Gordon Hay Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Blumenthal Arts
Overview
The Gordon Hay Scholarship Fund was created to honor Gordon Hay, an organizational development leader who championed transformational change by engaging people’s hearts and minds in strategic work. He believed that internal passion drives outstanding results. In his memory, the scholarship supports students pursuing non-performance careers in the performing arts.
Award summary
- Each year the Gordon Hay Scholarship Committee may award up to two one-time scholarships, each worth as much as $10,000.
- Application deadline: March 18, 2026.
- Recipients are selected from among graduating high school seniors and college underclassmen (freshmen or sophomores).
Purpose and permitted uses
The scholarship is intended to finance special learning experiences that support a recipient’s career goals in non-performance areas of theater and performing arts. Eligible uses include, but are not limited to:
- Attendance at professional conferences, seminars, and workshops
- Participation in unpaid internship programs
- Costs associated with professional performances or production opportunities
- Purchase of technology, equipment, books, or supplies directly related to the recipient’s career preparation
Prohibited uses
Funds may not be used for tuition, class fees, or general college living expenses.
Scope of “performing arts” and eligible disciplines
For the purpose of this award, “performing arts” covers disciplines presented before a live audience, including theatre, immersive experiences, music, and dance. The scholarship supports non-performing, technical, and production roles such as costume, lighting, sound, and set design; stage management; direction; choreography; and other technical or backstage positions. Applicants planning careers primarily in education or film production are not eligible.
Administration and disbursement process
Blumenthal Arts’ Education Department will manage the scholarship account. Recipients must submit a formal request to the Education Department to access funds. A recipient may elect to use the entire award during the first year of college or withdraw portions of the award intermittently as appropriate opportunities arise over up to four years of undergraduate study. Any funds remaining at the end of the recipient’s undergraduate experience will not be paid out in cash and will be forfeited.
Selection factors
When choosing finalists, the Gordon Hay Scholarship Committee will consider:
- Career potential for a non-performance path in theater, demonstrated through a portfolio and references
- Academic achievement
- Evidence of striving for personal excellence
- Involvement in school and community activities
- A commitment to enriching others’ lives through the performing arts
- Financial need
Eligibility
- Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, college freshmen, or college sophomores at the time they apply.
- Applicants must be preparing to pursue (or currently pursuing) an undergraduate degree in a non-performance theater discipline (for example: set, lighting, sound, or costume design; stage management; direction; choreography; etc.).
- High school seniors must live within 125 miles of either Charlotte, NC or Knoxville, TN.
- Applicants must intend to pursue a career in the performing arts (non-performance track).
Contact and questions
The Education Department of Blumenthal Arts administers the scholarship; prospective applicants should contact them with procedural questions or for submission details.