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2027 THEATER PATHWAYS MENTORSHIP  

Theater Pathways Mentorship connects young creatives with theater professionals across non-performance disciplines, providing personalized mentorships that inspire, educate, and guide students toward thriving careers. 

Procedures and Guidelines 

Fueled by the generosity of the Melka/Laub family, and in the spirit of Tony Award winning performer, and mentor to many, Gavin Creel, this initiative connects young creatives striving for a career in theater with industry experts.  The program provides individualized life-changing mentorships and field experience with theater professionals to accelerate aspiring students. Awarded annually to two students who are rising college freshmen or sophomores in the Charlotte region, mentorships will be available with professionals in non-performance theatrical pathways. These relationships will include a full year of direct interaction with an assigned mentor, culminating in a fully funded trip to study alongside the mentor in their professional environment. 

Fellows will be paired with an industry professional in their desired area of study. Mentors will be available by email throughout the year long fellowship and will schedule quarterly Zoom calls with their mentee. The fellowship includes one fully funded field experience trip for the fellow to visit the mentor’s work/industry with them first-hand for 4-7 days including travel and lodging for the fellow and guardian plus a daily meal stipend as well as applicable mentee and mentor show tickets or conference fees. 

Allocation of the award will be administered by the Education Department of Blumenthal Arts. The recipient, in coordination with their mentor, must submit a formal fellowship travel request for approval to Blumenthal’s Education Department. Upon approval, Blumenthal Arts will book travel arrangements and administer stipends. 

2027 application deadline:  June 28, 2027

The Theater Pathways Mentorship Committee will consider the following selection criteria:

  • career potential in a theater related profession  

  • academic performance 

  • applicant’s goals for a professional mentorship 

  • evidence of the pursuit of personal excellence 

Eligibility

  • must be a graduating high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore at the time of application.

  • must have an interest to pursue a non-performance theater related career path (e.g. tech, design, casting, production, directing, arts administration, arts education, orchestra, etc.). 

  • must have proof of residency in North or South Carolina.  

  • If awarded, fellow must commit to chronical the year experience on personal social media channels tagging Blumenthal Arts accounts and, if appropriate, mentors accounts. 

Application Process

1. Application packets must contain: 
a. completed digital application form.

b. video submission (2-minute max.) OR essay (2-page max.) addressing the following:

  • What are your career/education aspirations?
  • What are your strengths and growth opportunities in the concentration you aspire to pursue in the theater industry?
  • What benefits would you gain from access to an industry mentor?
  • What do you bring to this mentorship beyond your passion for theater?


c. reference form and recommendation letter from a current teacher or industry professional 

d. most recent high school or college transcript (scan or photocopy; no camera shots)   

 

2. The committee will review applications and invite selection students to continue to a virtual interview portion of the application process.   

 

3. The committee will select two award recipients. All applicants will be notified of their status no later than July 28, 2027.