$15 Student Rush tickets available at every performance!
Bring a student ID in person to the Carpenter Center box office, starting one hour before the performance. One ticket per ID. Subject to availability.
Footlighters Scholarships
Thanks to the generous contributions of our donors, the Musical Theatre West Footlighters have been able to award over $120,000 in scholarships to local high school students since the program’s inception. Many of our awarded students go on to attend premier musical theatre programs across the country.
Current Scholarships
Jan Ritschel Scholarship – In memory of one of Southern California’s preeminent voice teachers and musical directors.
Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship – In honor of two of our most devoted benefactors and the founders of MTW’s Reiner Staged Reading Series.
John Bisom Scholarship – In memory of a frequent MTW performer who was one of the kindest, most loving souls in Southern California musical theatre.
Don Knabe Scholarship – In honor of a great arts supporter during his time serving the community on the LA County Board of Supervisors.
Garman Family Scholarship – In honor of the parents of MTW’s Executive Director, Paul Garman.
Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship – In memory of this exceptional woman and legendary philanthropist of the Arts in Long Beach.
Don Temple Family Scholarship – In memory of the self-made man who was a true philanthropist in our community.
Dramatic Allied Arts Guild Scholarship – To promote and advance the study of the dramatic fine arts and allied arts in the city of Long Beach.
James H. Ackerman Scholarship – In memory of a local lawyer who was a great supporter of the arts through the Evalyn M. Bauer Foundation.
Mu-ZAK Scholarship – Given by Leslie Tinnaro in loving memory of her son Zak for his creative artistry on and off the stage.
Stevi Meredith Scholarship – Given by the MTW CEI committee to a promising BIPOC student in loving memory of Stevi Meredith.
Maloney & Spiegel Families Shining Star Scholarship – Awarded to an individual who will continue to shine on many more stages.
Jane Netherton Scholarship – From an avid supporter of MTW, building the foundation for the dreams of a rising star.
The Cathy Crane Scholarship – to promote continued education in Technical Theatre and to promote on-going support for their artistic endeavors.
Make a Donation
To contribute to a scholarship fund, click the link below. For any questions, please contact Yadira at yadira@musical.org or (562) 856-1999 x229. Your donations are greatly appreciated and help us support the next generation of musical theatre performers.
How to Nominate a Student
To learn how to nominate a student for a scholarship, download the information below.
MTW Scholarship Board
From L to R: Dana Leach, Ronna Somers, Amy Silverman, Deborah Smith, Paul Garman, Beverly Silverman, Janan Johnson, Lauren Bossart, Sandy Wells, Penny Wilds and Stephanie Gliebe.
MTW Scholarship History
Since the Musical Theatre West Footlighters scholarships were established in 2005, we have awarded over $200,000 to 210 deserving local high school students from throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. In addition to the Footlighters scholarships, several named scholarships have been established to honor MTW donors by their families and friends, allowing us to double the number of scholarships we can give each year.
Scholarship Recipients
VOCAL
Elli Baluyut, Redondo Union High School – Stevi Meredith Scholarship
Taven Blanke, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts- James H. Ackerman Scholarship
Samantha DiCrisi, Trinitas Arts Conservatory – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Colin Eaton, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – mu-ZAK Scholarship
Aydean Eskandari, University High School – Garman Family Scholarship
Isabella “Bella” Gavilanes, Cerritos High School – Don Temple Family Scholarship
Maya Liebetrau, Palos Verdes High School – Maloney & Spiegel Families Shining Star Scholarship
Reese Lynch, Palos Verdes High School – Jane Netherton Scholarship
Gavin Russell, Palos Verdes High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Nevaeh Salinas, Whitney High School – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Remington Walker, Orange Lutheran High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Juliana Zonni, Orange Lutheran High School – Footlighters Scholarship
TECH
Julia Gisel, St. Joseph High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Juliette Lin, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Cathy Crane Scholarship
Jason Strotman, Costa Mesa High School – Footlighter Scholarship
DANCE
Ava Lee, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Footlighter Scholarship
Rina Nelson, University High School – Footlighter Scholarship
VOCAL
Avani Arhin, Northwood High School – Stevi Meredith Scholarship
Gigi Coo, Trinitas Arts Conservatory – James H. Ackerman Scholarship
Macaila Dorney, The Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – Mu-ZAK Scholarship
Emma Garcia, St. Joseph High School – Jane Netherton Scholarship
Jaclyn Goshert, Wilson High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Mollie Holbrook, Fullerton Union High School – Maloney & Spiegel Families Shining Star Scholarship
Ava Jimenez, St. Joseph High School – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Conrad Mai, University High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Kai Maldonado, St. John Bosco High School- Don Temple Family Scholarship
Ava Miranda, Whitney High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Anna Mut, Mission Viejo High School – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Francisco Ochoa, University High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Makayla Palos Rodriguez, Trinitas Arts Conservatory – Ken & Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Daniel Sidoni, Orange County School of the Arts – Garman Family Scholarship
Miranda Young, Tesoro High School – Footlighters Scholarship
TECH
Kayla Epstein, Palos Verdes High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Case Fulton, Redondo Union High School – Cathy Crane Scholarship
DANCE
Giovanna Bearman, Palos Verdes High School – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Lily Graff, Wilson High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild Scholarship (DAAG)
Jolynn (Josie) Hallum, St. Joseph High School – Don Temple Family Scholarship
Sarah Hentges, Huntington Beach Academy of the Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Joshua Jun, Palos Verdes High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Faith Kim, Troy High School – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Daisy Kopenhefer, San Clemente High School – Jane Netherton Scholarship
