Many privately endowed scholarships are made possible by the contributions of alumni and friends of Truman State University. These scholarships, created through the Truman State University Foundation, are available for full-time Truman students in varying amounts. (Please note: all scholarship amounts are estimates and subject to approval by the Truman State University Board of Governors.)

Each year, the theatre faculty votes to grant a variety of scholarships for performance, technical and design achievement and academic excellence, ranging from $300 awards to $2000, to students whose work in our department deserving of special commendation.

Scholarships are awarded during the spring semester to be used the following academic year. The Foundation Scholarship Applications are normally available in mid-January and Truman’s Office of Advancement notifies students by email letting them  know when to apply.

The Edna Millay Campbell Scholarship

This award was established by friends and relatives of Edna Millay Campbell. She was the founder of the Edna Campbell Bookstore formerly located downtown Kirksville and was also the longtime owner/manager of the University Bookstore. Campbell was noted for being a strong supporter of the performing arts in Kirksville.

Criteria:

1. Completed 12 or more semester hours
2. Minimum 2.5 GPA
3. Demonstrate proficiency in one of the performing arts
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The Hearst Fine Arts Scholarship (Theatre)

Truman State University received a grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. A portion of this grant funds scholarships for theatre majors with financial need. Criteria:

1. Outstanding student
2. Financial need
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Vincent Price Theatrical Performance Scholarship

Vincent Price, an internationally known actor, established this award in 1984. Price performed at Truman State University more than at any other college or university in the country.

Criteria:

1. Selection will be based entirely on the acting skills, ability and artistry as displayed in public performance done under the management of the Truman State University Theatre Department. The selection may not necessarily be made on the basis of a single performance but on the cumulative effect of any number of qualifying performances.
2. Second semester freshman status or above
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Annual Steve Rose Performing Arts Scholarships

In 1994, Steven W. Rose (’69), a Psychology and Theatre Arts graduate, established this scholarship in support of financially-challenged students majoring in theatre, television, video, or motion picture performing arts. Rose is a State Farm Insurance Agent in the Washington, D.C., area and a member of the Screen Actors Guild of America, appearing in motion pictures, on television and in commercials. He also serves as a director of the National Alumni Association.

Criteria:

1. Junior or senior majoring in the performing arts
2. Maintain an active role in performing, producing or directing
3. Demonstrate financial need
4. Be in good academic standing with the University
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Ronald M. Rybkowski Honorary Technical Theatre Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2019 by Truman theatre alumni and friends in honor of longtime theatre faculty member Ron Rybkowski. For 31 years, Rybkowski had a tremendous impact on hundreds of Truman students through compassionate teaching and mentoring, strong technical theatre education and a healthy sense of humor.

Criteria:

1. Experience at Truman in technical theatre (e.g. scene designer, light designer, technical director, stage manager, props master)
2. Demonstrated leadership qualities, excellent work ethic and ability to work effectively as a member of a production team
3.  Strong character, positive attitude, academic ability, organizational skills and appreciation of the liberal arts mission of a well-rounded education
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The Severns/Srnka Scholarship

This scholarship was created in 1991 through gifts made in the honor of Dr. James G. Severns who retired as professor of dramatics after 32 years of service, and Alfred H. Srnka (’60) who retired as assistant professor of dramatics with 30 years of service.

Criteria:

1. Theatre major
2. Excellence in theatre practice
3. Excellence in theatre studies
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For More Information

For more information on scholarships maintained by the Truman State University Foundation, contact the University’ s Office of Advancement at (800) 452-6678 or (660) 785-4133.  The Foundation Scholarship Applications are normally available in mid-January, and Truman’s Office of Advancement notifies students by email letting them  know when to apply.