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 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!

2026 Application Deadline: March 18, 2026

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 2026 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, Stanly, 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 (.pdf only) essay in response to the following prompt: You have now graduated college, what is your big dream?
3. one-page or less (.pdf only) personal statement sharing any pertinent details regarding:
   • 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
   • most recent transcript from applicant’s high school (photocopies; no camera shots)
   • copy of student's 2026-2027 Student Aid Report with SAI (detailed with SAI number)*
   • reference form and recommendation letter from a current teacher or industry professional
   • 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, April 3, 2025.

3. Finalists will be invited to attend the Wednesday, April 15, 2026 MDFAS Auditions/Presentations at the Stage Door Theater 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 April 6 according to logistical concerns (e.g. grouping performers who request an accompanist).
2. All finalists will be scheduled in fourteen-minute intervals beginning at 3 PM and concluding no later than 7 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. Audio playback 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 screen with HDMI connection will be available for digital presentations.

4. All finalists will be notified by April 17, 2026 of their scholarship recipient status.