Program Description
Two recipients will receive up to $7,500 each to be used towards tuition, registration fees, supplies and/or travel expenses over a one-year period between February 15, 2024 - February 15, 2025. International study is allowable, but the scholarship will only cover tuition, registration fees, supplies and/or travel expenses to participate in extracurricular (non-credit) training in hand-drawing and/or painting. Allowable travel expenses include round trip economy class air, train, and/or bus fare; local and ground transportation; baggage and/or seat selection fees; and lodging while participating in scholarship activities. Scholarship funds can not cover the cost of travel upgrades and travel expenses can only be claimed if the recipient will be participating in scholarship activities outside of their home city.
The program defines theatre in the broadest terms, including dramatic theatre, music theatre, physical theatre, and object theatre. Artists working in multidisciplinary ways are eligible but must demonstrate a strong theatrical through line in their costume design work. Each recipient’s curriculum will be hand-tailored to meet their individual goals and needs. While the scholarship does not require a minimum length of coursework, applicants are strongly encouraged to propose a curriculum that will have the maximum positive impact on the development of their technical skills in hand-drawing and painting. The recipients’ scholarship activities may take place while they are on break from their university, college or training program.
ALLOWABLE EXPENSES
- Tuition, registration fees, supplies and/or travel expenses associated with participating in extracurricular (non-credit) training in hand-drawing and painting.
- Up to 25% of the total requested amount can be applied to extracurricular (non-credit) art training outside of hand-drawing and painting that will bolster the recipient’s ability to communicate their artistic vision effectively.
- Funds can not be used to cover the cost of required curriculum at the applicant’s college, university or professional training program.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must submit an online application with required materials by the deadline — Friday, December 8, 2023 11:59pm ET. Please note the time zone.
- Applicants must be enrolled and in good standing at a college, university or professional training program at the beginning of the scholarship period on February 15, 2024. Applicants enrolled in a related program such as fashion design are welcome as long as they can demonstrate commitment to working as a costume designer.
- Applicants must be able to receive taxable income in the US.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Artistry, creativity and skills;
- Evidence of commitment, ability, and a clear plan to improve the applicant’s skills as a costume designer;
- Degree to which the scholarship can contribute to the applicant’s artistic growth;
- Appropriateness of the proposed budget and scholarship activities, including travel (if requested);
- Potential for future impact as a professional costume designer;
- Commitment to a career in the not-for-profit professional theatre field in the US.
SELECTION PROCESS
- In preparing the application, candidates should consider that the selection panel is searching for a well-rounded representation of the designer through the written/verbal application and portfolio.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to show examples of their work in costume design and other mediums to give the panel a full sense of their artistic approach, vision and process.
- The panel will also assess the candidate’s flexibility and openness to new techniques, forms and ideas.
- Applications will be evaluated through a competitive review process by a national, independent and diverse selection panel composed of professional costume designers and theatre educators.
- Scholarships will be awarded solely on the selection criteria listed, not financial need.
PAYMENTS AND REPORTING
TCG will directly pay for all eligible expenses including tuition, registration fees, supplies, and travel expenses. There will be no out-of-pocket expenses.
A final report will be required no later than 30 days following the completion of scholarship activities. A report form will be provided by TCG.
NOTE: Tuition and registration fees are taxable income to the recipient. All recipients are encouraged to consult with a trusted tax advisor about the tax implications of receiving the scholarship. Recipients will be issued a 1099 and should declare tuition and/or registration fees covered by the scholarship as income. Reimbursements for supplies and travel expenses are not taxable income.