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Last updated on November 18, 2024

The Best Performing Arts Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

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30 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Josh Edwards Memorial Scholarship For Creative Artists

    Funded by
    Holly Lloyd
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Josh Edwards by supporting students who share his calling to artistic endeavors.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: First-generation college student
    • State: North Carolina
    • Field of Study: Music, art, photography, or writing
    Amount:$775
    Deadline:Jul 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Palette & Purpose Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ignite Arts and STEM
    This scholarship seeks to support BIPOC students who are interested in pursuing the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Residency: US citizen
    • Race: BIPOC
    • GPA: 2.4 or higher
    • Field of Interest: Visual, studio, or performing arts
    • Experience: Non-profit or volunteering experience
    • Education Level: High school senior (2024-2025 school year)
    Amount:$2,100
    Deadline:Mar 15, 2025
    2
  3. Tate McRae Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support fans of Tate McRae who enjoy her music, dancing, and performances!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. Wicked Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of Wicked who are excited about the new movie adaptation of the story!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. John Traxler Theatre Scholarship

    Funded by
    Traxler Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of John Traxler by supporting students pursuing the fine arts so they have the financial resources necessary to complete their degrees.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Fine arts (theatre preferred)
    Amount:$755
    Deadline is Approaching! 12 days left
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Diane Amendt Memorial Scholarship for the Arts

    Funded by
    Swift
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Diane Amendt by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Field of Study: Arts
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jan 06, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. William Smith Scholarship

    Funded by
    Smith Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of William Smith by supporting students who are passionate about music.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: Community service experience
    • Desired Career Field: Music
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Feb 03, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Moriah Janae Dance Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kendra Royster
    This scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance in order to make college more accessible and help dancers follow their passion.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Dance
    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    Amount:$1,280
    Deadline:Feb 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Holli Safley Memorial Music Scholarship

    Funded by
    Matt Safley Music
    The Holli Safley Memorial Scholarship provides support to music students committed to growing, refining their gifts in music, and passing on their love of music to others, much like she did as a music educator.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior and undergraduate
    • Major: Music performance
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Mar 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Sammy Meckley Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Meckley
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Sammy Meckley by supporting students in Maryland who are involved in extracurricular activities.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior
    • State: Maryland
    • Experience: Involved in extracurricular activities
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. Jest Laugh Scholarship

    Funded by
    Jest Murder Mystery Co.
    This scholarship aims to support students who are beginning to pursue their theatrical dreams through higher education by providing financial assistance.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Theater
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Marques D. Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Rodriguez Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Marques D. Rodriguez by supporting students who share his love for artistic pursuits.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • State: Florida
    • Background: Active member of school chorus or a music, theater, or arts program
    • GPA: 2.9 or higher
    Amount:$605
    Deadline:Apr 06, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Lee Aca Thompson Performing Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Raina Lee
    This scholarship aims to honor Lee Aca Thompson by supporting students pursuing ventures in the performing arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Race: BIPOC
    • Field of Study: Performing arts
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 09, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. Christal Carter Creative Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Carter Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory and creativity of Christal Carter by supporting students who share her calling to the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • Desired Career Field: Arts
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:Apr 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Halee Gates
    This scholarship aims to support a high school senior who is passionate about music.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Interest: Music
    • Education Level: High school senior
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Apr 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    15
  16. River City Ringers of Omaha Scholarship

    Funded by
    River City Ringers of Omaha
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about handbell ringing so they have the encouragement they need to continue pursuing their craft.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: Handbell ringer
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:May 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. Lucas Jeffery STEAM Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lucas Jeffery
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are multifaceted and committed to both STEM and the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior
    • School Name: Southside Charter High School
    • State: Arkansas
    • Commitments: STEM and STEAM
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Jun 21, 2025
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Terry Crews "Creative Courage" Scholarship

    Funded by
    Terry Crews
    In an effort to continue to lift up those in need, the Terry Crews "Creative Courage" Scholarship is designed to create more opportunities for struggling artists chasing their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Passion: Art/Creative Expression
    Amount:$20,000
    Deadline:Feb 01, 2022
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    18
  19. WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship

    Funded by
    WC & EJ Thornton Foundation
    This scholarship will be awarded to one student who has big aspirations for their artistic career.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Interest: Music and/or Art
    • grade level: at least a senior in high school
    Amount:$20,000
    Deadline:Jul 16, 2024
    Scholarship is awarded to
    20 winners
    19
  20. Darryl Davis "Follow Your Heart" Scholarship

    Funded by
    Davis family
    To honor the life of Darryl Davis, this scholarship will support the educational endeavors of one student in any field of study at a four-year institution.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Sep 11, 2021
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    20
  21. Reginald Kelley Scholarship

