This past spring, the MMT Board of Directors established their first and annual Music Mountain Theatre Scholarship awarded to a graduating senior planning to pursue a course of study in the performing arts field. Besides being an active participant with MMT, the applicants also had to write an essay touching on the issue of how COVID-19 impacted their theatrical experience and how MMT has influenced their career path.
The MMT Board of Directors is proud to announce their winners; the winner of the $1000.00 cash scholarship is Olivia Frankenbach, and runner-up Travis Gawason received a $300.00 gift certificate to LaDuca Dance Shoes.
Olivia who has been performing with DPAC/MMT since the age of six shared, “I credit MMT for the performer I am today, learning about stage presence, musical theatre technique, and self-discovery for my passion in the arts.” Olivia, aka Liv, will be attending Rowan University in the fall majoring in Musical Theatre. One of Liv’s favorite parts about musical theatre is the storytelling component, sharing valuable lessons of life. Liv, who has been in countless children’s and mainstage productions is a summer intern now appearing in Matilda.
Travis who has been performing with DPAC/MMT since the age of ten shared, “MMT has influenced my passion for costume design, cultivated my critical thinking skills, and provided encouragement in a positive and inclusive environment.” Travis will be attending Shenandoah University in the fall majoring in Costume Design. With costuming, Travis plans to encourage, mentor, and assist students in the arts like MMT has done with him. Performing in numerous children’s theatre and mainstage productions, Travis can also be found backstage in the costume shop assisting Jordan Brennan. Travis’ costume creations were featured this summer in MMT’s production of Head Over Heels.
While both Liv and Travis shared their hardships about the pandemic, they are both thankful to MMT for providing a creative environment to express themselves – a place they consider home.
The MMT Board of Directors is incredibly proud of these fine performers. Olivia and Travis, as you embark on your next act of life, embrace the opportunities that arise, continue to grow as lifelong learners, and remember that there’s no place like “home” to provide heartfelt performing sustenance.
Best wishes,
MMT Board of Directors