Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship Taking Applications

Here's a cause that's near and dear to my heart - a $1000 scholarship offered every Spring by First Stage Theatre Company to a deserving student of the arts.

It's named for my dear friend Leslie McElroy, who was a member of the First Stage Board, a great Mom and a terrific actress and theatre producer - she was taken from us far too young.

Here are the details - I urge any student who's eligible to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Leslie McElroy, who was a great supporter of community theatre as a producer, actor and board member of First Stage.

A $1000 scholarship is available to entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.

Entries must be received by Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at www.firststagetheatre.org.