Performing Arts Scholarship
For Prospective Students
You’re interested in more than just your major. You have a love and a talent for singing, acting, dancing, or playing music. At RIT, we not only hope you’ll continue participating in the performing arts, we absolutely encourage it through the Performing Arts Scholarship.

As a performing arts scholar, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other students that share your passion for music, theater or dance. Coaches from your discipline regularly organize social events like pizza parties and movie nights where you can get to know other performing arts scholars and talk about new opportunities, as well as participate in excursions to local concerts and plays. Learn more about performing arts in the Rochester community
You’ll also find support for your creativity should you be interested in forming a group or ensemble, or writing, directing, or choreographing your own show.
How to Apply
Freshman and transfer applicants to RIT are eligible to apply for the Performing Arts Scholarship, regardless of intended major. This scholarship may be received in combination with other awards and grants and is renewable each year you are involved in performing arts at RIT.
The application consists of a series of questions regarding your performing arts experiences and goals, and a place to provide performance examples via YouTube or Vimeo.
Use the link below to begin. An authenticated login is required. Use your RIT application account login credentials.
Apply now for the Performing Arts Scholarship
For Current Students
As a current recipient of the performing arts scholarship, here are a few key facts and things to keep in mind:
Eased Requirements for the 2020-2021 Academic Year
We understand that there may be some anxiety surrounding the scholarship aspect of the Performing Arts Scholars program, particularly as to whether students will have the capacity to participate and complete the scholarship requirements. Please know we understand and empathize with these concerns—the Performing Arts Scholars program is intended to add enjoyment and artistic value to your RIT experience, not to add stress on top of the uncertainty that COVID-19 has created. To that end, we are easing the scholarship requirements for the 2020-2021 academic year: your financial scholarship will remain intact as long as you keep committed to the program by communicating with your coach regularly and supporting the arts in a way that feels right for you. Regular scholarship requirements will resume for the 2021-2022 academic year.
We hope that guaranteeing your financial scholarship for the upcoming academic year will alleviate any concern or anxiety you may have about the Performing Arts Scholars program. While we certainly encourage your participation in music, theatre, dance or production, we want you to feel in control of your performing arts experience at RIT. Please plan on participating in whichever way you feel most comfortable, and do it knowing that your scholarship is secure.
Please contact Dr. David Hult, Director of the Performing Arts Scholars program, or your Coach with questions.
Questions?
Contact your coach or the Performing Arts Scholarship Program Coordinator, David Hult. You can also contact the Department of Performing Arts with questions or concerns.