Theatre Awards and Scholarships

Students in Salem State University's award-winning theatre and speech communications are consistently nominated and recognized for their excellence, innovation and dynamic artistry both on and off-stage. In addition to the many awards won by Salem State theatre students each year, the department has a number of theatre-specific scholarships available that students can apply to.

Creativity Awards

Every spring the Center for Creative and Performing Arts acknowledges those students who have excelled within their particular area of Music, Dance, Art, Creative Writing and Theatre. The criteria for the Theatre students are an outstanding GPA, and creative and artistic contributions to the Department. Nominations are made by the faculty; application is not required.

James Lodico “Un-sung Hero” Memorial Award

Offered in memory of James Lodico, an alumnus of the Theatre and Speech Communication Department, the "Un-Sung Hero" award is in honor of his humble, hardworking commitment to all aspects of theatre. The award is offered to the student who has put forth extra effort in consistent and dedicated service to the department and fellow students. This is one of the highest honors offered in our program, because it is only given to an individual who, without personal agenda, goes beyond the job, to assist in any manner necessary to get the work done. An exclusive, one-of-a-kind, jacket bearing the recipient's name and the department's logo is presented to the winner at the annual Theatre banquet. The jacket can be awarded to any student at any level in the program. It usually goes to a student in the third or fourth year of study due to the amount of time and dedication considered in the selection process.

The Dembowski Family Gift

This cash award is given to an upper-class student actor who demonstrates excellence in performance during production of this annual season, and is presented by benefactor Henry Dembowksi at the annual theatre banquet. Selection of the recipient is made by the benefactor.

Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival 

In addition to annual awards, gifts and scholarships, students in the Salem State theatre and speech communication department regularly receive awards from regional and national programs. Students have received nominations and awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country. 

The Salem State Theatre and Speech Communication Department has the “winningest” theatre program in the region at the KCACTF, sending actors, stage managers, directors, designers, playwrights, and dramaturges every year. In recent years, Salem State performance students won first, second and third place for the regional acting scholarship, and dozens of our students have gone on to compete at the national festival in Washington D.C., as well as attend the national USITT technical theatre Conference and the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas.

The “DAG” Scholarship

Initiated in 2000, this cash award is given to any outstanding Theatre Arts major who consistently demonstrates a successful balance of program and production responsibilities. This award goes directly to the student’s tuition costs and is presented by Professor David Allen George at the annual theatre banquet. The selection of the recipient is made by the benefactor.

The James J. Fallon Scholarship Award

This $1,000 scholarship award is named after Professor Emeritus James Fallon, and is given to any outstanding Theatre Arts major in design or technical theatre. This award goes directly to the student’s tuition costs and is presented by Professor Fallon at the annual theatre banquet. Selection of the recipient is made by the benefactor.

Ettinger Family Endowment Scholarship

This scholarship is possible through the generosity of the Ettinger Family and Charlotte Ettinger, Professor Emerita, who started the Salem State University Theatre program, The Ettinger Scholarship is presented annually to a Theatre Arts major to assist with the cost of tuition, fees or books. The selection of the recipient is based on faculty nominations of students who have excelled in both their academics and production responsibilities.

Irene Ryan and Kingsley Colton Scholarship

The Irene Ryan and Kingsley Colton Scholarship is awarded annually to one theatre major who excels in the BA or BFA performance program. Applicants must show a demonstrated capacity for the creative work, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have completed a minimum of 60 credits, and have fulfilled their required theatre production points. The recipient receives $1,000 toward tuition. This award is based on merit, not on need.

Presidential Arts Scholarship

The Presidential Arts Scholarship awards $1,000 toward tuition through the CCPA Office. Scholarships are designed to support outstanding students in their study of Art, Music, Creative Writing, Dance or Theatre. Awards are renewable up to four years provided the student maintains full-time student status, sustains a 3.0 GPA in her/his selected field of study, demonstrates continuing creative and artistic contributions in that selected field of study and participates in all departmental programs (major contribution to each department production). Awards are based on merit, not on need. Learn how to apply to the Presidential Arts Scholarship.