The Episcopal Actors' Guild of America, Inc.
"Charitable help for performers of all faiths, and none"
also left the Guild a portion of the royalties for this musical, which now benefits the Scholarships Program, and helps to keep it growing, year after year.
The CLAIRE HARRIS STRAKOSCH SCHOLARSHIP was established in 1974 by Guild Council Member Margaret G. Plumb, using a bequest left to her by her late friend Claire Harris Strakosch, one of the Strakosch family so prominent in late 19th Century classical music in America. Through the Margaret Grant Plumb Irrevocable Trust, with Guild Council Member Nicholas Pavlik as its present trustee, a scholarship of $1000 is provided every few years by the Guild for a student of the dramatic arts.
Our first annual LON C. CLARK SCHOLARSHIP was presented to a student at the AADA in 1998 by Lon Clark himself, only months before his death. This scholarship was established by the Guild Council to honor the late Mr. Clark, who had served the Guild as Executive Secretary from 1973 to 1996. A retired actor, Mr. Clark was best know for his portrayal of the title role on the radio show "Nick Carter, Master Detective," which aired from 1943 to 1955. His scholarship is usually presented on his birthday, January 12.
Our PETER HARRIS / TED TILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was established in 2001, from a portion of a bequest left to the Guild from his estate. A Guild Member for over fifty years, Mr. Harris was a Vice-President Emeritus when he died. The Scholarship was named in memory of Peter and his life partner, Theodore Tiller, who were buried together in the Guild's Kensico Cemetery plot in Valhalla, New York. It provides an annual award to a student at the AADA, where Peter taught for a time.
Our GEORGE C. SCOTT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was established in 2001 by Guild Life Member John Connell (who was a fellow student at the University of Missouri in 1950 and a lifelong friend), by Guild Executive Director Mart Hulswit, (who was a career colleague and had been Mr. Scott's Standby on Broadway), and by Mr. Scott's very talented son by Colleen Dewhurst, Actor / Director, (and Guild Advisory Board Member), Campbell Scott. It is awarded annually to a Theatre Arts student at Mizzou, where George C. Scott had performed in his first play, "The Winslow Boy," in 1950.
The MART HULSWIT SCHOLARSHIP was established by vote of the Council on July 24, 2008, in anticipation of the retirement of our Executive Director Emeritus; "in honor of his twelve years of service as Executive Director, and in recognition of his exemplary devotion to the spirit and founding purposes of the Episcopal Actors' Guild."
ORIGINS OF THE EAG SCHOLARSHIPS
Our VINTON FREEDLEY SCHOLARSHIP was founded in 1968 from the estate of the late President of the Episcopal Actors' Guild, who served from 1942-1968. Mr. Freedley was also President of the Actors' Fund of America, and a Vestry Member of the "Little Church." He produced "Lady Be Good" (1924) starring Fred and Adele Astaire, with the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin. He also produced on Broadway for Ginger Rogers, Ethel Merman, Victor Moore, Jimmy Durante and Bob Hope. The "Alvin" Theatre was named for him and his business partner Alex. It is awarded annually to a student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA).
Our TESSA KOSTA SCHOLARSHIP was funded in 1973 by the late Actress / Diva and former Guild Council Member, Tessa Kosta, who appeared in many Broadway productions during her career. She was also the Guild's first Life Member. Her husband was Richard Madden, agent-representative to Eugene O'Neill and Cole Porter, among others, and also a co-author of "No, No, Nanette," (1925). In addition to donating her scholarship fund, Ms. Kosta and her husband
