Scholarships
We want to help you achieve your goals and financial assistance may be available for qualified students.
CMTA is pleased to announce six scholarships that are now available through our department (criteria [PDF] — due by April 1):
- Gail W. Compton Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Mark S. Gallup Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Worth H. Kramer Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- Julia Catherine Niswender Endowed TWIN Scholarship
- James Gordon “Doc” and Aniceta Eidymt Patterson Endowed Scholarship
- Rev. Clarence Rivers Mentorship Award
NOTE: Theatre Arts and the EMU Forensics Team offer additional endowed scholarships and CMTA Excellence Awards, scroll down for further information.
Please be certain to also visit the EMU Office of Financial Aid site.
Theatre Scholarships and Excellence Awards
Current Students
Current EMU students can apply for theatre endowed scholarships and CMTA Excellence Awards by completing our online application, or by visiting 103 Judy Sturgis Hill Building and completing an application in person. Active participants in EMU Theatre will receive first priority in consideration for awards.
Incoming First-Year Students/Transfers
EMU Theatre holds bi-annual auditions for incoming students interested in applying for endowed scholarships and CMTA Excellence Awards. These auditions provide the opportunity to be considered for up to $3,000 per academic year.
Next Audition
Our next in person scholarship audition will be April 5, 2025 for Incoming First-Year and Transfer Students. Please arrive by 4 p.m. to be checked in, auditions will begin at 4:30 p.m. See below for details. If you have any questions email Pam Cardell at [email protected]
What do I need to prepare?
- Complete the online Audition Form. Completed forms are due Monday, March 24, 2025.
- Performance auditionees should prepare two contrasting monologues (i.e. classical/modern or comic/serious) not exceeding 90 seconds each. Optional but strongly encouraged - Singing 16 bars/measures from a musical theatre selection. An accompanist will be provided, please bring sheet music in a 3-ring binder.
- Those auditioning for BOTH a scholarship AND the Musical Theatre program should follow the requirements for the Musical Theatre program:
- Technical presentations: Prepare a display of photos, drawings, renderings, models, costumes, etc. that demonstrate the auditionee’s skills in the technical, design, stage management, or publicity areas. A brief explanation of the items displayed will be part of the presentation.
- A letter of reference from a theatre director, tech director, acting/singing coach, etc. is required and should be emailed to Pam Cardell at [email protected]
- Audition/Presentation time should not exceed 5 minutes.
Forensics Scholarships and Excellence Awards
Students with prior speech and debate experience can apply for scholarships and audition to compete on the team. Successful applicants will demonstrate both academic merit and competitive success. All materials must be received before January 24th, 2025. Please contact Bill Heinze at [email protected] with any questions or for more information.
How to apply
To audition for the team, please send the following materials to [email protected]. The subject line should state "FIRST_NAME LAST_NAME Forensics Audition" and include:
1. Video of a recent performance.
2. Letter of recommendation from a coach.
3. Unofficial transcript.
4. "Forensics resume" that highlights events, major awards, and any coaching. Not to exceed one page.
5. 2-page personal statement that answers the following questions:
a. Why are you interested in EMU?
b. What do you enjoy about the activity?
c. What interests do you hold outside of the activity?