SHORELINE'S TOP TALENT: Scholarships in the Arts

The Shoreline Arts Alliance is the only arts organization in Connecticut offering scholarships in multiple art disciplines.  High school juniors and seniors of exceptional talent residing in the Shoreline region are considered for scholarship awards of $1,000 in creative writing, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, theatre, and visual arts. 

Shoreline's Top Talent 2012 Scholarship Award Application Information:
Founded in 1980, the Shoreline Arts Alliance is community-based organization dedicated to supporting arts education and recognizing the talents of young artists through annual scholarships.  These awards are presented in the six categories of Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre and Visual Arts. 2012 application is now available.

Click here to Download the Application Form

These are the most frequently asked questions about the Shoreline Arts Alliance's Scholarship Program.

Who may apply?
11th and 12th grade students whose primary residence is in the following towns:
Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep Rive, Durham, East Haddam, East Haven, East Lyme, Essex, Guilford, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, Middlefield, N. Branford, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Salem, Westbrook. A student who has won this scholarship in the past MAY NOT apply in the category in which he/she was a winner.

What is required?
The completed application must be POSTMARKED by February 1. Applicants will be contacted to schedule auditions (Music, Dance & Theatre) or to drop off portfolios (Creative Writing & Visual Arts). Vocal, Instrumental Music, and Musical Theatre applicants must audition with an accompanist. 

When are auditions/portfolio reviews?
The 2012 audition/portfolio review dates are:
Creative Writing Portfolios: Postmarked no later than March 2, 2012
Dance Auditions: March 4
Instrumental Music Auditions: March 3
Vocal Music Auditions: March 3
Theatre Auditions: March 6
Visual Arts Portfolios: March 24
There are no alternate dates for auditions or portfolio review unless cancelled due to weather conditions..

Committees schedule their own audition/portfolio review times directly with the applicants in that discipline.  Applicants will receive a letter with audition requirements and location upon receipt of their completed application.  There are no alternate dates for auditions or portfolio reviews..


How are finalists chosen?
Competitors are judged on creativity, composition, technical skill and presentation. The compeition is narrowed down by the judges to a possibility of two finalists (one winner and one special recognition awardee) in each arts category.

What are the awards?
Judges in each category may award one winner a $1,000 cash prize and a mentoring session with a professional in that art field. A special recognition awardess in each category may also be chosen to receive a mentoring session.

When will I be notified?
All applicants will be mailed a list of award winners by April 4, 2012.
.
May I apply in more than one category?
Yes, BUT judges recomment that you focus your talent in one category..

If I win what is expected of me?
Winners and finalists will be asked to appear at an awards presentation (TBD) and also to collaborate with the Shoreline Arts Alliance for performance(s) and presentation(s) opportunities in the community. It is also request that you write a thank you note to the Shoreline Arts Alliance for this award that we will share with our sponsors and patrons.

2012 Finalists:
Creative Writing: Colleen Gardner, Deep River-Valley Regional High School; Catherine Malcynsky, Chester-Williams School
Dance: Sarah Marsoobian-Guilford High School; Tyler Roberts-North Branford High School/ECA
Instrumental Music: Matthew Horanzy-Guitar, Madison-Daniel Hand High School; Kathleen Wallace,Violin- Guilford High School
Vocal Music: Alison Johnson-Branford High School; Michael Sullivan-Guilford High School
Theatre: Tyler Roberts-North Branford High School/ECA; Michael Sullivan, Guilford High School
Visual Arts: Katherine Meier, Madison-Daniel Hand High School; Rachel Roberts, Higganum-Haddam-Killingworth High School

Winners will be announced by June 30, 2012.

2011 Winners & Finalists (l to r): Michael Sullivan, Sophia Harvey, Marisa Glynn, Julie Blum, Shannon Chapman, Kathleen Wallace, Meredith Kelly, Emma Chapman, Anna Bencivengo, Beth Gilchrist. Photo courtesy of Judy Barbosa.

.