Gordon Hay Scholarship

Name: Gordon Hay Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 (one-time award; up to two recipients annually)

Information And Eligibility:
The Gordon Hay Scholarship is a merit-based award offered through Blumenthal Arts, a nonprofit organization committed to enriching communities through arts education and performance opportunities. This scholarship was established in memory of Gordon Hay, an organizational development professional whose passion for the arts and belief in personal excellence inspired this award. The scholarship recognizes talented students who are pursuing non-performance careers in theater and the performing arts, with a focus on behind-the-scenes disciplines such as design, technical production, stage management, and arts administration.

Each year, the scholarship committee selects up to two exceptional students — including high school seniors and early college students — to receive a one-time award of up to $10,000. Rather than being directed toward traditional tuition costs, Gordon Hay Scholarship funds are intended to support career-related enrichment opportunities, such as professional conferences, workshops, unpaid internships, specialized equipment, software, books, or travel for artistic development. This flexible approach allows recipients to tailor the award to their individual career aspirations in technical theater and associated fields.

Selection for the Gordon Hay Scholarship is competitive and holistic. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance, a genuine commitment to community engagement, and a clear passion for a non-performance role within the performing arts. These roles may include but are not limited to stage management, lighting design, sound design, set or costume design, production management, arts leadership, and technical theater technologies. The scholarship committee evaluates each applicant’s portfolio, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated accomplishments to identify students with the potential to excel and contribute meaningfully to the arts.

Because the award supports enrichment opportunities beyond standard college expenses, recipients often use the funds to access unique experiences that elevate their professional development. For example, students may attend national conferences, engage in specialized workshops, participate in regional theater programs, or acquire industry-standard tools that enhance both technical skills and creative expression. Many past recipients have pursued interests in lighting design, stagecraft, technical production, and arts leadership, furthering their readiness for careers in the performing arts sector.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore.
• Must plan to pursue a non-performance career in theater or the performing arts.
• Potential career paths include stage management, lighting design, sound design, costume or set design, production management, or arts administration.
• Must demonstrate artistic or technical accomplishment in relevant areas.
• Should exhibit commitment to community involvement and personal excellence.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Gordon Hay Scholarship application form.
• Official high school or college transcript.
• Personal essay outlining career goals and intended use of scholarship funds.
• Portfolio or documentation of technical or artistic work (if applicable).
• Letters of recommendation or references from educators, mentors, or professionals familiar with the applicant’s work.

Deadline: June

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