We tried to think up questions that students (or teachers or parents or counselors) might have, and we will update this page with more answers as questions come in. Feel free to contact us at scholarship@matawantheateralumni.org if you have a question not answered here.
Tell me more about the program!
In order to further encourage students to participate in the Matawan Theater program, MTAA established an annual scholarship fund. MTAA has committed to giving at least two $500 scholarships each year. The MTAA Theater Service Award was created to reward students who have shown an outstanding level of service & dedication to the theater program. It is important to note that some of the scholarships are considered “Specialty Awards” and have additional requirements attached to them.
Specialty Awards?
Some of the scholarships are considered “Specialty Awards” and have additional requirements attached to them. In 2012 the MTAA Memorial Music Award will again be given. Dedicated to the memory of four music teachers greatly involved in the theater program (Anne Hannah, Dieter Zimmer, Rob Haralla, and Carlo Vinci), each year one of the MTAA Theater Service Awards is reserved for a student who has demonstrated an outstanding level of service and dedication to the music department as well as the theater department.
In the coming years, MTAA hopes to add further awards to encourage even more specialties within the theater program.
Can I apply for more than one award? How does that work?
Anyone applying for more than one scholarship is considered first for any Specialty Awards. If they are not chosen, they are then considered for the more general Theater Service Award. While you may check off the boxes for multiple awards, you may only receive one.
What other qualifications do I need?
These awards are not based on academic achievement, financial need, race, creed, etc. You must be a graduating senior attending a two- or four-year college, university, or trade school in the fall. We may ask for a copy of your acceptance letter if you are selected as a winner. Other than that, selection is based purely on your theater record & scholarship application.
Does the money have to go towards tuition?
The awards are given as grants to the student, so they may be used for any school related expenses – tuition, room & board, books, etc. Misuse of the funds will be dealt with strictly and repercussions may include return of funds & removal from MTAA.
Why a photo?
Most of our Scholarship Committee has never met you. They want to be able to attach a face to each application. It does not have to be a formal headshot – just something to let them see you. If you are uncomfortable with including one, it is not mandatory.
Who can fill out my recommendation form?
You may ask any Matawan Performing Arts Instructor that you have worked with to fill out your recommendation letter. This could include your Director, Tech Director, Vocal Director, Music Director, Choreographer, Band teacher, Choir teacher, Acting teacher, Theater Consultant, etc.
The only performing arts instructors not eligible to fill out these forms are current members of the MTAA Board of Directors or Scholarship Committee as these people will already be providing their opinions during the selection process.
But I go to Allied/High Tech/MAST/etc! Can I still apply?
As long as Matawan/Aberdeen is your home district, and you are involved in the Matawan Theater program, you may apply.
What is the timeline for the selection process?
Applications must be received no later than 5pm on Friday June 1st, 2012.
Once your completed application has been received, we will email you a confirmation. If you have not heard from us by June 8th, please contact the scholarship committee at scholarship@matawantheateralumni.org.
Students will be notified of the committee’s decisions by June 15th. Winners will be formally announced soon after.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing scholarship@matawantheateralumni.org.