Thank you for your interest in supporting The Theatre School!
Donations from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations fund scholarships and programs that support and enhance the mission of the school to provide the highest level of conservatory theatre training in the country to a diverse student body. Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our students, faculty and staff are very grateful for your gift to the scholarship fund or specific programs of the school.
LIGHTS UP!
SUPPORTING THE THEATRE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
LIGHTS UP! is an evening of entertainment with all proceeds directly benefitting The Theatre School Scholarship Fund.
More Information
Annual Scholarship & Distinguished Alumni Awards
This annual fall event recognizes the donors and recipients of named scholarships for that academic year. Students are selected by the faculty for outstanding dedication to their work and field of study. Donors are recognized for their ongoing commitment to our students and for making these scholarships possible. This event also recognizes an alumnus of The Theatre School for their contributions to the entertainment profession and beyond.
The 2025-2026 Scholarship Award event was on Friday, September 26, 2025 and honored alum
Mia Fiorella (BFA Theatre Management '98).
2025-2026 Scholarship Awards Recipient List.pdf
2024-2025 Scholarship Awards Recipient List.pdf
2023-2024 Scholarship Awards Recipient List.pdf
2022-2023 Scholarship Awards Recipient List.pdf
2021-2022 Scholarship Awards Recipient List.pdf
Wrights of Spring Awards & Prizes
Awards are presented at the Debutante Ball, a featured event at the annual
Wrights of Spring playwrighting festival.
The
Dean's Prize is funded through an endowed gift from generous donor Lawrence Bundschu and is a financial prize awarded to recognize a student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting the ensemble nature of The Theatre School community and culture, impacting the school beyond the scope of their specific discipline in the school. The 2025 winner was
James Doolittle (BFA Theatre Technology, '25). Past winners include:
- 2024 - Grace Archer (BFA Theatre Arts '24)
- 2023 - Dillon Ruzich (BFA Theatre Management '23)
- 2022 - Jordan Kost (BFA Theatre Arts '22)
- 2021 - Kidjie Boyer (BFA Acting '21)
- 2020 - Emma Durbin (BFA Playwriting '20)
- 2019 - Claudia Quesada (BFA Acting '19)
The
Donald M. Ephraim Achievement Award is funded through an endowment gift from Donald M. Ephraim and is a financial prize awarded to recognize a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within The Theatre School community and an interest in shaping the entertainment industry through the work of their career. The 2025 winner was
Molly Sharfstein (BFA Theatre Arts '25). Past winners include:
- 2024 - Zoé Soteres (BFA Acting '24)
- 2023 - Lazarus Howell (BFA Comedy Arts '23)
- 2022 - Aly Easton (MFA Acting '22)
The
Theatre School Dramaturgy Prize is an annual award established through a gift by Lawrence Bundschu and recognizes a graduating dramaturg who has demonstrated exceptional talent and promise in the field of dramaturgy. The 2025 winner was
LeeAnne Nakamura (BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism '25). Past winners include:
- 2024 - Camille Pugliese (BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism '24)
The
Raven Playwriting Prize was originally called the Interrobang Award and included a residency at the theatre. With Interrobang's closure, we forged a new partnership with Raven Theatre artistic director Sara Slight to support this award. In addition to the cash award, the winner receives developmental support for their new play at Raven Theatre. The 2025 winner was
Gracie Crone (BFA Playwriting '25). Past winners include:
- 2024 - Jefferey Luke Baker (BFA Playwriting '24)
- 2023 - Lila Engelhardt (BFA Playwriting '23)
- 2022 - Grace Anne Lowry (BFA Playwriting '22)
- 2021 - Camilla Dwyer (BFA Playwriting '21)
- 2020 - Madie Doppelt (BFA Playwriting '20)
- 2019 - Grace Grindell (BFA Theatre Arts '19)
- 2018 - Lily Rushing (BFA Playwriting '18)
The
Lawrence Bundschu and Warren Snoddy Endowed Playwriting Prize includes a cash award and receives developmental support for their new play at Shattered Globe Theatre. A two-person panel reads the proposals and meets in early May to select the winner. This year's panel included playwright, director, and dramaturg Bonnie Metzgar and playwright Ruth Margraff. The 2025 winner was
Perse Grammer (BFA Playwriting '25). Past winners include:
- 2024 - Ethan Venzon (BFA Playwriting '25)
- 2023 - Helaina Michele (Coggs) (BFA Playwriting '23)
- 2022 - Morris McLennan (BFA Playwriting '22)
- 2021 - Megan Lucas (BFA Playwriting '21)
- 2020 - Matthew Carpenter (BFA Playwriting '20)
- 2019 - Madison Grubbs (Fargo) (BFA Playwriting '19)
- 2018 - Chloë Orlando (BFA Playwriting '18)
- 2017 - Drew Beyer (BFA Playwriting '17)
- 2016 - Caroline Macon Fleischer (BFA Playwriting '16)
Donor Spotlight
Tammy Meyer (MST '90) shares her perspective on supporting student scholarships.
“I thought, this is a school that cares about making
sure students aren’t spending hundreds of thousands of dollars and walking out saying that they can’t afford to be an artist because they need to pay back student loans,” says Meyer. “That’s a game-changer, just to be able to follow your heart.”
Nearly a quarter of undergraduate students are experiencing food insecurity. To support the TTS Community Pantry Inspire campaign, please click here:
Make a Donation Online
Click the link below to make a gift now for The Theatre School.
Make a Gift Now
Learn More
The Office of Advancement may be reached at giving.depaul.edu. This site contains information about all aspects of giving to the University and The Theatre School. This site will also direct you to a secure link, where you can make your gift and designate it for the program or funding initiative of your choice.