FOR BIPOC APPLICANTS

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, we are privileged to name a new annual scholarship in honor of the legendary actress and humanitarian, Cicely Tyson.

This scholarship for one year of full-time study at LSTFI in New York will be awarded to a talented BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) actor who demonstrates great potential and passion for a career in the performing arts.

Miss Tyson studied with Lee Strasberg; her work illuminates the essence of Method Acting and is a great inspiration to all of us. Her career in theater, film and television spans over seven decades, and she continues to work and receive acclaim for her performances.

Miss Tyson is known for selecting meaningful roles that communicate a positive message and portraying strong women. She has used her artistic craft to address crucial issues of racial and gender equality, justice, inclusiveness and promote social change.

Her most memorable work includes the film Sounder, for which she received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations; The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman; The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All; Alex Haley’s Roots; and, the play and film, The Trip to Bountiful. Her most notable performances on Broadway include The Gin Game and The Trip to Bountiful, for which she won a Tony Award. Her work on television has received 3 Emmy Awards and 16 nominations, most recently in 2020 for her guest appearance How to Get Away with Murder.

Among Miss Tyson’s numerous other awards are an honorary Oscar, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Contribution to the Arts and American Culture, the NAACP’s highest honor, the Peabody Career Achievement Award and induction into the Television Hall of Fame.

The application deadline for The Cicely Tyson Scholarship is May 15, 2024. The scholarship includes 3 terms, commencing Fall 2024.

Scholarship information and due dates can be found below. Questions can be sent to [email protected].

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IMPORTANT DATES

• October 1, 2023: Opening date for accepting applications
• May 15, 2024: Application deadline for Cicely Tyson Scholarship

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• 18 years or older by the start of the Fall semester of the current year
• US or International student
• Intend to attend in New York for the Fall 2024
• Have completed high school or the equivalent with a 2.5 GPA (75/100) or higher

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit:

• One completed scholarship application
• Copy of your latest academic transcript
• Two letters of recommendation, no more than six months old from a professional or teacher who can speak about your work
• One passport-size photo, for identification purposes only
• Resume/Headshot
• Copy of valid passport (for non-US Citizens)

Non-native English speakers must submit:

• TOEFL exam results with a score of 85 or higher (taken within two years of application deadline)

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

• Any incomplete applications will be disqualified.
• Applications must be submitted by clicking the button above.
• The application deadlines are strict – do not apply earlier or later or the application will not be considered. 
• If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you will not be considered.
• Application materials will not be returned.
• Housing and books/materials are not included with the scholarship. The winning candidate will need to make their own housing arrangements.
• There is no audition. If you are selected as a finalist, there is an interview that can be completed via Zoom or in-person.
• The scholarship application is the only application you need to complete to be considered for the scholarship; you do not need to submit the standard application for admission to the school in order to apply for a scholarship.