Lou Trapani Legacy Scholarship

As the founding Artistic & Managing Director of The CENTER, Louis G. “Lou” Trapani dedicated 25 years to shaping theater and nurturing the arts in Rhinebeck.

Lou was a passionate advocate for theatre, education, and community service. Lou had a remarkable ability to connect with people, always eager to say yes and give opportunities to emerging talent. His unique ability to see potential in others inspired artists of all ages, many of whom credit Lou's encouragement during their formative years as a defining force in their lives. Lou directed dozens of productions and acted in dozens more.

Lou passed away in July 2024. Since then, family and friends have generously donated to the Lou Trapani Legacy Fund. These donations will help ensure that Lou's commitment to arts and education continues to flourish, and we are proud to announce the Lou Trapani Legacy Scholarship.

Lou always gave people a chance to thrive here at The CENTER, and the Lou Trapani Legacy Scholarship has been established to continue giving those chances in his name.

This year we will be gifting a one time award of $1000 or two one time awards of $500 each.

Please carefully read the criteria, due dates, and instructions for submitting letters of recommendation below. If you have any questions, please email victoria@centerforperformingarts.org.

Eligibility criteria:

Entering college in the 2025-2026 school year.
Must be pursuing, or plan to pursue, a degree in a theatrical performing art (acting, musical theatre, voice, or dance), theatre management, or theatre design.
Has participated in a Main Stage production, workshop, camp, or dance class at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck in the past 4 years.
Can procure a letter of recommendation from a director or instructor. This person does not have to be from The CENTER. This person must submit their letter of recommendation separately by following the instructions below.

This application is due April 15, 2025. Letters of recommendation are due April 15, 2025. Applications and/or letters of recommendation received after April 15 will not be considered.

Scholarship decisions will be made by a committee of educators, artists, and friends of The CENTER.

The CENTER will announce recipient(s) by June 1, 2025.

Application

To be completed by the applicant

Name

First Name

Last Name

Pronouns

Phone

(###)

###

####

The CENTER may use your answers, name, and school plans in future publications. We will not share your contact information. Please check "Yes" to indicate that you understand.

Yes

High School

What school do you currently attend?

Are you entering college in the 2025-2026 school year?

What college will you be entering in the 2025-2026 school year?

What do you plan to study in college?

What are your career plans?

What has The CENTER meant to you?

There is no expected length or word limit for this answer. Please answer thoroughly and thoughtfully. You can also upload this answer below where the application allows an upload. Please indicate if you will be including an upload for this question.

Past work at The CENTER

Please list the workshop, camp, dance class, or Main Stage production that you have participated in here at The CENTER in the past four years. Please list years and instructors if possible. You can also upload this list below where the application allows an upload. Please indicate if you will be including an upload for this question.