Scholarships

2025 scholarship applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. When you fill out your application, please also submit all scholarship materials.

Merit and Need-Based Scholarships

The Festival awards a limited number of full and partial-tuition scholarships to festival participants with financial need who demonstrate a high level of commitment, creativity and technical/performance ability. Room and board costs are the responsibility of the student in most cases.

BDF will award five full scholarships to BIPOC applicants. BIPOC applicants may still be awarded a partial award if not chosen for a full scholarship.

Work/Study Scholarship

A range of work/study scholarships that cover partial to full tuition are available to qualified students. Awards are made on the basis of demonstrated financial need and relevant skills and work references. Applicants with documented experience in technical production, video, box office, ushering, administration, transcription, sales and resident supervision will assist with the day-to-day operation of the Festival. All work/study students are required to live on campus, and depending on the needs of the position may be asked to take fewer than four classes, and to arrive early for set up.

Apply for a Scholarship

1. Fill out an application for the Festival via Acceptd.
2. Within that application, you’ll be asked to submit a statement of need, references and supporting work materials (cover letter & resume) if interested in a work/study position.

Scholarship notifications will be sent out at the beginning of each month based on the date the application is submitted. All scholarship materials, including the Scholarship Recommendation Form, must be received by Tuesday, April 1, 2025 by 11:59pm EST for full consideration.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Scholarship awards must be accepted within two weeks of receiving notification.