• General Information
  • AF Scholarship package
  • Application requirements
  • Portfolio Requirements for all applicants
  • Technical Information for video submissions
  • Submission instructions
  • Candidate selection process and timeline
  • Questions
  • FAQ
logo
logo

General Information

The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the performing arts provides an opportunity for an aspiring young artist in Trinidad and Tobago to receive and benefit from world-class education and training through the award of a Scholarship in the Performing Arts at a University in North America. The scholarship covers full-time tuition fees, school expenses, living expenses and yearly return airfare for an undergraduate degree in Performing Arts.

Applicants must be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago between 16 to 25 years of age by 31st December, 2024 with a demonstrable record of contributions to the local arts industry.

A rigorous selection process, which evaluates applicants based on academic transcripts, recommendation letters, audition videos, interviews, essay, and a financial means test for The Angostura Foundation. Priority will be given to a candidate who demonstrates a high level of technical and artistic achievement in their field, with the passion and discipline for a career in the performing arts

The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts will focus on
image
image
image

The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts Package.

The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts Package Includes:

  • Full-time tuition expenses for the programmes outlined for a maximum of four years.
  • University student fees required such as: activity fees, mandatory student health insurance, international student fee
  • Meal allowance per semester
  • Cost of mandatory course assigned books and supporting programme materials
  • One economy return airfare per academic year
  • Accommodation (on-campus residence hall/off-campus where on-campus is not available.
  • Financial assistance in acquiring an American or Canadian Student Visa
  • Expenses for travel to North America for any required in-person audition
  • University application fees

Application Requirements

  • All interested applicants must be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and between the ages of 16 to 25 years by 31st December, 2024.
    Applicants must not possess dual citizenship for any other country.
  • For all applicants:
    • Completed online application
    • Two forms of National Identification
    • Parent/Guardian consent form (For candidates under 18 years)
    • Applicants means test will be considered if their net income (Total household income – Total household expenses) is below 30k monthly.The means test information is identical to that of the Ministry of Education.
    • A digital professional headshot (scanned / softcopy)

Portfolio Requirements for all applicants

  • Essay - The use of Artifical Intelligence tools is prohibited
  • Academic record
  • SAT scores (if available)
  • Resumé
  • Programmes (if available)
  • Press articles/Reviews (if available)
  • Awards/Certificates (if available)
  • Headshot
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Additional discipline-specific portfolio requirements refer to the application tab for details
  • Candidates are advised to click on the Apply Now button, and peruse the entire application for requirements. You can view without filling in any field, and come back at a later date to enter information and save. The application will not be received by the Angostura Foundation until you click 'Submit'

Technical information for video submissions


  • Resolution: Record in high definition (HD), preferably at 1080p.
  • Format: Submit in Windows MP4, MOV, AVI format or YouTube link.
  • Frame rate: Minimum 30 frames per second (fps).
  • Audio: Ensure clear audio quality with minimal background noise. Music and spoken words should be audible.
  • Lighting: Use adequate lighting to ensure visibility. Avoid backlighting.
  • Background: Choose a clean, uncluttered background, such as a plain wall or a dance studio.
  • Orientation: Record in landscape mode (horizontal).
  • Stability: Use a tripod or stable surface to avoid shaky footage.

General Submission Instructions

Upload

Submit your materials directly to the Angostura Scholarship application portal. All materials uploaded should be clearly labelled with Surname, First name, Item. e.g. Smith, John. Video 1 / Edwards, Alice. Academic record. / Singh, Jeremy. Scales / Lee, Robert. Essay.

Alternatively, you can upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and provide an unlisted or private link. If uploading your videos to YouTube, or Vimeo, please upload a word document with a hyperlink to your video. Ensure that the video is accessible via the link provided.

Additional Recommendations

Videos should be recent, preferably recorded within the last six months.

Review the video for quality before submitting to ensure it meets all guidelines.

Drama: Ensure good lighting, clear audio with no background noise, and a neutral, non-distracting background. Use a medium close-up or medium shot.

