“Give them love and they’ll give it back.”
We’re so excited about the first ever David & Judy Matthews Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m. We’re just a week away from the RSVP deadline of July 30, and we have a special offer!
To welcome as many guests as possible, we’re offering a special ticket price for supporters who purchase two tickets. Individual tickets are $75, and you can now purchase a pair of tickets for just $100 total.
By purchasing tickets, you’re helping to support the Matthews Scholarship Fund – and future theatre professionals – for years to come!
If you purchased a pair of tickets prior to this offer, just call the Box Office at (814) 454-2852 ext. 0 and we’re happy to update your order. Those with single tickets who wish to add a guest may contact us as well.
We look forward to seeing you at the Matthews Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, August 10!
Click here to RSVP by July 30! Call the Box Office at 814-454-2852 with any questions.
The Erie Playhouse is proud to award the 2025 David and Judy Matthews Scholarship to Parker Irwin! Parker is graduating from General McLane High School and will enter the Musical Theatre B.F.A. program at Kent State University this fall. Learn more about Parker here.
Arthur Martone is the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Doris Snell Award, in recognition of his lifetime of dedication to the classroom, the prosperity of his students and the Erie Playhouse stage. Learn more about Arthur here.
Parker and Arthur will both be honored during the upcoming David & Judy Matthews Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, August 10.
David and Judy Matthews Scholarship
2025 Guidelines & Application Form
Note: Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2025 Scholarship. Check back for 2026!
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. For the second year, this scholarship will be awarded in 2025 to a student entering a college or university program to pursue a career in a theatre or performing arts-related field.
2025 Scholarship Amount: $1,000
Application Process: Applicants must submit an application form available through the Erie Playhouse website. 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, 2025
Application Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. Once the selection committee has chosen an awardee, the Board of Directors will vote to approve their selection.
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: the Playhouse is inclusive, professional, grateful, impactful, and passionate.
- 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 by June 1, 2025.
