Scholarship

 

** NOTE: Applications for 2026 are now being accepted. **

SHEPARD COLEMAN PERFORMING ARTS AWARD

Summary:

The Muddy-Water Players Foundation is now accepting applications for the Shepard Coleman Performing Arts Award. The $1,250 scholarship is available to students who are residents of Orange County, NY or students who have participated in a recent production with Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players. The award is intended to be applied toward the cost of furthering education in the performing arts. 

For eligibility & application, go to our website www.ctmwp.org/scholarship-opportunities or for more information call  845-325-2924 or email Devin Cassidy at cassidyd705@gmail.com. Deadline for receiving all application material is May 15, 2026.

Details:

The Muddy Water Players Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for the Shepard Coleman Performing Arts Award are now available.  Any student in an Orange County, N.Y. school or resident of Orange County, N.Y. may apply. Individuals from outside Orange County, N.Y. may only apply if they have participated in a recent Creative Theatre – Muddy Water Players’ activity. Minimum age is 16 years old.  The award is intended to be applied toward the cost of furthering education in the performing arts.  The cash award of $1,250 is given to the winner only after proof of registration or completion in a performing arts related program (class) is provided to the Committee.  Award winners have up to two years from the time of winning the award to present this documentation.

                                               APPLICATION PROCESS

Link to Application Form: (** A Google account is necessary for completing this form)

https://forms.gle/2YQpQVfJHmNEGGrz8 

In addition to completing the above form, the following must also be submitted electronically via email to ctmwp.scholarship@gmail.com (please indicate your name in the subject of the email)

A response (in essay form) to the following statement: “Please share with us an experience that you consider the most memorable and dynamic during your involvement in your artistic area.”

Two (2) letters of recommendation, one being from a performing arts teacher, mentor, etc.

The MWPF screening committee will meet with and interview all finalists in June.  These finalists should be prepared to discuss their responses to application questions.  The award recipient is chosen on the overall quality of his/her application and interview.  The successful candidate will be recognized by a member of the MWPF Award Committee at a public meeting or performance.  Previous award winners must wait at least two years before re-applying for this award.

All applications, including the completed form, the essay, and the two letters of recommendation must be submitted by May 15, 2026. 

Any questions regarding the Scholarship or the application process may be directed to Devin Cassidy at cassidyd705@gmail.com.