Gavin Kresser, Palos Verdes High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Anna Lisa Gnielinski, San Juan Hills High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Bridgette Sanders, Trinitas Conservatory – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Connor Sheehan, St. John Bosco High School – Maloney and Spiegel Families Shining Star Scholarship
Max Smith, Huntington Beach High School Academy of the Performing Arts – Mu-ZAK Scholarship
Layla Valenzuela, Trinitas Conservatory – James H. Ackerman Scholarship
George Zemla, LA County High School of the Arts – John Bisom Scholarship
TECH
Cali Gomez, Trinitas Conservatory – Garman Family Scholarship
Miki Reyes, Renaissance High School – Footlighters Scholarship
DANCE
Zoe (Xo) Hayes, Poly High School – Stevi Meredith Scholarship
VOCAL
Nick Daniel, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Neela David, Palos Verdes High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Ruby Denmion, Woodrow Wilson High School – Don Temple Family Scholarship
Caiden Falstrup-Finney, Palos Verdes High School – Garman Family Scholarship
Angelina Garcia, St. Anthony High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Naomi Groleau, Orange County School of the Arts – Stevi Meredith Scholarship
Amanda Guevara-Blanco, Los Alamitos High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Brock Lichthardt, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – mu-ZAK Scholarship
MJ Ordinario, Bellflower High School – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Natalia Vassilian, Tesoro High School -James H. Ackerman Scholarship
Landon Wouters, Orange County School of the Arts – Jane Netherton Scholarship
TECH
Scarlet Bailey, Palos Verdes High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Haven Hansen, Orange County School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
DANCE
Jordan Spena, Orange County School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Olivia Aniceto, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – James H. Ackerman Scholarship
Dylan Bernstein, Woodrow Wilson High School – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Cindy Blanco Flores, Buena Park High School – Garman Family Scholarship
Kaylee Brubaker, Woodrow Wilson High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Drew Dela Llana, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Brittany Fisheli, Fullerton Union High School – Footlighter Scholarship
Samuel George, Trinitas Arts Conservatory – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Sean Kato, Marina High School – Mu-ZAK Schoalrship
Aidan McGuiness, St. Anthony High School – Don Temple Family Scholarship
Olivia Ostlund, St. Margarets Episcopal High School – Footlighter Scholarship
Fintan Swift, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts – Don Knabe Scholarship
Saylyrr Toilolo, Renaissance High School for the Arts – John Bisom Scholarship
VOCAL
Juliette Boland, OC School of the Arts – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Dane Camacho, Long Beach Poly High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Emily Cardona, Renaissance High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Gaby Garcia, Laguna Hills High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Rashida Garcia, St. Joseph High School – James H. Ackerman Scholarship
Michael Iskander, Marina High School – The Garman Family Scholarship
Hayden Kharrazi, Palos Verdes High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Jaedynn Latter, Huntington Beach Academy of the Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Noi Maeshige, OC School of the Arts – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Cooper Miller, Fullerton Union High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Bradley Nolan, Palos Verdes High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Mikayla Procter, Tesoro High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Elizabeth Shull, Woodrow Wilson High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Tyler Serrano, Marina High School – Don Temple Family Scholarship
VOCAL
Jake Akita, Irvine High School – The Garman Family Scholarship
Cassidy Amberg, Palos Verdes High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Amanda Angeles, Long Beach Poly High School – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Annabella Gil, OC School of the Arts – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Michael Iskander, Marina High School – John Bisom Scholarship Winner
Kate Kresser, Palos Verdes High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Carmella Manapat, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Sean McCrimmon, Huntington Beach Academy of the Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Anika Perera, Aliso Niguel High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Bianca Porciuncula, St. Anthony High School – Don Temple Family Foundation Scholarship
Mica Ramos, Long Beach Poly High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Marlee Tierney, Huntington Beach Academy of the Performing Arts – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Daisy Tye, Huntington Beach Academy of the Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Allison Bossart, Huntington Beach Academy of the Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Aiden Flaherty, St. John Bosco High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Zachary Fogel, La Habra High School – The Garman Family Scholarship
Samantha Gault, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Lucas Grenda, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Maegan Hood, Redondo Union High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Kailee Kakazu, Palos Verdes High School – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Alex Katnic, Palos Verdes High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Emma Kremer, Fullerton Union High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Cassidy Love, Huntington Beach High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Abby Mohaddes, Palo Verdes High School – Don Temple Family Foundation Scholarship
Kumari Small, Artesia High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Mercy Thornton, La Habra High School – Footlighters Scholarship
McKenna Wells, OC School of the Arts – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
VOCAL
Shaden Ahadi, University High – Footlighters Scholarship
Joshua Bates, La Habra High School – The Garman Family Scholarship
Vanessa Burch, St. Joseph High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Amanda Dayhoff, Orange Lutheran High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Austin Kelly, Palo Verdes Peninsula High School – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Yoomi Kim, OC School of the Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Halea Leyva, Wilson High School – John Bisom Scholarship