Costumes and props are optional; otherwise, wear basic black.

Dance: Unitard, tights, or leotard; ensure clothing contrasts with background.

Ensure visibility and clarity in the recordings.

Candidate Selection Process & Timeline

The application window for the Angostura Foundation Scholarship will be open from midnight on Thursday, August 22nd until midnight on Thursday, September 12th, 2024.

Late applications will not be accepted.
The screening process will take place between Friday, September 13th and Friday, September 20th.
The shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in interviews where The Angostura Foundation Talent Evaluation Panel further evaluates their skills and accomplishments. These interviews will take place in-person on Thursday, 26th September, at the Angostura Holdings compound.
The Angostura Foundation Panel then awards the candidate most suitable for The Angostura Scholarship in the Performing Arts.
The chosen candidate will be required to submit an admission application to the shortlisted North American Universities for which submission approximately opens on 1st October 2024 and closes on 1st December 2024
The final confirmation of the most suitable candidate is subject to the receipt of an offer letter from the shortlisted North American universities, which is usually communicated via an application status letter to the candidate by Spring 2025.

Questions

Questions on the Scholarship opportunity, the application process, the portfolio requirements, technical support, may be addressed to foundation@angostura.com

Applicants and their parents/teachers are not permitted to directly speak with, or contact any member of the evaluation panel. All enquiries should be addressed to the Angostura Foundation at the e-mail provided above.

FAQs

What is The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts?

The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts provides an opportunity for an aspiring young artist in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue an undergraduate full-time degree in Dance, Drama, or Music.

What does the Scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers:

  • Full-time tuition expenses for the programmes outlined for a maximum of four years.
  • Meal allowance per semester
  • Cost of mandatory course assigned books and supporting programme material
  • One economy return airfare per academic year
  • Accommodation (on campus/off campus)
  • Processing fees for US Student Visa application

Is there a specific degree programme that the Scholarship will cover?

The Angostura Scholarship will focus on the Bachelor of Music as well as, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (drama or dance) details of which are outlined below:

Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music degree prepares students for professional careers in music performance, and education. The areas of study will include Classical Music Performance, Jazz Studies and Pan Studies and Conducting.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama degree prepares students for careers in theater, film, and television. The areas of study will include acting.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degree prepares students for careers in professional dance performance. The areas of study will include Ballet, Modern Dance and Jazz Dance.

Who is eligible for consideration to receive this Scholarship?

All interested applicants must be citizens living in Trinidad and Tobago and between the ages of 16 to 25 years.

What are the portfolio requirements that I need to submit within my application?

