Lipscomb University announces new scholarship for TPAC Spotlight Awards participants
New award grows longtime partnership with Tennessee Performing Arts Center to support high school students pursuing degrees in theater and related fields of study
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University is deepening its long-standing partnership with Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) through a new scholarship program designed to support the next generation of theater actors and technicians in the Nashville area.
Mike Fernandez, dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts and founder of the Spotlight Awards, recently announced that Lipscomb University will award two $10,000 scholarships each year to students from high schools that participate in TPAC’s annual Spotlight Awards program. The scholarships are designed for student actors and technicians who plan to pursue theater or a related academic area at Lipscomb and may be renewed for up to four years, bringing the total value to as much as $40,000 per student. Applications will be submitted through participating high schools.
Mike Fernandez, Dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts
“The Spotlight Awards were created to encourage and strengthen the incredible theater talent we have in schools across Tennessee, and TPAC has been an essential partner in expanding that vision into the statewide celebration and educational experience it is today,” said Fernandez. “This is exactly the kind of collaboration that shows what can happen when higher education and arts organizations work together to invest in young people. Through TPAC’s leadership, reach and commitment to arts education, thousands of students have been encouraged, challenged and connected to opportunities that can shape their futures.”
“As the founder of the Spotlight Awards,” he continued, “it has long been my dream to help students take the next step in their artistic journeys through scholarships. I believe this is a meaningful way to build on this important work and invest in future generations of artists.”
The first scholarships will be awarded to two incoming Lipscomb students in fall 2027. Each year, Lipscomb will add two new scholarship recipients with each incoming freshman class. When fully phased in, eight students will hold the scholarship each academic year.
"We are grateful for Lipscomb University's longstanding partnership and commitment to supporting students who are passionate about theater and the performing arts," said Susan Sanders, senior vice president of education and community engagement at TPAC. "This scholarship creates an exciting opportunity for Spotlight Awards participants to continue developing their talents and pursuing their educational goals. We are proud to work alongside partners like Lipscomb to help students explore their potential and pursue future opportunities in the arts."
Fernandez founded the High School Musical Theatre Awards at Lipscomb University in 2013. A few years later, Kathleen O’Brien, former TPAC president and chief executive officer, helped expand the program through a partnership that connected top performers to The Jimmy Awards®, a national celebration of student achievement in musical theater held in New York City, through TPAC’s membership in The Broadway League. Renamed the Spotlight Awards, the program has grown from 20 participating schools to nearly 80 today and has significantly expanded its reach under TPAC’s leadership. Each year, Tennessee high school theater programs may apply to participate in a three-part experience that includes recognition, learning opportunities and community building through master classes, workshops, panel discussions, job shadowing and teacher development. Participating schools also receive feedback from arts professionals who attend their productions. The program culminates in a professionally produced awards ceremony in TPAC’s Jackson Hall, drawing more than 5,000 attendees and celebrating student achievement in performance, technical and creative categories. The Spotlight Awards are one of TPAC’s six arts education programs and are dedicated to supporting the talents, educational endeavors and friendships of high school theater students while building a strong theater community in the region.
The new Lipscomb scholarship builds on that impact by creating another pathway for Spotlight Awards participants to continue their training and pursue careers in theater and related fields. It also builds on the university’s commitment to preparing students for careers in theater and the entertainment arts. Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre is a mentor-based professional training program that combines rigorous artistic training, a liberal arts education and a Christ-centered community. Students in Lipscomb’s theater program learn from faculty who are experienced professionals and have opportunities to collaborate with Nashville professional theatre companies. The program is designed to prepare students for a range of careers in the industry while helping them develop the discipline, creativity and passion to impact communities through theatre.
Lipscomb offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in acting, musical theatre and design and production, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in theatre education. All degrees require an audition or interview. Lipscomb University Theatre is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. For more information about Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre, visit lipscomb.edu/theatre.
More information about the scholarships will be announced by Lipscomb's Theatre Department in collaboration with TPAC. Learn more about TPAC’s Spotlight Awards program here.