Arcade Academy
Diversity Scholarship
2023 Scholarship applications open December 1
Arcade Diversity Scholarship
in honor of Terrence W. Black
About the scholarship
We believe that the best comedy reflects the diverse world in which it is presented, and we are dedicated to making our stages representative of our community. The Arcade Diversity Scholarship, founded in honor of Terrence W. Black through the generous support of his son and with continuing funding from student and audience donations, provides an opportunity for underrepresented voices in Pittsburgh to learn, practice, and perform comedy on the Arcade stage.
Scholarship recipients on the Improv Track are awarded a complete education in improv comedy with 5 classes from Arcade’s core curriculum. Recipients on the Stand-Up/Writing Track are awarded 3 classes of their choosing from the disciplines of Stand Up, Writing, and Improv, and may take the same class multiple times should they wish. Additionally, all scholarship recipients will receive mentorship from Arcade instructors and performance opportunities. At least one scholarship will be granted in each track for the 2022 award year.
Throughout the student’s time in classes, they will learn lessons that build confidence in public speaking, collaboration, and creative expression — all while being immersed in Arcade’s community of performing artists. The goal is to train a new generation of comedic artists that will work and play in Pittsburgh as part of Arcade Comedy Theater’s premier comedy institution.
Who is this scholarship for?
The Arcade Diversity Scholarship serves those that identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color; LGBTQIA+; or belong to underrepresented groups that may not have access to invest in a comedy education. You must be 18 years or older to enroll in Arcade Academy classes.
We’re here to help:
If you are interested in learning more about our Diversity Scholarship, or would like to be updated when the next round of applications opens, please contact Abby Fudor, Managing Artistic Director at afudor@arcadecomedytheater.com
Learn more about Arcade’s improv classes here.
Scholarship Application
Important Dates:
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December 1: Application period opens
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December 28: Application period closes (deadline extended!)
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January 6: Applicants selected for interviews notified
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January 9–10: Interviews with Scholarship Committee
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January 12: Scholarship Recipients Notified
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January 16: Session 1 of 2022 classes begins
Mission Statement on Inclusion
Arcade Comedy Theater believes that the best comedy reflects the diverse world in which it is presented. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment to all artists, staff, and audience members who come through our doors. Arcade will take an active role to ensure equitable practices and remedy when there are disparities in our values. We understand that inclusion is a journey, and that while we work to do good today, we must also work to do better tomorrow.
If you have any questions about our mission of inclusion, please contact Abby Fudor, Managing Artistic Director.
Through the support of PACE & the Arts Equity Reimagined grant, Arcade Academy instructors as well as the organization’s staff, board members, and artistic leaders will participate in DEI-focused training from Flanders Consulting throughout 2022.
The application process:
- Complete the application form
- All applications are reviewed by our committee
- Candidates selected for an interview by the announced deadline
- Interviews with committee members will occur at a predetermined time
- Scholarship recipient(s) will be announced and begin taking classes starting with the closest upcoming session
Our Scholarship Committee
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Abby Fudor, Managing Artistic Director
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Robin Hitchcock, Academy Director
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Nia Johnson, Manager of New Programming
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In addition to the above Arcade personnel, the application review committee and interview committee includes a group of dedicated volunteers who are artists, educators, and leaders in their fields that reflect the communities to which this scholarship is directed
“My father was not an artist, but he took pride in supporting the arts; while my mother devoted her retirement to creating art, he devoted his retirement to being a patron of the arts. I honor his legacy by supporting emerging comedic artists. The importance of cultivating diverse voices is unambiguous in my professional work in tech. Diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. An inclusive environment requires intent, commitment, and investment; with my hope channeled to enable each through this scholarship.”
— Tom Black, Arcade donor
2022 Class of Scholarship Recipients
Dominique Chestand
Trevor Miles
Melannie Taylor
Jeyni Ortiz-Valentin
I’ve been practicing some form of quarantine since the pandemic started two years ago. Which can be very isolating, not just as a human being, but as an artist. I’m the type of creative that really needs to be out in the world and around people to consistently feel motivated as I work towards my artistic goals. Though my time at Arcade has just started, the vulnerability it takes to do stand up has already pushed me to be more vulnerable in the other disciplines I practice. As a new transplant in Pittsburgh, the warm welcome I’ve received from fellow classmates and staff at Arcade has shown me the sense of community that comedy can build as an art form.
Dominique ChestandI’ve always had an interest in storytelling, and I want to turn my heavier life experiences into something teachable, and hilarious. For me, comedy is a completely brand new form of art making. I look forward to growing, smiles, and foolishness ensuing.
Trevor Miles
First Class of Scholarship Recipients
Beverly Conrique
Karyme Garzón Mahmud
Montaja Simmons
Kalyani Singh