2010 Introduces the Jack Welch Scholarship for Young Playwrights

(Boston, MA) -- StageSource, the Greater Boston Theatre Alliance, will present scholarships for $500 each plus one-year memberships in spring 2010 to college/university students in his/her junior year and to graduating high school students with a demonstrated commitment and interest in theatre.  Additionally, StageSource is honored to make available the Jack Welch Scholarship Award, named for one of the founding board members of StageSource. The Welch Scholarship will be made available to an aspiring college or high school student pursuing playwriting. All scholarship awards will be based on merit and reviewed by a committee of theatre professionals appointed by StageSource. The number of scholarships to be awarded will be determined in the spring. Historically, StageSource has awarded four to five scholarships each year and has presented four to five students each year with an Honorable Mention designation, which includes a one-year membership to StageSource. 

The StageSource Scholarships were created to encourage and promote careers in theatre and to provide additional resources for aspiring theatre professionals in Massachusetts. Since 2007, StageSource has bestowed thirteen scholarship awards and designated twelve honorable mentions to high school and college students from Massachusetts.

“By providing additional resources for a young person just starting out, we are hopefully encouraging creativity and giving them a little additional boost as they launch their career,” observed StageSource Executive Director Jeff Poulos. “Arts and culture are fundamental to the fabric of our society, and StageSource is committed to strengthening Boston theatre by nurturing the next generation of aspiring actors, directors, designers, playwrights and others pursuing a career in theatre.”

Poulos also noted, “I am especially delighted that we can recognize Jack Welch, who has meant so much to StageSource for 25 years. His commitment to new plays has been remarkable throughout his career, and it is only fitting that we recognize future playwrights in his name.” 

About Jack Welch:
Jack is the former Managing Director and Chief Editor of Baker's Plays.  Born and raised in New Hampshire, he is a graduate of Emerson College.  Jack was Associate Manager at Beverly's North Shore Music Theatre for seven years prior to joining Baker's Plays. He was one of the founders of the Boston Resident Theatre Association, American Premiere Stage, and StageSource. He has been a theatre panelist for the Massachusetts Cultural Council on the Arts and Humanities, as well as a panelist for the Boston Cultural Council, and has been chair of the Professional Theatre Division of the New England Theatre Conference. Jack has been a guest speaker for the American Theatre Association and The Dramatists Guild. Former board member of the Boston Shakespeare Company, he continues to be a strong advocate for Boston theatre by Bostonians. He is the author of two musicals, She-Boppin' which played at the Wilbur Theatre for over 4 months, and the published Aaron Slick. He is currently working on another musical project entitled 100% Lucille. He has been elected to the College of Fellows of NETC and is the first recipient of the StageSource Theatre Hero Award. In September 2009, Jack stepped down from the StageSource board of directors after serving for 25 years, since its founding.

Theatre lovers and patrons of the arts that are interested in supporting the StageSource Scholarship Awards may make tax-deductible contributions to StageSource and specify the Scholarship Awards program. Donate online at www.stagesource.org, under GIVING, or call 617-720-6066.

Scholarship Award guidelines and application forms are online at www.StageSource.org/education.cfm.  Application deadline is April 2, 2010, and award recipients will be notified on or around May 1, 2010.  For more information, call StageSource at 617-720-6066. 

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