Arts & Entertainment

Theater Company Offering Scholarship to Bergen's Student Performers

Skyline will award a $1,000 cash scholarship to one high school senior planning to major in the arts.

A Fair Lawn based theater company is now accepting scholarship applications from Bergen County high school seniors interested in pursuing their college degree in the arts.

Skyline Theatre Company has for the past five years awarded the $1,000 cash scholarship to one senior planning to major in theater, television, film, or communications.

“They need to tell us why their passionate about continuing their education in the arts,” said Sam Scalamoni, Skyline’s artistic director. The scholarship committee, he says, will consider academics and extracurricular activities, but is focused mainly on awarding the scholarship to a student who, through their essay, demonstrates a clear motivation to continue in an area of the performing arts.

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Although Skyline mainly uses professionals in its productions, it continues the student scholarship in the memory of cofounder Harry K. Berkheiser, Jr., who taught English and drama in Bloomfield and at Ramapo High School before starting the Fair Lawn company.

When Berkheiser died, donations poured in and his family asked Skyline for their help in creating the scholarship fund.

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“This scholarship is truly part of Harry’s legacy,” Scalamoni said. “He was so passionate about young people and the arts. We at Skyline are extremely proud to be able to extend this scholarship for young people who show a true commitment and dedication to these branches of the arts.”

Skyline will accept applications until March 15, which can be found at their website and addressed to Skyline Theatre Company, 12-45 River Road, #121, Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410.

The scholarship will be awarded at Skyline’s annual gala on Sunday, April 7, at the George Frey Center for Arts and Recreation in Fair Lawn. The gala will feature a concert by cast members ofPhantom of the OperaWickedMamma Mia!, and Mary Poppins.

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