Evelyn Anderson Theatre & Dance Scholarship

Anderson Scholarship Overview

Gustavus Adolphus College recognizes theatre and dance as integral components of a liberal arts education. Through course work and performances, students are encouraged to develop creativity, knowledge and skills necessary for perceptive, expressive interpretations of life. The Department of Theatre and Dance is strongly committed to the liberal arts ideal, and involves majors and non-majors in classes and productions. The Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarships reward accomplishment and the potential for continued growth in theatre and dance. 

The scholarships are named for Evelyn Anderson, an extraordinary teacher and director at Gustavus Adolphus College from 1938 to 1974. For 36 years, "Mrs. A" fired the imaginations of countless numbers of students through her legendary classes and her bold and elegant productions of classical, contemporary and children's plays. Passion, discipline and high style were hallmarks of Professor Anderson's productions. In 1971, her dream of an intimate classical theatre on the Gustavus campus was realized with the opening of a 270 seat theatre modeled after the famous Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. Upon her retirement in 1974, the theatre was dedicated to Evelyn and Evan Anderson.

The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $6,000 annually, recognize students with demonstrated talent and commitment to continuing participation in theatre and/or dance activities in college. It is the intent of the scholarship committee that each recipient should have experience in one or more of the interests fostered within the Department of Theatre and Dance: acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre for social change, and dance. Finalists for the Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarship will be invited to campus for an audition to be held in February.

Annual renewal of the scholarship requires a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, a 3.33 grade point average in the student’s major, and approved participation each semester within the Department of Theatre and Dance. A Theatre or Dance class is required for one semester of each year. During the other semester of the year, the student is required to participate in the department in another way, which may include a class, a crew position, a role, or similar time commitment.

Positions in departmental plays and dance concerts are by audition. While receipt of an Anderson Scholarship does not guarantee placement in a production or ensemble, Anderson Scholars have the privilege of pre-registering for theatre/dance classes in high demand. Scholars are also invited to special gatherings of Theatre/Dance alumni and/or guest artists each year.

Candidates must submit an application for admission to Gustavus Adolphus College and complete the Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarship application. Students need not be majors to qualify for these awards.

Theatre for Social Justice Category of Anderson Scholarship

Are you part of a social justice theatre troupe at your school or church? Are you interested in issues-based theatre or educational youth or children’s theatre? Are you passionate about the power of theatre as a tool for social change? Then Gustavus has a program (and a scholarship) designed for you.

The Department of Theatre and Dance also offers coursework including Theatre and Society, Creating Social Justice Theatre, Playwriting and Playmaking, and others that help develop this important theatre work, and will continue to build our program in theatre for social justice. There is a category in the Anderson scholarship to support students interested in this area.

How to Apply for the Evelyn Anderson Scholarship

To apply online, please visit this page. For further information, please contact the Admission Office at 1-800-Gustavus.