Camp Improv Utopia Scholarship
As part of our initiative to enable those from underserved communities and/or those experiencing financial hardship to pursue professional and artistic development, Empire Arts Collective is partnering with Improv Utopia (IU) to provide a full scholarship* to one improviser within our community to attend Improv Utopia’s Yosemite retreat on September 27th – 30th, 2024 at Camp Calvin Crest in Oakhurst, CA. More information on this retreat is available here: https://improvutopia.org/locations/yosemite
This opportunity is intended to offer assistance, continue diverse representation across all IU camps, and gift improv to someone in need. Improvisers who attend Improv Utopia camps often come back to their communities with a better understanding of the bigger improv community, best practices, and they become even stronger members of the community. This presents an incredible professional/artistic development opportunity for folks to attend workshops taught by industry experts and network with an international improv community.
*Full scholarship tuition includes: 11 hours of workshops from master improv teachers, performances, camp activities, lodging (shared cabins with private bathrooms, showers, and electricity), food (special dietary and allergy-friendly meals are available). More information is available here: https://improvutopia.org/locations/yosemite Scholarship does NOT include: Lodging materials (Linens, pillows, and towels) or add-ons (Yosemite trip, Saturday workshop, or merch), or transportation costs associated with getting to and from Camp (please note that carpool options with other EAC attendees will be available!) If you would like assistance with lodging materials or transportation (including carpooling), we are happy to assist.
Eligibility: Eligible applicants include:
- Those who have participated in EAC or are currently participating in improv programming, including our class series, Sharks Barksley, and/or SHIFT.
- Those who are in good standing with EAC and who adhere/have adhered to our community guidelines.
- Priority will be given to applicants from historically disadvantaged and/or marginalized communities (BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled and/or neurodiverse, etc.) but can also include those experiencing financial hardship.
- Per IU’s request, priority will also be given to applicants to have never attended an IU retreat.
- Applicants shall not be excluded based on their level of need.
To Apply: To apply, please complete this Google form.
Deadline: The deadline to submit your application is May 31st, 2024.
Selection: Applicants will be chosen based on their adherence to the eligibility criteria outlined above. Applications will be reviewed by our volunteer panel composed of those who self-identify as members of marginalized/underserved communities. The applicant who is selected after this review process will be notified via email by no later than 6/15/24. We will also reach out to applicants who were not selected.
Questions or Assistance: If you require assistance submitting this application, please reach out to Improv Program Director Jessilee Windhaus at jessilee@empireartscollective.com (Jessilee is not on the review panel).
Empire Arts Collective: Empire Arts Collective is a Sacramento-based performing arts nonprofit with a mission to incubate unique, inclusive performing arts opportunities that create joy and community for a variety of experience levels. EIN 81-2974146
- More about EAC: https://empireartscollective.org/about/
- DEIA statement: https://empireartscollective.org/about/#deia
More about our improv program: https://empireartscollective.org/improv/
