Deadline for Application Submission is March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM, EST.
Late application submissions cannot be accepted.
INFORMATION ON 2026 SCHOLARSHIPS
WHO: The Charles Avery Memorial – Keystone Technical Scholarship ($1000) is intended for any student who is continuing their technical theater education in the area(s) of Set Design, Scenic Design, Construction, or Decor elements, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, Properties, Stage Management, or any combination of the above. The scholarship is open to college Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior students currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s degree program. Students must attend a college within 50 miles of the greater Cincinnati area and/or have a connection to one of our ACT Cincinnati member groups.
WHO: The Melissa M. Smith Technical Scholarship ($700) is intended for any student who is continuing their technical theater education in the area(s) of Set Design, Scenic Design, Construction, or Decor elements, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Costume Design, Properties, Stage Management, or any combination of the above. The scholarship is open to high school seniors already committed to a college to study theater as well as to college freshman, sophomore, and junior students currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s degree program. Students must attend a college within 50 miles of the greater Cincinnati area and/or have a connection to one of our ACT Cincinnati member groups.
WHAT: Two (2) scholarships are awarded, one for $1,000 and the other for $700.
WHEN: Submissions are due no later than March 31, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
All portions of the application must be completed and uploaded at the same time. Required items to be submitted digitally:
- Theatre Resume (Word or pdf)
- SUBMISSION FORMAT
Each person will be allowed to submit:
- Up to three (3) 18″x24″ images.
- Please submit file format as a Jpeg or png.
- Must include entrant’s name, category (see nomination form) and name of production(s) represented.
- Images must be in the preferred order for display with the number in the file name.
- File size should be less than 100MB.
- One panel must include a typed concept statement or description (not to exceed one page) which helps put the work in context for the viewer/adjudicators. It should clearly state the entrants’ objectives, describe challenges and solutions and include information on the collaborative effort of the production team (for realized productions).
- There is a limit of a maximum of two entries per year.
DETAILS OF ABOVE SUBMISSION:
COSTUME DESIGN
- renderings and sketches
- fabric swatches
- production photos
- Concept statement and description of process (maximum one-page)
LIGHTING DESIGN
- reduced plot and section
- lighting sketches
- color swatches
- production photos
- Concept statement and description of process (maximum one-page)
SCENIC DESIGN
- renderings or photo of model
- reduced ground plan(s)
- production photos
- Concept statement and description of process (maximum one-page)
SOUND DESIGN
- audio line diagram (a single line, schematic or block diagram graphically outlining how the system is interconnected). All icons should be labeled as to their specific function, make and model number. (Currently there is no USITT graphic standard for sound)
- reduced speaker ground plan and section indicating position of all equipment on stage, in pit and in the house including rough focus position of each unit
- sound cue list (sound plot)
- production photos
- photos including specials, practicals and unique installations
- Concept statement and description of process (maximum one-page)
TECHNOLOGY/CRAFT
- copies of original design sketches or renderings
- working drawings or sketches
- process photos
- production photos
- Concept statement and description of process (maximum one-page)
STAGE MANAGEMENT/PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
- Sample paperwork such as calling scripts, blocking sheets, run sheets, etc.
- Production photos
- Description of the process for the show and any challenges faced (maximum one-page)
**Please submit file format as a jpeg or png. Also include entrant’s name, category, and name of production and dates presented. Images must be displayed in the order you’d wish us to display them on our website. File size should not exceed 100MB. Be sure to include a typed concept statement or description (not to exceed one page) which puts the work in context for the adjudicators as well as any other viewers. Clearly share your objectives, any challenges you had to overcome and any collaboration you had to do with other production team members.
Winners will be asked to later share:
- Biography (Word document, one paragraph, third person)
- Current headshot photo with your full name visible, as a .jpg or .png file
- Valid email address and phone number
For more details about criteria and other information, contact Scholarship Chair Arlene Balczo at scholarships@actcincinnati.org or visit our website.
ACT/OCTAFest 2026
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 