Wyatt Manolakas, Sage Hill High School – Don Temple Family Foundation Scholarship
Victoria Mulock, Lakewood High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Katherine Paladichuk, Northwood High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Justine Sombilon, La Habra High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Juianna Yonis, Palo Verdes Peninsula High School – Don Knabe Scholarship
Makeala Zeran, OC School of the Arts – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
VOCAL
Taylor Aragon, Huntington Beach High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Jisel Ayon, Millikan High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Audrey Bivens, Orange Lutheran High School – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Katherine Chatman, Huntington Beach High School – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Shaila Essley, LA High School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Autumn Kirkpatrick, Huntington Beach High School – Don Temple Family Foundation Scholarship
Emily LaSalle, Millikan High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Madison Ligtermoet, OC School of the Arts – Dr. Frances Grover Scholarship
Alisa Melendez, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Chanel Morehead, OC School of the Arts – The Garman Family Scholarship
Lorenzo Rangel-Santos, OC School of the Arts – John Bisom Scholarship
Kelsey Skelly, Wilson High School – John Bisom Scholarship
VOCAL
Emily Abeles, Marina High School Academy of Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Ryan Axberg, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Lillian Buonocore, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Brianna Liddi, OC School of the Arts – John Bisom Scholarship
Zoya Martin, La Habra High School – The Garman Family Scholarship
Samantha Ramos, Rosary High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Anthony Skillman, Orange Lutheran High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Kara Stribling, Millikan High School – Dramatic Allied Arts Guild (DAAG) Scholarship
Austin Tebay, La Habra High School – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Cole Wachman, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts
VOCAL
Quintan Craig, Valley Christian High School – John Bisom Scholarship
D’arcy Green, Tesoro High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Rosie McDonald, OC School of the Arts – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Shiloh Orr, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Shane Satterfield, La Habra High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Kelsey Smith, LA County High School for the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Tovi Wayne, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Zofia Weretka, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Connor Berkompas, OC School of the Arts – Ken and Dottie Reiner Scholarship
Devin Cortez, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Jan Ritschel Scholarship
Danielle Hall, Wilson High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Chloe Horner, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Haley Smith, Costa Mesa High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Erin Theodorakis, Tesoro High School – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Clara Jordan Cox, Palos Verdes Peninsula High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Adam Levy, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Sarah Marion, Huntington Beach HS Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Alexa Russo, LA County HS for the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Erica Schaeffer, Connelly High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Jayson Ziegenhagen, Wilson High School – John Bisom Scholarship
VOCAL
Jessamyn Arnstein, Central LA High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Jacob Gonzalez, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Bren Johnson, San Juan Hills High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Elizabeth Romero, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Landon Zwick, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Erica Beck, Millikan High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Shea Gomez, Dana Hills High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Emily Rowan, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Kyle Selig, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
John Williams, Renaissance High School – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Caitlin Fuller, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Daniel McGrew, Crystal Cathedral – Footlighters Scholarship
Katie Perry, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Alex Syiek, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
E’mon White, Renaissance High School – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Karrington Chaney, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Siedah Dinkins, Renaissance High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Jared Marino, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Nick Miranda, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Joann Smith, Lakewood High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Rory Woodbury, Millikan High School – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Brendan Harnett, St. John Bosco High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Nina Holland, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Justine Leon, Los Alamitos High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Tayler Mettra, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Neil Starkenberg, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Jessica Wilson, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Kayla Cavaness, Oxford Academy – Footlighters Scholarship
Rebecca Fisher, Millikan High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Gabrielle Levy, Los Alamitos High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Danny Theyer, Millikan High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Rachel Viele, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
VOCAL
Travis Ammann, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Kate Dixon, Huntington Beach High School Academy of Performing Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Megan Mekjian, OC School of the Arts – Footlighters Scholarship
Rodrigo Rodriguez, St. John Bosco High School – Footlighters Scholarship
Brian Veith, Irvine High School – Footlighters Scholarship