Congratulations to 2026 David & Judy Matthews Scholarship Recipient, Aaron Darold!
Aaron is a graduate of Fairview High School and will be attending Ohio University beginning in the fall pursuing a BFA in musical theatre.
Aaron expressed in his application, “five years from now, I hope to be a professional working artist who is passionate, adaptable, and open to the many paths a career in theatre can take. No matter where that path leads, the lessons I learned at the Erie Playhouse will remain at the center of my work. The Playhouse taught me that theatre is about connection, generosity, and community – and that when you give people love through your art, they give it back.”
Meet Aaron and learn more here.
Click here to RSVP for the David & Judy Matthews Scholarship Brunch.
Click here to RSVP for the 2026 Matthews Brunch Event honoring Aaron Darold and 2026 Dr. Doris Snell Award Recipient Rich Tryzbiak.
“Rich Tryzbiak has helped shape the minds of theatre professionals and community members, whether at Collegiate Academy, the EP, and whenever he is on stage or in the costume shop,” wrote Nico Lombardo, scenic and lighting designer at the Erie Playhouse. “His decades of service to his students, the Erie Playhouse, and the Erie theatre community as a whole have created a lasting impact that can be seen through all the lives he has touched. I would not be where I am today without the wealth of knowledge I attribute to Mr. Tryzbiak.”
David and Judy Matthews Scholarship 2026 Guidelines & Application
In memory of David Matthews, and in recognition of his many contributions to the Playhouse during his tenure as Managing Director from 1972-2006, and in honor of his wife Judy Matthews, a Playhouse legend in her own right, the Erie Playhouse has established the David & Judy Matthews Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be awarded in 2026 to a student entering a college or university program to pursue a career in a theatre or performing arts-related field.
2026 Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Application Process: Applicants must submit an application form available below. Applications can also be obtained by contacting Zach Flock, Executive Director, at 814-454-2852 x. 7 or zach.flock@erieplayhouse.org. In addition to the application form, applicants should submit the following:
- Your theatrical resume or CV. Be sure to include your experience with the Playhouse.
- Proof of acceptance to a theatre or performing arts-related program.
- Typed, original essay, maximum 2 pages in length, addressing how the arts have impacted your life, why you are pursuing a career in the arts, how this scholarship will help you toward their career goal, and the role of the Erie Playhouse in your personal and artistic journey.
- One or two letters of recommendation, with at least one letter addressing past theatre experience.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
Application Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.
Evaluation Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated based on the materials submitted with consideration given for students who:
- Demonstrate a commitment to the theatre arts, carrying on the legacy of David and Judy Matthews and embracing David’s motto: “Give them love and they’ll give it back.”
- Have been positively impacted by the Erie Playhouse’s mission to educate, entertain, inspire, transform and support communities through theatre.
- Embody the Erie Playhouse’s core values of inclusivity, professionalism, gratitude, impact and passion.
- Plan to carry their passion and experience with the Erie Playhouse forward into a meaningful career in a theatre or performing arts-related field.
Applicants will be notified of final decisions in early June 2026.
