Bursaries for Performing Arts Students
Each year the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society makes available bursaries to promote and assist students in their pursuit of careers in the Performing Arts OR Performing Arts Management.
Bursaries are made possible by the generosity of the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre patrons from the tips and gratuities from the coat check, bar and concession, affectionately referred to as our "Usher Fund". The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre also accepts donations specifically made for our Bursary Program.
Who Can Apply?
Graduating students from Vernon, Coldstream or Electoral Areas B or C who are entering into, or returning to full-time studies at a university, college, or technical school majoring in an accredited Performing Arts or Performing Arts Management program; and those students from this area already registered in a recognized apprenticeship program in the Performing Arts or Performing Arts Management are eligible to apply.
Download the Bursary Guidelines to view bursary requirements.
Inquiries about our Bursary Program or application should be directed to:
Jim Harding, Executive Director at: [email protected] or phone: 250-542-9355.
2025 Performing Arts Bursary Applications Invited
VERNON, BC—In addition to the building excitement of its upcoming 2025-26 SPOTLIGHT Season, the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society (VDPAC), is offering its annual Performing Arts Bursaries for 2025, this year making up to five $2,000 awards available for post-secondary education in the Performing Arts.
Download the Full Press Release
How to Apply?
Download the 2025 Bursary Application Form
Emailed applications are preferred but must include the completed Application Form and all required documents listed on the form as attachments to a covering email with "2025 VDPAC Bursary Application" in the Subject line.
All applications must be received by the deadline date.
The deadline for 2025 Bursary applications is 12:00 am, Midnight, Friday, May 16, 2025.
Notification & Announcement
The VDPAC’s Board of Directors’ 3-director Bursary Program Committee will review all applications and make award recommendations to the full Board by the end of May. High schools with selected graduating students will be notified and asked to include a first-time announcement of their recipient(s) as part of their year-end ceremony, school awards or bursary announcements in June.
Selected applicants already enrolled in post-secondary Performing Arts programs will be contacted directly. Traditionally, local families of all VDPAC bursaries are special guests at the Society’s annual Birthday Bash performance, when the public announcement of bursary recipients is first made.
Copies of print media features will accompany bursary cheques. An official tax receipt will also be issued. Bursary recipients are requested to credit "Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society Bursary" on their resumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
VDPAC Announces Winners of 2024 Performing Arts Bursaries
Recipients of Performing Arts Bursaries in 2024 were: Zachary Friesen, Vernon, BC (1st year, Degree CIF 2-year, Music Composition at the London Academy of Contemporary Music, Surrey, England); Madison Irwin, Vernon, BC (4th year, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance, University of Victoria); and Nai’a Fellingham, Coldstream, BC (1st year, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, University of Victoria). Students may be awarded up to two VDPAC Performing Arts bursaries over their post-secondary career.
Download the 2024 Bursary Winners Media Release
