a director, Bloom's resume features over 50 productions directed at Ball State. Additionally, Gil served as the lighting designer and scenic designer for an additional 30 productions on campus.

Award Criteria

• major in theatre
• have at least a 3.0 GPA
• Student must be active in the production program
• be an upper class student, with preference given to students entering their senior year

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Lynnette Jordan Schisla Scholarship was established to honor the memory of a faculty member who was with us such a short time but made a definite mark on the dance and musical theatre programs. In selecting a student to receive the award, the criteria reflects Lynnette's belief in recognizing the versatile dancer who can perform in many styles of dance as well as varied performance venues.

Award Criteria

Dance faculty review and vote on the scholarship’s recipients based on the criteria that the student:

• major in dance
• be recognized by the faculty as a versatile dancer who can perform in many styles and in varied performance venues
• demonstrate commitment to the Theatre and Dance department and support for the performance program

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Doug Jones Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students in accordance with the stated preferences that the recipients:

• are a current freshmen
• pursue a major within the Department of Theatre and Dance
• have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

The scholarship is renewable for a total of four years if the student maintains a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Lindsey “Spike” VanDyke Scholarship in Lighting Design and Technology Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• pursue a major in Theatre with the design and technology option
• actively participate in the production program
• display dedication, enthusiasm, and love of the craft of lighting design and technology as the appreciation of the vital, creative role it plays in the performing arts

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Lou Ann Young Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who

• major in dance
• demonstrate outstanding talent in ballet
• actively participate in the Ball State Dance Theatre

One recipient will be selected each year in the spring at the recommendation of the Dance faculty. The scholarship will be applied to the recipient's senior year of study.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Dylan Louis Heintzelman Dance Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• are graduating seniors
• major in dance
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• plan to pursue a career in dance after graduation

Dylan was mature and compassionate. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated these same qualities.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Casazza Family Theatre Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• major in theatre
• preferably reside in Delaware County, Indiana—if Delaware County resident cannot be identified, the scholarship may be awarded to students from any geographic location

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Martha DeLaurentiis Schoalrship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• are a junior or senior
• major in theatre with the directing and stage management option production option

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Dance Summer Study Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• major or minor in dance
• intend to study dance at a summer workshop, intensive, festival, or other similar program at a location other than Ball State

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Sutton Foster Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• actively participate in the Department of Theatre and Dance
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• preferably be a sophomore or junior—if there are no eligible candidates, an award can be made to a senior

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Shawger Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• are a sophomore or junior
• major in Theatre with the design and technology option
• have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• actively participate in the production program

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Lynette Jordan Schisla Dance Legacy Scholarship fosters dance majors whose broad ranging versatility reflects the life, talent and creative vision of Lynnette Jordan Schisla in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Ball State University.

Award Criteria and Selection

• major in dance
• display talent and creativity

This scholarship may be renewed at the discretion of the selection committee. Selection shall be made by the dance professors at Ball State in consultation with the chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Hunden Musical Theatre Scholarship provides funding to Ball State students who:

• major in musical theatre
• demonstrate potential as a musical theatre performer
• are entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year
• have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• demonstrate need for financial assistance

Selection will be at the discretion of department chair.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Alan C. English Scholarship recognizes Alan C. English, who served as a teacher, artist, colleague, and mentor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. During his 25 years of service, English taught a variety of courses in the fields of acting and directing at Ball State. As a director, English's resume features over 40 productions directed at Ball State in a variety of theatrical styles and genres. Additionally, Al served as a trusted advisor and mentor to numerous student directors over his many years within the program.

Award Criteria and Selection

• major in theatre with
• have at least a 3.0 GPA
• actively participate in the production program
• be a part of the directing and stage management option (“production option”) with preference given to those students interested in directing
• be a continuing student with preference given to students entering their junior or senior year

The selection is made by the Department Chair.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Donald E. Heady Scholarship was established to honor the memory of a faculty member who was with us for over 25 years as a director, acting teacher, and artistic pioneer within the department. Donald E. Heady helped to create REFLEX and the Third Age Theatre Company, taught the first-ever acting for the camera classes within the department, and worked tirelessly to bring theatre to the mentally challenged.

Award Criteria and Selection

• major in theatre
• have a 3.0 GPA
• be an active member of REFLEX or have taken an active role in departmental activities and events
• demonstrate commitment to the theatre department and the production program

The selection is made by the department chair under the consultation of the Recruitment and Scholarship Committee.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Jim Hardin Scholarship was established to honor the memory of a faculty member who was with us for over 25 years as a theatre historian, director, and musical theatre admirer and practitioner.

Award Criteria and Selection

• major in theatre
• be recognized by the faculty as a versatile performer or scholar who can perform in many performance genres
• demonstrate commitment to the Department of Theatre and Dance and the production program

The selection is made by the department chair under the consultation of the Recruitment and Scholarship Committee.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Paul H. Robb Scholarship is awarded at the end of the spring semester on an alternating year basis to an entering or continuing theatre or English student. A theatre student is the recipient in the spring of odd-numbered years for the following academic year.

The award is presented to a deserving and promising student. 

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The Kay Knight Choreography Award is awarded to an upper-class dance major in recognition of merit.

The recipient must have developed an exceptional body of work in choreography during his or her academic career reflecting inventiveness, clarity of idea, and a search for new challenges.

The student's work should be a continuous process of choreographic endeavors presented in various performance opportunities available at Ball State. 

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

Each year the department faculty recognizes a small group of first-year students for their exceptional contributions to the production program and to the department.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

The department is pleased to award three Alumni Recognition Scholarships in Theatre.

Students who have exhibited potential in the classroom and in the department's production program are eligible for these awards.

Funding is provided by the Alumni Association and the department's Scholarship Foundation account.

Further, one of these students each year will be granted this award because of their contribution within the area of digital media and film. 

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

Established by an anonymous donor in 2000, the permanently endowed CFA Dean’s Scholarship for Dance’s recipient is selected by the Recruitment and Scholarship Committee through consultation with the department chair and the dance faculty.

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.

Psi Iota Xi is a philanthropic organization founded in Muncie, Indiana, in 1897.

The organization devotes time and money to support projects in a community. These projects include the arts and work with children in the field of speech and hearing.

The scholarship from Psi Iota Xi and the Department of Theatre and Dance is awarded every other year to a dance student. 

How to Apply

You may apply for this scholarship in the spring. Application forms available at the main office.

The department announces award recipients at its end-of-year banquet. For more details on the regulations for scholarship recipients, see the department’s scholarship regulations.