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THE JAMES BALDWIN SCHOLARSHIP

FOR NEW APPLICANTS & CURRENT STUDENTS
Los Angeles Campus

A new initiative designed to support emerging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) actors, The James Baldwin Scholarship is named in honor of the acclaimed pioneering writer, civil rights activist, and gay cultural icon. A lifetime member of the Actors Studio, James Baldwin worked with Lee Strasberg to stage his original play Blues for Mister Charlie during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

This scholarship seeks to expand access to The Institute’s training programs for BIPOC actors who demonstrate exceptional passion, talent, and dedication to the craft of acting. The James Baldwin Scholarship is a tuition award of $10,900 to be used toward three 12-Week terms of part-time study (10 hours / week). In honor of his family’s wishes, this specific dollar amount represents the nine Baldwin siblings who carry his legacy.

The creation and implementation of this scholarship is designed to support and uplift BIPOC artists who are already creating work. The Institute will work with each scholarship recipient to ensure their enrollment aligns with their current goals, unique artistic endeavor, and circumstances. The scholarship is valid for redemption to begin enrollment up to 12 months after the award.

The James Baldwin Scholarship reinforces The Institute’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity, as we continue to empower artists as they share their unique and powerful stories. With a deep understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives, the scholarship provides vital support for BIPOC students who aspire to shape the future of theatre, film, and television.

Applications for the James Baldwin Scholarship will open in January 2025 and close February 28th for Spring 2025 enrollment. The scholarship will be awarded twice annually (Spring & Fall enrollment) to select students, with consideration given to artistic potential and financial need.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

  • Must identify as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
  • Be a high school graduate or equivalent 
  • Be a domestic applicant
    • Domestic applicant = US citizen, green card holder or other visa holder with US work authorization (i.e. will not require a student visa to study at LSTFI-LA)
  • Must be able to identify artistic goals and describe personal points of view
  • Must be a working actor and/or independently creating and producing work

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please note only complete applications submitted during the application window will be accepted:

  • One completed scholarship application
  • Copy of latest academic transcript (with English translation, if not in English)
  • Professional acting resume (option to submit personal resume, in addition)
  • Headshot / photo for identification
  • One letter of recommendation from a professional or teacher who can speak about your work/work ethic
  • Artistic mission statement (750-1000 words) in a narrative form, addressing the following questions:
    • How did you hear about this scholarship? 
    • Why do you want to study at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute? 
    • What are your short-term and long-term artistic goals?
    • How will receiving this scholarship impact your professional and artistic life?

IMPORTANT DATES

  • February 28, 2025: Application deadline for Spring 2025 enrollment
  • March 1-10, 2025: Application review and audition requests
  • March 14-17, 2025: Award notification for Spring 2025 enrollment
  • June 2, 2025: Applications open for Fall 2025 enrollment 
  • June 27, 2025: Application deadline for Fall 2025 enrollment
  • July 1-10, 2025: Application review and audition requests
  • July 14-17, 2025: Award notification for Fall 2025 enrollment

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

  • Complete applications must be submitted via Google form during application window.
  • Any incomplete applications will be disqualified. No submissions via email, postal mail, or any other means will be accepted.
  • If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you will not be considered.
  • Application materials will not be returned. Photo and videos may be used for promotional purposes.
  • Housing and books/materials are not included with the scholarship. The winning candidate will need to make their own housing arrangements.
  • If you are not selected, you are welcome to submit again during the next application window.