Looking out for Scholarships for high school seniors in performing arts is a sign that you’re not just closing a chapter as you approach graduation.
We understand that pursuing a career in the arts can be both thrilling and financially challenging.
To help ease the burden, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of scholarships tailored for high school seniors like you, who are passionate about dance, music, theater, and more.
List Scholarships for high school seniors in performing arts
1. Young Artist Scholarship by The Kennedy Center
Sponsor: The Kennedy Center
Requirements: Demonstrated excellence in a specific performing art form, recommendation letters, and audition/portfolio submission.
2. National YoungArts Foundation Scholarship
Sponsor: National YoungArts Foundation
Requirements: Outstanding artistic talent demonstrated through an audition or portfolio submission.
3. BMI Student Composer Awards
Sponsor: Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
Requirements: Original compositions and a strong passion for music composition.
4. Thespian Scholarships by the Educational Theatre Association
Sponsor: Educational Theatre Association
Requirements: Active membership in the International Thespian Society, letter of recommendation, and performance/technical achievement.
5. Dance Magazine Scholarship Guide
Sponsor: Dance Magazine
Requirements: Varies by scholarship listed in the guide, but generally includes dance proficiency and academic excellence.
6. Music for All Scholarship Opportunities
Sponsor: Music for All
Requirements: Participate in Music for All programs, demonstrate musical ability, and submit application materials.
7. The Juilliard School Scholarships
Sponsor: The Juilliard School
Requirements: Outstanding talent in music, dance, or drama and a successful audition/portfolio review.
8. Berklee College of Music Scholarships
Sponsor: Berklee College of Music
Requirements: Apply and audition for admission, financial need may also be considered.
9. Young Dancer Scholarship by New York City Ballet
Sponsor: New York City Ballet
Requirements: Dance proficiency, recommendation letters, and an audition.
10. Playwriting Scholarships by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
Sponsor: Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
Requirements: Submit original playwriting work, recommendations, and demonstrate artistic promise.
11. Disney Dreamers Academy Performing Arts Scholarship
Sponsor: Disney Dreamers Academy
Requirements: Attend Disney Dreamers Academy, demonstrate performing arts talent, and show leadership qualities.
12. Classical Singer Competition Scholarships
Sponsor: Classical Singer Magazine
Requirements: Participate in the Classical Singer Competition and excel in vocal performance.
13. Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS) Awards
Sponsor: National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts
Requirements: Participate in ARTS Week, showcase talent, and demonstrate artistic potential.
14. American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) Scholarships
Sponsor: American Musical and Dramatic Academy
Requirements: Apply and audition for admission, various scholarships available.
15. Shakespeare Scholarships by the English-Speaking Union
Sponsor: English-Speaking Union
Requirements: Perform a Shakespeare monologue, demonstrate language skills, and participate in an interview.
16. Theater Arts Scholarships by StageofLife.com
Sponsor: StageofLife.com
Requirements: Submit a personal essay about the role of theater in your life.
17. YoungArts/Singer/Songwriter Category
Sponsor: National YoungArts Foundation
Requirements: Outstanding songwriting talent demonstrated through a portfolio submission.
18. Choreography Scholarships by Dance Studies Association
Sponsor: Dance Studies Association
Requirements: Present original choreographic work and submit an application.
19. School-Specific Performing Arts Scholarships
Sponsor: Various Universities and Colleges
Requirements: Check with individual institutions for scholarship opportunities and application requirements.
20. LGBTQ+ and Allied Youth Scholarship Program by Point Foundation
Sponsor: Point Foundation
Requirements: LGBTQ+ or allied identity, leadership skills, and artistic achievement.
21. Artist Scholarships by VSA Emerging Young Artists Program
Sponsor: VSA, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability Program
Requirements: Artists with disabilities, submit artwork and application materials.
22. Film and Video Arts Scholarships by The National YoungArts Foundation
Sponsor: National YoungArts Foundation
Requirements: Outstanding talent in film and video arts, portfolio submission.
23. Artistic Excellence in Schools Award by National Society of Arts and Letters
Sponsor: National Society of Arts and Letters
Requirements: Demonstrate exceptional talent, apply through local chapters.
24. John Lennon Scholarships by BMI Foundation
Sponsor: BMI Foundation
Requirements: Songwriting talent, submit original songs.
25. Voice Scholarships by National Association of Teachers of Singing
Sponsor: National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
Requirements: Audition for vocal performance and join NATS.
26. American Harp Society Scholarships
Sponsor: American Harp Society
Requirements: Harp proficiency, recommendations, and audition.
27. Culinary Arts and Baking Scholarships by James Beard Foundation
Sponsor: James Beard Foundation
Requirements: Pursuing culinary arts, submitting applications and recommendations.
28. Golden Key Music Festival Scholarships
Sponsor: Golden Key Music Festival
Requirements: Participate in the music festival, demonstrate musical talent.
29. Women in Film Scholarships by Women In Film Los Angeles
Sponsor: Women In Film Los Angeles
Requirements: Female filmmakers, demonstrate commitment to the industry.
30. Emerging Filmmakers Grant by American Documentary Film Fund
Sponsor: American Documentary Film Fund
Requirements: Aspiring documentary filmmakers, submit film proposals.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a dancer, musician, actor, or any other kind of performing artist, these scholarships can help you take the next step towards realizing your dreams.
Remember, each scholarship has its own unique set of requirements, so make sure to carefully read through them and tailor your application accordingly.
Pursuing a career in the performing arts takes dedication and perseverance, and these scholarships are designed to support you on your journey.