SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships at First Act
First Act is excited to offer scholarships that can be used for classes, summer camps, or show production fees. Eligibility will be determined through a financial formula based on income and number of children in your household.
Questions? Contact Chrissi Edwards at chrissi@firstactkc.org.
Kevin Milbourn Scholarship Fund
The Kevin Milbourn scholarship fund is dedicated to helping students fulfill their dreams of participating in First Act Theatre Arts classes and productions through financial assistance. Kevin met his beloved wife Gina, Former Artistic Director of First Act Theatre Arts, while performing in Pippin, where he played Lewis and she was the choreographer. Kevin’s biggest role in life, however, came as a supporter of Gina and his children through their many theatrical pursuits. This legacy of love and support lives on through the assistance offered by the Kevin Milbourn Scholarship Fund.
HEART Scholarships
HEART is a full inclusion program that provides individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in classes, shows, and camps.
If you are new to our program, scholarships are available for your first class or camp to see if First Act is right for your family!
First time HEART families should contact HEART Coordinator, Josie Strickler at heart@firstactkc.org for more scholarship information.
Houston St. John Scholarship
During our regular season, each directing team selects two nominees from their show who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills during the rehearsal process. Nominees are then invited to submit an essay on leadership. These essays are evaluated blindly by First Act leadership and one winner is selected. The winner receives a FULL tuition scholarship to High School Overnight Camp!
The award is named in honor of Houston St. John, a First Act student who tragically passed away days before he was set to open our 2013 production of Tarzan. Houston‘s light, love, and leadership was an inspiration to countless students.
HEART Scholarships
HEART is a full inclusion program that provides individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in classes, shows, and camps.
If you are new to our program, scholarships are available for your first class or camp to see if First Act is right for your family!
First time HEART families should contact HEART Coordinator, Josie Strickler at heart@firstactkc.org for more scholarship information.
Houston St. John Scholarship
During our regular season, each directing team selects two nominees from their show who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills during the rehearsal process. Nominees are then invited to submit an essay on leadership. These essays are evaluated blindly by First Act leadership and one winner is selected. The winner receives a FULL tuition scholarship to High School Overnight Camp!
The award is named in honor of Houston St. John, a First Act student who tragically passed away days before he was set to open our 2013 production of Tarzan. Houston‘s light, love, and leadership was an inspiration to countless students.
Scholarship FAQ
Questions? Contact Chrissi Edwards at chrissi@firstactkc.org.
What can scholarships be applied to?
The following offerings ARE eligible for scholarships:
- Monday and Thursday Night Semester Classes
- Dance Studio Classes
- Daytime Academy
- Summer Day Camps and Xtreme Camps
- High School and Middle School Overnight Camps
- High School Drama Camp and Behind the Scenes Camp
- Production Fees for Shows ($250 per show)
- First-time Student in the HEART Program
The following offerings ARE NOT eligible for scholarships:
- Private Voice Lessons and Studio Hours
- Private Acting Lessons and Studio Hours
- Musical Theatre Troupe, Dance Troupe and Improv Troupe Fees
- Production Opt-Out Fee
- Workshops
- HEART Production Package (Please contact HEART Coordinator, Josie Strickler, for more information.)
When are scholarship applications due?
Please fill out the form completely and submit requested documents no later than two weeks prior to the start of classes, camp sessions or auditions. Applications received after this deadline will need to be considered for the next semester’s classes or the next session of auditions.
First Act scholarships are capped at $400 for each student during the 2025-2026 season. Scholarships are awarded between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, and must be used for programming during that time period. Scholarships granted during that time cannot be used for programming after July 31, 2026, and students must reapply for a scholarship after that date.
How is scholarship eligibility determined?
Eligibility will be determined through a financial formula based on income and number of children in your household.
How do I set up a payment plan?
If you would like to discuss special arrangements/payment plan options, please contact Chrissi Edwards at the First Act office at (913) 681-3318.