Linehan Artist Scholars Program

Proof by David Auburn. Fall 2016. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11.

Sign up Here:
UMBC Linehan Artist Scholar (LAS) Registration Form, 2024 – 2025

Incoming Freshmen entering into any track within the Theatre major may apply for Linehan.
Instructions about how to apply can be found below. 

About The Linehan Artist Scholars Program

The Linehan Artist Scholars Program is a four-year scholarship and mentorship program for talented students who are serious about pursuing their art in a university setting as an arts major at UMBC.

Linehan Artist Scholars:

  • Explore ideas about contemporary concepts in the arts in a first-year seminar.
  • Live on campus in a Living Learning Community with artists who share your passion.
  • Attend performances and visit museums in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
  • Receive summer research support to study with professional artists across the globe.

The Linehan Artist Scholars Program supports students who distinguish themselves both academically and artistically. The arts departments and Selection Committee evaluate students on academic excellence, audition or portfolio, and achievement in the arts.

Learn more about The Linehan Artist Scholars Program here.

How We Support Our Scholars

The Linehan Artist Scholars Program provides four-year awards, which often cover the greater part of the cost of attendance at UMBC.

Scholarships awarded may be in the amount of:

  • $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 per academic year for in-state students
  • $10,000, $15,000, or $22,000 per academic year for out-of-state students

How to Apply

  1. Apply to UMBC.
    1. We strongly encourage you to complete your undergraduate admissions package by the Early Action deadline of November 1st, clearly indicating a major in Theatre.
    2. The Linehan application will require that you have your UMBC Campus ID. Your Campus ID will be sent approximately five to seven business days after you have submitted your Common Application to UMBC. Once you apply, we will communicate with you through your new UMBC email address.
    3. Reminder: The Linehan Artist Scholars program is open to incoming freshman only.
  2. Complete the Linehan Artist Scholars application.
    1. The Linehan Artist Scholars application and all supplemental materials must be received by January 15th.
  3. Register for UMBC Theatre’s Linehan (LAS) Audition and Portfolio Review Day.
    1. The 2025 Linehan (LAS) Audition and Portfolio Review Day for Theatre is Saturday, January 18, 2025 beginning at 10am EST. The make up date, should there be snow, is Saturday, February 1, 2025.
    2. Linehan Audition and Portfolio Review Day will be held in person, on campus. Further instructions will be sent about location, etc. after you complete the registration form.
    3. You can learn about what to prepare for your audition or portfolio review here.
      1. Incoming Acting students will be expected to prepare an acting audition, and incoming Design & Production students will be expected to prepare a digital portfolio. If you are an incoming Theatre Studies student, you may pick which method of preparation (either an acting audition or a portfolio) is more suited to your work.
  4. Mid-February 2025: Linehan Artist Scholar candidates will be invited to Scholar Selection Day on campus for final consideration.
    1. Scholar Selection Day 2025: Saturday, February 1, 2025
  5. Mid-March 2025: Linehan Artist Scholar Award decisions will be announced.

What can you expect on Theatre’s Linehan Audition/Portfolio Review Day?

  • General Information Meeting: At the beginning of the day, there will be a brief general information session about the UMBC Department of Theatre. After the general meeting, auditions and/or portfolio reviews will begin. While waiting for your audition or portfolio review, you may chat with current Linehan students, ask questions of faculty representatives, or be placed into a “waiting room” to allow you a chance to prepare in private.
  • Auditions or Portfolio Reviews: These will be conducted with current UMBC faculty members. Please carefully review the instructions for each area of study.
    • Acting Candidates
      • Click here for Linehan acting audition guidelines.
      • After the general information session, you’ll do your individual audition monologue for Acting faculty.
      • Immediately after you present your monologue, faculty will conduct a brief interview with you.
      • The audition and interview takes about 15 minutes total.
      • Linehan applicants who are actors will automatically be evaluated for the BFA Acting program during their Linehan audition, and will not need to conduct an additional interview or audition with the Theatre Department.
    • Design, Technical Production, & Stage Management Candidates
      • Click here for Linehan portfolio review guidelines.
      • After the general information session, you’ll present your portfolio to Design & Production faculty. 
      • Immediately after your portfolio review, faculty will conduct a brief interview with you.
      • Digital portfolios will be due at least one day prior to review day, so that faculty may have access to your materials for your presentation. You are welcome to bring items to supplement your digital portfolio.
      • Your review and interview will last about 15 minutes total.
  • Once you complete your audition or portfolio review, you may leave.

Questions?

Contact the Theatre Office at theatre@umbc.edu.