Exciting News: NIU Becomes First Public University to Secure Sarah Siddons Society Scholarship Funding!

The Sarah Siddons Society is excited to announce that Northern Illinois University (NIU) has become its fifth Chicago-area university to receive scholarship funding for students in theatre arts. This marks a significant step, as NIU is the first public university to be included, joining esteemed institutions like Roosevelt University, Northwestern University, Columbia College, and DePaul University.

Roxanna Conner, the director of NIU’s School of Theatre and Dance, will also join the society’s board. Paul Kassel, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at NIU, expressed pride in this partnership. He noted that the society has been supporting theatre students for over four decades, fostering talent in Chicago’s dynamic arts scene.

Martin Balogh, the society’s president, shared that this move has been a long-term goal. By offering scholarships at a public university, they hope to widen access to quality education in the theatre arts.

Scholarship programs like this one are crucial. According to a 2022 National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) report, approximately 75% of students pursuing theatre arts rely on scholarships or financial aid to support their education. Creating more access through such initiatives helps nurture the next generation of talent in the performing arts.

The partnership between the Sarah Siddons Society and NIU highlights the importance of education and mentorship in theatre. As community support for the arts continues to grow, we can expect to see even more opportunities for aspiring artists in the future.

For more on the Sarah Siddons Society and their initiatives, visit sarahsiddonssociety.org.

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