The Erie Playhouse awarded two remarkable recipients the inaugural David & Judy Matthews Scholarship this weekend, Alix Rutter and Emily Morphy.
This scholarship was created in memory of David Matthews, Managing Director of the Erie Playhouse from 1972-2006, and in honor of Judy Matthews, his wife and Playhouse legend who was on stage with Executive Director Zach Flock as the 2024 scholarships were announced.
“One thing that both David and I felt was very important was to further your education,” Judy Matthews told an enthusiastic audience during the Youtheatre Summer Kickoff. “You’re going to carry on what [David] said, and that was to give them love, and they will give it back.”
The David & Judy Matthews Scholarship was designed to be awarded to a student attending school to pursue a career in a theatre or performing arts-related field who demonstrated a commitment to the theatre arts and the ability to carry on the legacy of David and Judy Matthews, while embodying the core values of the Erie Playhouse: inclusivity, professionalism, gratitude, impact, and passion.
The selection committee was so impressed by the top two applicants that it made the decision to award not just one, but two scholarships.
Alix Rutter graduated from North East High school. An active participant in her high school’s theatre program, Alix attended Playhouse performances throughout her childhood and recently served as a spotlight operator for TOOTSIE. She’ll be studying theatre design and technology this fall at Penn State University.
Emily Morphy is a Cathedral Prep graduate on her way to pursue theatre at Baldwin Wallace University this fall. She has worked backstage at the Playhouse including stage managing DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL, and appeared on stage in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. She can also be seen in the upcoming production of GUYS AND DOLLS.
To learn more about the David and Judy Matthews Scholarship Fund and to contribute, visit www.erieplayhouse.org/david-judy-matthews-scholarship-fund.