    Funded by
    Changing The Lyrics Mentorship
    This scholarship seeks to make a difference in the life of a student pursuing higher education in an artistic or scientific field.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Field of Study: Music, arts, or science
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:Jun 20, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    6 winners
    21
  22. Davila Scholarship

    Funded by
    Frank Sand
    This scholarship aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and to encourage young people to avoid driving while impaired.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Must be a high school senior
    Amount:$1,350
    Deadline:May 01, 2022
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    22
  23. Mad Grad Scholarship

    Funded by
    MAD BOX Studios LLC
    This scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance and support to students who are pursuing the visual or performing arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Field of Study: Visual and/or performing arts
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Sep 21, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    23
  24. Heather Rylie Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Dawn Lunn
    In honor of Heather Riley, the Heather Rylie Memorial Scholarship aims to assist aspiring artists in pursuing their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    • Field of Study: Arts, including music
    Amount:$7,500
    Deadline:Mar 25, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    24
  25. Hunter Dean Temple Art Scholarship

    Funded by
    Temple Sales Inc.
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Hunter Dean Temple by supporting students who are passionate about art.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • State: North Carolina
    • Field of Study: Arts
    Amount:$7,200
    Deadline:Jun 11, 2024
    Scholarship is awarded to
    4 winners
    25
  26. Elevate Minorities in the Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Jacqueline Sia
    This scholarship is open to all minority students who are interested in or are taking courses towards a degree in any arts field.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,033
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2021
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    26
  27. Textbooks and Tatami Martial Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Ben Bullock
    This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to both martial arts and academic success.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Sport: Martial arts
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 15, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    27
  28. Kiayana's Imagine This Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kiayana's Imagine This
    This scholarship aims to ignite creativity through education by supporting artistic students in their collegiate pursuits.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Performing/cultural art studies
    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • State: Florida
    Amount:$2,200
    Deadline:Aug 16, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    28
  29. Linda "Noni" Anderson Memorial Music & Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Scott Kinsel
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Linda Anderson by financially supporting those who love the visual arts, performing arts, and music so they have the resources and encouragement necessary to fulfill their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Financial Background: Low-income
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Desired Career Field: Arts or Music
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    Amount:$15,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2023
    Scholarship is awarded to
    3 winners
    29
  30. Patricia A. Curley Memorial Arts Scholarship

    Funded by
    Becky Fogarty
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Patricia A. Curley by supporting students who are involved in the arts.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Background: Financial need
    • Field of Study: Arts (visual arts, music, creative writing, etc.)
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:Nov 27, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    30

As college becomes increasingly expensive, many students are opting to pursue more traditional and stable careers rather than following their artistic dreams. While the arts often go unappreciated in society, they're a critical form of expression and entertainment, and the next generation of great performers must be supported. With college costs continuing to rise, performing arts awards are more important than ever, and scholarships can become a valuable source of financial aid for students who wish to pursue their artistic interests.

About performing arts scholarships

College costs in America have more than doubled during the 21st century and are continuing to grow. A year of college now comes with an average price tag of $35,331 once tuition, books, living expenses, and other supplies are factored in. This large sum is difficult for many students and families to match, resulting in many students giving up their educational dreams or turning to student loans to finance their degrees. 

Student loans can help make higher education accessible to students who don't have the necessary funds to pay for the upfront costs of college, but they can prove difficult or even impossible to pay off. As a result, the average borrower spends twenty years paying off their student debt, with some borrowers taking even longer, especially if they also borrowed money for graduate school. 

The high monthly payments that borrowers must pay soon after graduating are often difficult to make, especially on an entry-level salary, resulting in 21% of borrowers increasing their balance during the first five years of repayment.

Scholarships are a key way for students with financial need to afford college without taking on debt. As a form of financial assistance that doesn't need to be repaid, scholarships are often preferable to loans.

What is a performing arts scholarship?

A performing arts scholarship is a unique type of financial aid that caters specifically to students involved in or studying performing arts. As a scholarship, a performing arts award is a form of gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid, unlike loans. Performing arts scholarship awards come in many different forms and range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars.

Students who are majoring in the performing arts or otherwise pursuing careers in them can benefit from these exclusive scholarship opportunities to minimize their need for student debt as they pursue higher education.

Can you get a scholarship for the performing arts?

There are many scholarships specifically for students pursuing performing arts. This means that there are scholarships with small eligibility pools since students pursuing other fields of study won't be eligible to apply. As a result, your chances of winning will be even higher!

