Now in its thirteenth year, Freehold's Diversity Scholarship Program is the only one of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. It is designed to support the artistic development of actors from under-represented populations who will generate performance material that speaks to a broad spectrum of our ethnic communities.

Elligibility

To be eligible for consideration for the 2008-2009 program, you must:

• Be a person from an under-represented population, 19 years of age or older as of June 1, 2008.
• Demonstrate artistic potential.
• Verify financial need.
• Be able to commit to a rigorous, comprehensive training program.
• Agree to commit to working at Freehold 15 hours per quarter for each quarter you are on scholarship.

Application Process

The application process has two steps: a completed written application and audition workshop, which includes an interview. Applicants who meet the elligibility criteria will be asked to audition on the basis of a completed written application.

Application

A complete application consists of the following:

1. One original application form with these attachments:
   1. Two letters of reference from a teacher, employer, or colleague
   2. Copy of 2007 1040 tax return, or explanation as to why no return was filed
   3. Copy of most recent paycheck stub
   4. An original photograph (does not have to be 8x10, but must look like you now.)
2. Plus, eight (8), copies of application form with copies of all attachments. (A Xeroxed photograph is acceptable for copies.)

Incomplete or illegible applications will not be considered. Assistance with the application is available at (206) 323-7499 X14 or kate@freeholdtheatre.org.

Deadline

Applications must be received in the Freehold office by Monday, June 16th, 2008, at 5 p.m. If you are mailing your application, please allow enough time for it to reach us.

Mailing Address

Please mail your complete application, including the eight copies, to:

Freehold Theatre
Attention: Scholarship Selection Committee
2222 Second Avenue, Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98121

Selection for Audition

Audition appointments will be made after a complete written application has been received and reviewed by an ethnically diverse panel. Scholarship applicants will be notified by June 30th if selected by the panel to audition. The audition workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Applicants must also be available for the finalist meeting at 5:00 pm on Monday, July 21.

If you are invited to audition ...

If you are invited to audition you will need to:

• Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue, poem, or scene for presentation. This must be memorized.
• Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. The audition includes physical activities, vocal exercises, and improvisational exercises.
• Memorize a short (9 lines) scene that we will send you in advance.
• Be ready for an interview.

If you are selected ...

Freehold will offer full scholarships to actors who are selected after the audition/interview process. All students chosen for the scholarship program must commit to the full progression of courses. Students must be available to attend all required courses each term.

Questions?

For more information, call Freehold at 323-7499 or by email Kate Gavigan at kate@freeholdtheatre.org.

Key Dates

Monday, June 16	Applications must be received at the Freehold Office by 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 30	Notification date for those selected to audition.
Wednesday, July 16	Audition workshop, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Monday, July 21	Meeting of finalists, 5:00 p.m.

Application Materials

Information Sheet

Application Form

Please contact Freehold at (206) 323-7499 or email us at diversity@freeholdtheatre.org for more information.

Previous Scholarship Recipients

Previous actors who have received scholarships through the program include:

Felicia Loud is the lead singer of her own music group – Felicia Loud & the Soul, who just released her first CD entitled Here. She has also been a guest artist on other releases including Source of Labor's Word Sound Power and Stolen Lives. Felicia has also worked at the Seattle Children's Theatre, Intiman, and the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center.

May Nazareno runs Pamana Theatre Project, her own production company. Last year she premiered her one-woman show Dead Woman Home in New York and Seattle. She is currently taking the Arts Management Program at the Asian Institute of Management in Manila. Then she is off to New York City where she was accepted to The Actor's Center and will be doing their nine-month Conservatory Program.

Bob Williams is a company member of Living Voices, an award-winning national touring company.

Joe Yang received his graduate training at the University of Washington's Professional Actors Training Program. Joe is based in Los Angeles and has also worked with theatres in Minneapolis, Sante Fe, and Seattle and is currently featured in a Minneapolis production of Take Me Out.