Mary Doctor Performing Arts Scholarship

The Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Mary Doctor, an astute Charlotte area business owner and a tremendous supporter of young people and Blumenthal Performing Arts.

At the discretion of the Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship Committee, up to two Charlotte Region, high school seniors are selected each year to receive a scholarship of up to $40,000!

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE SELECTED AMONG APPLICANTS WHO DEMONSTRATE:

• significant financial need
• above-average ability and great interest in one or more areas of the arts
• apparent potential for a successful career in the arts
• desire to enrich the lives of others through the arts
• acceptance by a university or college with an established arts program
• plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (e.g. music, dance, theatre, technical theatre, arts administration, arts education, film, digital arts, studio arts, etc.)
• resides in one of the qualifying Charlotte-area counties

Student Eligibility

• must be a 2024 graduating high school senior
• must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in an arts discipline (e.g. music, dance, theatre, technical theatre, film, digital arts, studio arts, arts administration, arts education, etc.)
• must reside in one of the following Charlotte-area counties: Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley, Union, Chester (SC), Chesterfield (SC), Lancaster (SC), York (SC)

Application Process

1. Application packets must contain:

1. completed scholarship application form
2. one-page or less essay in response to the following prompt: “You have now graduated college, what is your big dream?”
3. one-page or less personal statement sharing any pertinent details about the following:
   • financial need
   • potential for a career in the arts
   • academic performance
   • desire to enrich the lives of others through arts
   • personal achievements
   • school and community involvement
4. A FUND OF FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS
5. most recent transcript from applicant’s high school (photocopies; no camera shots)
6. copy of student's 2024-2025 Student Aid Report (detailed; not summary)*
7. reference form and recommendation letter from a current teacher or industry professional
8. copy of college acceptance letter and financial aid award letters received to date headshot (or close-up digital photo) for purpose of press release upon recipient selection

2. From the total number of applicants, the scholarship committee will select finalists. All applicants will be notified of their finalist status no later than Friday, March 1, 2024.

3. Finalists will be invited to attend the Saturday, March 9, 2024 MDFAS Auditions at the Booth Playhouse in Charlotte, NC. Finalists must be present to be considered for the scholarship.

1. Audition/portfolio presentation and interview times will be assigned to finalists no later than March 24 according to logistical concerns (e.g. grouping performers who request an accompanist).
2. All finalists will be scheduled in fourteen-minute intervals beginning at 9 AM and concluding no later than 5 PM. Up to seven minutes will be allotted to the student’s audition or portfolio presentation; the remaining time will be allotted for discussion with the committee.
3. Performance applicants may perform up to two art forms (sing, dance, play instrument, perform monologue, etc.) if the audition does not exceed seven minutes. A CD player and piano will be available. Finalists may request an accompanist or provide their own.
4. Non-performance finalists (stage managers, costume/set/lighting designers, directors composers, potential performing arts teachers, etc.) may present portfolios which include show programs, photos, letters of appreciation or commendation, illustrations, and memorabilia portraying artistry, skill, and/or aptitude. A computer with a USB port will be available for presentations with video elements.

4. All finalists will be notified by March 15, 2024 of their scholarship recipient status.