Students involved in the performing arts can also consider applying for general scholarships open to all students or for scholarships for students from particular demographics. No matter what your dream career is in the performing arts, there are many scholarships that can function as the financial aid that you need for your journey.

How to apply for performing arts scholarships

You can apply for performing arts scholarship opportunities in a variety of ways. At your chosen college, there may be a general arts scholarship fund for students studying visual arts or performing arts, or there may be specific scholarships for students majoring in or participating in the performing arts alone. You can also look at performing arts associations. For instance, the Educational Theatre Association offers scholarships to students pursuing theatre.

Independent scholarship providers such as Bold.org can also offer valuable financial assistance. There are hundreds of scholarships available for students of all grade levels, majors, and demographics, including performing arts students.

Check out these additional art scholarships to maximize your scholarship awards!

How to get a performing arts scholarship

Scholarships often come with significant competition, but there are many ways to improve your chances of winning. To reduce the competition you're up against, consider applying for scholarships that are only open to a small group of students. Since there will be fewer eligible applicants, you'll have a better chance of winning than you will for scholarships that are open to all students. 

Additionally, scholarships that require essays as part of the application process often receive fewer applications since they require more work than no-essay scholarships. No-essay options can be valuable when you're short on time, but consider applying for at least some essay-based scholarships in order to improve your chances of winning. 

Applicants can also stand out by being nominated for scholarships, earning more bold points, and being among the first to apply for a scholarship. Don't forget to take advantage of your profile to make an impression on donors and be sure to utilize your essays or written statements to the fullest by sticking to the prompt in a unique and personal way.

Best scholarships for performing arts students

There are many types of performing arts scholarships available, including scholarships for musicians, theater performers, singers, and other artists. Regardless of your experience, education level, or other qualifications, there are scholarships available for you.

Performing arts scholarships for high school students

Many performing arts scholarships are geared towards high school students in an effort to encourage them to pursue their dreams in college. There are performing arts scholarships available for students as early as freshmen year! To maximize your earnings, consider starting your search now.

  1. WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
  2. Moriah Janae Dance Grant
  3. Jacob Naumann Memorial Scholarship

Performing arts scholarships for high school seniors

In addition to the high school scholarships above, there are also opportunities exclusively for high school seniors. Since there will be fewer eligible applicants for scholarships exclusive to seniors, you will have a better chance of winning. The scholarships below are great ways to begin earning funding.

  1. KBK Artworks Scholarship
  2. Caliber X Scholarship
  3. Carl’s Music Matters Scholarship

Scholarships for performing arts majors

Many performing arts awards are exclusively open to college students studying the performing arts. Scholarships may be open to all art students while others may require applicants to be theatre arts majors or to be studying music, the visual arts, etc. If you're pursuing a form of performing arts, consider applying for the scholarships below!

  1. Chang Heaton Scholarship for Music Excellence
  2. Grant Woolard Memorial Scholarship
  3. 1st Generation People Of Color Patrick Copney Memorial Music/Arts Scholarship

Performing arts scholarships for international students

Many international students are particularly in need of scholarship aid since many don't qualify for federal aid. To support international students who are pursuing their creative dreams in the United States, there are many scholarships that international performing arts students are eligible to apply for on Bold.org.

  1. Future Party Entertainment and Culture Scholarship
  2. Bold Art Matters Scholarship
  3. Christian ‘Myles’ Pratt Foundation Fine Arts Scholarship

Frequently asked questions about performing arts scholarships

How to find performing arts scholarships

The first step to finding a performing arts scholarship is to create your free profile on Bold.org to gain access to hundreds of exclusive scholarships. You can then use the scholarship filters to narrow the list of scholarships based on the award amount, education level, and deadlines. 

Additionally, you can browse scholarships by category to find different types of scholarships, including performing arts scholarships. To find scholarship opportunities for performing arts students, browse through the "Arts" and "Music" categories.

How do I know if I'm eligible for a scholarship?

Every scholarship will have its eligibility requirements listed in the description. In order to qualify for a scholarship, you must meet all of the criteria. Before applying, make sure that you've completed your profile and that you've filled it out accurately. In many cases, the eligibility filters on Bold.org will prevent you from applying for a scholarship if your profile doesn't meet the requirements. 

When can I start applying?

You can begin applying for scholarships on Bold.org as soon as you're in high school and at least fourteen years old. By applying early, you can maximize the amount of time you'll have to earn scholarship funding before you start college. Even if you're already a high school senior, college student, or even a recent graduate with student loans, you'll still be eligible to apply for many scholarships.

If you win a scholarship in high school, your money will be held for you until you enroll in an accredited college and it will then be sent to your school by check as a form of financial aid!

Frequently Asked Questions