One resource for musical theater students would certainly be the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Musical Theatre Award. Open to faculty as well as college and university students, the KCACTF Musical Theatre Award recognizes a copyrighted, original work that has been presented to the public. To qualify for the award, entrants must submit and have their work approved KCACTF Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards Program. Once approved, students must then submit the completed manuscript and an audio recording for the score to be considered. Winners receive $1,000 awards for the music, the lyrics, the book and for the college staging the production.
Another option for musical theater majors is be the Sigma Alpha Iota Musical Theater Scholarship. Available to members of the organization, the scholarship is geared toward students who are enrolled in an undergraduate musical theater program. To apply, interested students must submit an application along with a professional DVD of them performing either by themselves or in a small group in which they are highlighted. In addition to these materials, applicants must include three copies of their repertoire, a letter of recommendation, a resume, academic transcript and a brief explanation of their career goals to be considered. Winners will be granted a $1,500 scholarship to be used toward their tuition.
Another option for students looking for financial support for their musical theater studies is the Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts' Annual Workshops and Scholarship Program. Providing awards for up to $3,000, the program recognizes students in a variety of artistic disciplines throughout the country. In order to be eligible, candidates must be able to participate in the Donna Reed Performing Arts workshops in Denison, IA, complete a three-minute performance and perform in the end of workshop show.