Scholarship Program

The Focus Theater's core values are Diversity & Inclusivity, Respect & Consent, and Accountability & Follow-Through. We believe comedy is a powerful tool for exploring the world we live in and discovering the truths of our shared experiences. We believe representation matters and we encourage our artists to actively seek diversity in casting, creative teams, and production choices. We also believe that arts and expression should be available to all people to enjoy, regardless of financial ability.

Applications for our Diversity Scholarship and our Need-Based Scholarship are now closed. They will reopen soon for applications for the Summer 2026 period.. Our scholarships can fully or partially cover one class of your choice (valued up to $225). We fund our scholarships through ticket sales of our Graduation Shows, and the proceeds from our Classy Show. 

What do I need to qualify for a scholarship?

Scholarship recipients must be 18 years or older, and looking to enroll in one of our seasonal, 8-week classes. 

For our Diversity Scholarship we ask that you self-identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or both.

For our Need-based Scholarship we ask that you self-identify that the cost of the class would be prohibitive or create a financial hardship for you.  

What classes can I use a scholarship for? 

At this time, scholarships are only for our seasonal, 8-week classes, not workshops. These include our core courses: Improv I, Improv II, Improv III, Improv IV; Stand Up I; Stand Up 2; Sketch Writing 1; and special elective classes when scheduled: Writing and Performance: Creating Characters for the Stage; Dungeons, Yes And Dragons. 

Can I apply for the Diversity and Need Based Scholarship?

Yes, you can apply for both, but one person can only be awarded one scholarship per season.

Can I apply for a scholarship if I’m already enrolled in a class?

We understand that classes sell out. If you want to reserve your spot in class by paying upfront, you are still eligible to apply for a scholarship. You may also apply for a scholarship even if you are taking more than one class.

If you sign up for a class and are not selected for the scholarship, please do not drop the class. We have limited space and because scholarship decisions are made later in the season this could impact the class's ability to run.

How will you pick the scholarship recipients?

For each scholarship, everyone who qualifies will be placed into a random draw.

Priority will be given to students who applied for scholarships previously and were not selected. This will allow us to share the opportunity more broadly. 

Can I be disqualified from applying for a scholarship?

While not common, anyone who violates our Community Guidelines will not be eligible for a scholarship, and anyone who received a previous scholarship and missed 2 or more classes or dropped the class without clearly identifying unforeseen circumstances will not be eligible for future scholarships.