Fountain School of Performing Arts

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Scholarships, Prizes and Bursaries (Theatre)

In addition to general university scholarships and bursaries, students in Theatre degree programs are eligible for a number of scholarships, awards, and bursaries throughout the academic year. Receipients of scholarships and awards are chosen by faculty unless otherwise stated.

Entrance Scholarships

Fountain Performing Arts Undergraduate Scholarships support two $6000 renewable awards for exceptional students entering full time studies in Acting and Costume Studies direct from high school. Students who wish to be considered must submit supporting materials by February 15. Please see application details.

Don't forget to also apply for a Dalhousie University General Entrance Award (application deadline February 15). 

Bursaries

In order to be eligible for Theatre bursaries you need to:

  1. be a registered student in a Theatre degree program
  2. prove financial need
  3. have applied for government and/or bank student loans
  4. meet the criteria for each bursary

The Charles and Mary MacLennan Bursary (1 award remaining for the Winter Term 2024! Application deadline: February 15, 2024)
Jopling Award for Out-of-Country Theatre Studies (Application deadline: February 15, 2024)

In-Course Scholarships and Awards

Fountain Performing Arts Undergraduate Scholarships will support  renewable awards to students in Stage Design & Technical Theatre and Theatre Studies programs. Please see application details.

Fountain Performing Arts In-Course Scholarships are awarded annually.

The Andrew and David Stitt Memorial Prize honours the memory of Theatre students Andrew and David Stitt. Two prizes are awarded annually to students entering the third year of the Acting Program who have shown promise in, and passion for, acting.

Theatre Awards recognize the achievements of outstanding students in  Theatre.  The successful recipients will have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a Dalhousie Theatre program and will have a minimum GPA of 3.3. The awards will not necessarily be given on an annual basis.  The fund is comprised of four awards:

  • The Basil Cooke Award – for students enrolled in the Costume Studies program.  The award is named in memory of Basil Cooke, a longtime supporter of Theatre at Dalhousie.
  • The Blanche Potter Award – for students enrolled in the Stage Design and Technical Theatre program.  This award is named in memory of Blanche Potter, a former administrative officer of the Theatre Department. 
  • The Robert Merritt Award – for students enrolled in the Theatre Studies program.  This award is named in memory of Robert Merritt, a longtime Theatre Studies professor.
  • The Martin Surette Award – for students enrolled in the Acting program.  This award was founded in memory of Martin Surette, a passionate student of Dal Theatre.

The Neptune Blackmore Award was created by the Neptune Theatre of Halifax to honour master scenic carpenters John and William Blackmore.  The award is given to a student in their third year of the Stage Design and Technical Theatre program who has shown promise in, and a passion for, working in this area of theatre.  

The Costume Studies Scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering the final year of the Costume Studies Program who has attained the highest grades in Costume Studies classes.

The Lyn Gratwick-Theatre Arts Guild Scholarship in Costume Studies is awarded annually to one (or more) students in the Fountain School of Performing Arts’ Costume Studies Program who has/have demonstrated artistic excellence in costume-making for theatre and who intend(s) to pursue a career as a costumer for a professional theatre company or an historic site.

The University Medal in Theatre is offered to the top first class honours graduate. It is a medal in recognition of superior achievement and is based on the highest GPA in all classes. 

The Women's Division - Dalhousie Alumni Association Medal in Costume Studies is presented annually to the graduating student with the highest cumulative GPA in the Costume Studies Program.

The Christine Zinck Award was created to honour Christine Zinck, a passionate student of Theatre. This book award is presented to the graduating Theatre Studies honours student with the highest GPA.

Summer Program Awards

The FSPA Summer Program Awards offer students the opportunity to gain financial assistance toward summer programs that will contribute toward their studies in Theatre, Music or Cinema & Media Studies. The awards can be used toward relevant international courses run by Dalhousie or special summer programs offered by other universities or organizations in Canada and beyond.