Theatre Guild Scholarships

As of May 2026, the Theatre Guild has awarded $69,500 in scholarships to seniors graduating from Booker T. Washington HSPVA's Theatre Conservatory. Twelve Theatre Conservatory seniors from the Class of 2026 were awarded a Theatre Guild Scholarship. Each recipient was recognized for their contributions to and impact on the Theatre Conservatory. 

Louise Smith Scholarship

A long time teacher at Booker T, Louise Smith was asked by Booker T founder Dr. Paul Baker to create the Theatre Cluster curriculum. In 2008, after 32 years as the Theatre Cluster Director, Louise Smith retired. 

 The Louise Smith Scholarship also recognizes the recipients' contributions to the Theatre Conservatory and their continued pursuit of an arts education while celebrating Ms. Smith's role in establishing the foundation of the current Theatre Conservatory and the creation of today's scholar artists. 

You can read more about Louise Smith in this May 21, 2008 article from D Magazine 

Karon Cogdill Scholarship
The Karon Cogdill Scholarship was first awarded in 2021 following Ms. Cogdill's retirement from Booker T Washington HSPVA. Karon Cogdill worked at Booker T, first as a consultant in 1976 and later on the faculty before being named the Director of the Theatre Cluster/Conservatory, a position she held at the time of her retirement.

 In May 2026, six graduating seniors were awarded Karon Cogdill Scholarships. The Cogdill Scholarship recognizes the recipients' contributions to the Theatre Conservatory and their continued pursuit of an arts education while honoring Ms. Cogdill's legacy of making an education in theatre accessible to all.

You can see Karon Cogdill featured on CBS 11 from January 26, 2021 or in the Dallas Morning News Booker T. Washington HSPVA Graduation from June 2021.  

Pegasus Scholarship
In 2026, the Theatre Guild awarded the first Pegasus Scholarships. Like the Karon Cogdill and Louise Smith Scholarships, the Pegasus Scholarship also recognizes the recipients' contributions to the Theatre Conservatory. However, Pegasus Scholarship recipients intend to attend college with an academic focus outside the theatre.

Donate to the Theatre Guild to help provide Senior Scholarships.