ACTING SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

NEW YORK CAMPUS SCHOLARSHIPS

The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute New York campus is proud to offer a range of scholarships sponsored by The Lee Strasberg Creative Center. These scholarships are designed to support emerging artists with exceptional potential and a passion for a career in the performing arts.

Each scholarship provides three full-time terms of study, beginning in Fall 2026. Scholarships are available to applicants who are not currently enrolled at LSTFI. Applicants must be 18 years or older by the program start date; for kids & teens (grades 2 – 12), visit our Young Actors Scholarship page.

2026 SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE

January 1, 2026
Applications Open

May 15, 2026
Application Deadline. Form will close at 11:59pm EST.

June 15, 2026
Status Notifications
All applicants will be notified of their status. Finalists will be invited to interview in person or via Zoom.

July 2026
Final Decisions Announced

APPLY NOW

Required Application Materials

Applicants must complete the Online Scholarship Application by May 15. Applicants may submit only one application.

All application materials must be submitted in English. Any documents not originally in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Please note, you do not need to submit a regular application for admission to the school in order to apply for a scholarship.

Required application materials include:

— Most recent academic transcript (Applicants must have completed high school or the equivalent. Minimum GPA 2.5 or 75/100)
— Personal essay (prompts available in application)
— Two letters of recommendation
— Passport-size ID photo
— Headshot
— Resume

For non-U.S. citizens:

— Copy of a valid passport

For non-native English speakers:

— TOEFL exam results with a minimum score of 85 (taken within two years of the application deadline), or
— An equivalent English proficiency exam, or
— A transcript from a school where English was the language of instruction

THE LEE & ANNA STRASBERG SCHOLARSHIP

for all new applicants

Established in honor of The Institute’s 50th anniversary, this scholarship pays tribute to founders Lee and Anna Strasberg and their lifelong commitment to nurturing actors and artists from all walks of life.

Learn More

THE ELEONORA DUSE SCHOLARSHIP

for international applicants

Named for the legendary Italian actress who inspired Lee Strasberg’s development of The Method, this scholarship is awarded to an international applicant of exceptional talent and demonstrated community leadership.

Learn More

THE CICELY TYSON SCHOLARSHIP

for BIPOC applicants

Honoring Cicely Tyson, student of Lee Strasberg and lifetime member of the Actors Studio, this scholarship supports BIPOC applicants who carry forward her dedication to racial equity and social justice in the arts and beyond.

Learn More

THE CHANDRA WILSON SCHOLARSHIP

for BIPOC applicants

Celebrating Institute alumna Chandra Wilson’s acclaimed career on Broadway and television, and her unwavering support for emerging artists, this scholarship is awarded to a BIPOC applicant.

Learn More

THE VINCENT D’ONOFRIO AWARD

for current LSTFI students

This scholarship is presented annually to a matriculated student who exemplifies the passion and range of this celebrated actor and requires financial assistance to continue their studies.

Learn More

YOUNG ACTORS SCHOLARSHIPS

for students in grades 2 – 12

Young Actors at Strasberg is proud to offer merit- and need-based scholarships for kids and teens. Please note, Young Actors Scholarships have a separate application and different requirements.

Learn More

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Additional questions may be directed to [email protected].

Can international students apply?

Yes. International students are eligible to apply for all scholarships. Non–U.S. citizens must submit a copy of a valid passport, and non-native English speakers must provide English proficiency documentation as outlined in the application materials.

I am eligible for more than one scholarship. Can I submit multiple applications?

No. Applicants should submit only one scholarship application. All applicants will automatically be considered for any additional scholarships for which they meet eligibility requirements.

Does the scholarship include housing?

No. Scholarships cover tuition only for three full-time terms of study. Housing, books, materials, and living expenses are not included.

Do I need to need to audition?

No. There is no audition for admission to LSTFI or during the scholarship award process. Scholarship finalists will be invited to interview either in person or via Zoom.

Do I need to apply to the school before applying for a scholarship?

No. You do not need to submit the regular application for admission in order to apply for a scholarship.