Awards & Scholarships

Theatre is more than what happens on stage — it’s leadership, creativity, and service. Montana Thespians honors students, troupes, and educators through awards and scholarships that recognize these achievements. Opportunities may change from year to year, but each is designed to celebrate excellence and support your continued journey in theatre.

Explore the options below to learn how to apply. More opportunities will be posted throughout the year, so be sure to check back.

🎭 Outstanding Thespian Troupe Award

Why Apply for the Outstanding Troupe Award?

The Outstanding Thespian Troupe Award is more than an honor — it’s an opportunity to showcase the excellence of your theatre program to your school, district, and community.

Receiving this award brings:

  • Statewide recognition for your students and directors

  • Validation of the value of theatre education in your school

  • More substantial support from administrators, boards, and sponsors

  • A spotlight on how your troupe makes a lasting impact through advocacy, service, and artistic achievement

This award highlights troupes that inspire both on and off the stage.

The Montana State Outstanding Thespian Troupe Award celebrates high school troupes that go above and beyond in leadership, creativity, service, and advocacy. Winning this award is a chance to showcase your troupe’s hard work and shine at Festival. This is a student-led application, allowing students to take the lead in telling their troupe’s story and highlighting the impact they’ve made.

🗓 Deadlines & Festival Process

  • Applications must be received no later than 2 weeks before Festival (plan mailing time — not just postmarked).

  • A copy of your application must be placed in your portfolio binder.

  • Completed portfolios must be turned in to the Festival office during check-in.

  • Student representatives present portfolios during an interview with the Chapter Director and Student State Board adjudicators.

  • Applicants must dress appropriately and be prepared to show knowledge of ITS and their troupe.

  • Video presentations are not permitted.

  • All materials are returned after Festival.

  • The winning troupe’s portfolio will be displayed at Festival and recognized on the Montana Thespians website.

🏆 How It’s Judged

Your portfolio and presentation will be evaluated using this rubric:

  • Portfolio – 45 points

  • Presentation – 25 points

  • Interview – 15 points

  • Community & Advocacy – 15 points

  • Bonus – 10 points (for both PowerPoint and brochure)

👉 View Full Rubric (PDF)

Applications & Resources

What You’ll Need to Submit

A complete submission includes:

  • Application Form

    • Completed and signed

    • One copy mailed to Montana Thespians (must be received 2 weeks before Festival)

    • One copy placed in your troupe portfolio binder

  • Portfolio Binder (3-ring or similar)

    • Required: A copy of your Outstanding Troupe application

    • Student Choice: You design your portfolio to showcase your troupe best. Consider including:

      • Portfolio cover with troupe name, school, and troupe number

      • Copy of the Thespian Pledge and Motto

      • Two letters of recommendation/support (1 staff member, 1 community member)

      • Troupe constitution or summary

      • Names of officers and job descriptions

      • Documentation of a community service project

      • Examples of troupe and theatre arts advocacy (e.g., outreach, letters, community work)

      • At least one production program

      • Documentation of a full year of troupe performances (programs, photos, media)

      • Documentation & highlights from your troupe's trips (i.e., New York, ITF, etc.)

      • Your troupe director must approve all photos and materials

Note: Portfolios should be student-led and reflect your troupe’s unique story. The list above is meant to guide you — you can add or adapt as needed to highlight what makes your troupe stand out.

  • PowerPoint or Brochure (Promotion Packet)

    • You may design this in the way that best represents your troupe.

    • Director approval is required before submission.

    • Items to consider including:

      • Photos of troupe members, officers, advisors, and directors/teachers

      • Documentation of performances or seasons (minimum of one documented season, up to 4 years back, with dates)

      • Examples of troupe advocacy and service (e.g., outreach, camps, letters to officials, with dates)

      • EdTA logo and membership connection

      • Awards, recognitions, and other notable accomplishments

Note: This is your chance to showcase how exceptional your troupe is — think of it as something you’d be proud to present to your school board, community, or potential sponsors. You can also adapt it for other EdTA awards in the future.

  • Optional Bonus: Submit both a PowerPoint and a brochure (+10 pts on rubric)

Montana Thespians Student Scholarships

Montana Thespians is proud to offer two new student scholarships at the 2026 Montana Thespian Festival. If you are a graduating Senior Thespian and hold a current Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) membership card, you are invited to apply. Be among the first Montana Thespians to receive one of these new scholarships.

Available Scholarships:

Leadership Scholarship — $300.00

Spotlight Scholarship — $200.00

Students may apply for one or both scholarships. Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the school or program of the recipient’s choice. Students do not need to be continuing their education specifically in theatre, though theatre-related study is preferred.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

  • Be a graduating Senior Thespian

  • Hold a current EdTA membership

  • Receive signature approval from their troupe director or teacher

Application Materials:

Download and print the application forms below:

Applications must be printed and may be:

  • Handwritten, or

  • Typed responses attached to the printed application

*A troupe director or teacher's signature is required on all applications.

Submission Deadline:

All applications must be received in hand by:

 Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Applications received after 11:00 AM on February 13 will not be considered.

How to Submit (In Person):

Applications must be submitted in person at the festival to one of the following:

  • Sarah DeGrandpre, Chapter Director (Green Room), or

  • Kay Sibson, CFO (Green Room)

Mailing Option

Applications may be mailed if needed.

  • Applications must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2026.

  • Mailed applications must arrive before the festival begins to be considered.

  • Please note that mail is not checked daily, and applications received after the festival starts cannot be accepted.

Applicants are encouraged to mail materials several days early to ensure timely delivery.

Recipient Requirements:

Recipients of Montana Thespians scholarships or awards are required to:

  • Submit a written thank-you note to the sponsoring organization or donor

  • Provide a short reflection describing how the scholarship support benefited you

These reflections and testimonials may be used in Montana Thespians marketing materials, sponsorship packets, and other communications to highlight the impact of scholarships and recognize the generosity of supporters.

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Scholarship Announcement:

Scholarship recipients will be announced at the Festival Banquet on Friday night.

*Attendance at the banquet and the festival is not required, but strongly encouraged.

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Questions?

Questions about eligibility, applications, or submission may be directed to Sarah DeGrandpre, Chapter Director, at
chapterdirector@mthespians.com