Click here to see Portfolio Requirements for all applicants

Portfolio Submission Requirements - General (for all applicants)
Item Description
Essay - The use of Artificial Intelligence tools are prohibited Provide an essay of no more than 500 words on one of the following topics:
  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Academic record Provide copies of certificates/transcripts of all academic qualifications.
SAT scores Your most recent SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores if completed and available.
Resumé A resumé that highlights education, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership experience, work experience, awards, hobbies.
Programmes Proof of any public performances (e.g., programmes) that you have been involved with in any capacity (e.g., soloist, performer, ensemble member, leader, or production team).
Press articles/Reviews Copies of any press, magazine, or web articles or reviews that highlight your accomplishment(s).
Awards/Certificates Copies of any certificates or awards you have received.
Headshot A professional digital color headshot.
Letters of recommendation Two (2) letters of recommendation, one from an academic institution, the other from someone who is very familiar with your work.
Additional Portfolio Submission Requirements - Dance Only
Item Description
Exam Certificates in Dance If you have certificates in Dance exams from a recognized institution such as the Royal Academy of Dance, or the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, please include them.
3 Video Submissions 1. Solo Performance - Two (2) minutes in length, in any dance genre, to musical accompaniment. State title, choreographer, composer of the music. Demonstrate artistic qualities and flow of movement. Costumes are not required.
2. Ballet Technique - Create five (5) short combinations to music in the center; Tendu combined with pirouettes, Adagio, Pirouettes across the floor, Petit Allegro combination, Grand Allegro Combination, record both right and left.
3. Contemporary or Modern Technique - Create two (2) combinations:
  • A short center warmup using the rounding and arching of the torso.
  • Phrases that travel across the floor focusing on moving rigorously through space with attention to rhythm, changes of direction and level changes, record both on the right and left sides.
You may use any music of your choice.
Additional Portfolio Submission Requirements - Drama Only
Item Description
2 Video Submissions Candidate must state their full name, the play from which the monologue is chosen and the character(s) being portrayed in these monologues. Both pieces must be memorized. One piece must be funny and the other piece serious. Costumes and props may be used if the candidates wish. Otherwise, just wear basic black.
Actor must be well illuminated. Shot size must either be a medium close-up (chest to just above the head) or a medium shot (waist to just above the head). Audio must be clear with no peripheral noise. Background neutral and non-distracting.
  1. Monologue (Classical) - From any English-language play written before 1900, no longer than two minutes maximum duration.
  2. Monologue (Contemporary) - From any English-language play written after 1900, two minutes maximum duration. It can be from a Caribbean play if the candidate wishes.
Additional Portfolio Submission Requirements - Music Only
Item Description
Exam Certificates in Music For all Music applicants - If you have completed Theory or Practical Graded Music exams from a recognized institution such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), or Trinity College, London, please include these certificates.
Videos Instrumental and vocal soloists - Three (3) separate videos of three (3) pieces performing as a soloist on your instrument, demonstrating your technical and artistic level. The three pieces should be taken from different style periods: e.g., Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, 20th century, or Contemporary. (Contemporary in this context means a work written in the past 20 years, but not popular music). They must be works written specifically for your instrument, i.e., not transcriptions (except for pannists, see below). The works must be performed in their original keys. If your selection(s) require accompaniment, your videos should include the live accompaniment part, and not a recorded soundtrack. Videos must be unedited for the duration of the performance. Memorization is not required. Clearly state your name, the title of the piece, and the composer at the beginning of each video.
  • Additional note for Pannists: At least one of the three (3) selections should be written specifically for the pan. The other two (2) may be transcriptions. Your videos must show the inside of the pan and your hands throughout. Pannists must submit scores of their selections.
  • Additional note for Singers: The three selections should be in at least two different languages chosen from: English, Italian, German, French, Latin, or Spanish.
  • Specifically for Jazz Musicians: Jazz musicians: Prepare three contrasting pieces from the standard jazz repertoire. Play the melody, improvise over the form, and demonstrate fluency over the changes.
  • Additional note for Pianists: Your videos must clearly show your hands, the keyboard, and your feet for pedaling throughout. Pianists must play on an acoustic piano; an upright is fine, but not on an electronic instrument.
Percussionists Percussionists: Each of your three (3) videos should demonstrate your ability on different percussion instruments. A single video might include several instruments. You must include at least one mallet instrument and an instrument with a keyboard (e.g., xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel). There should be a mix between pitched and unpitched instruments. Demonstrate a variety of rhythmic and metric structures. Scales on keyboard instruments, as required below where applicable, except for timpani.
Scales: Required of all applicants, except Conductors Scales: One (1) video playing/singing three (3) scales, ascending and descending, two (2) octaves for instrumentalists, one (1) octave for vocalists. The scales must be unaccompanied and played/sung twice, first time legato, the second time staccato. In the case of steelpan, use rolls for legato scales. Choose one scale from each of the following types which are suitable for your range: Major, harmonic minor, melodic minor. In the case of vocalists: select keys that demonstrate your range. You may use a reference pitch before each scale. Announce your name at the beginning of the video, and the name of the scale before each one.
Videos - Specifically for Conductors Two (2) separate videos showing you in rehearsal with a live ensemble, either instrumental or choral. The camera should always be on the Conductor. Each video should be about 15 minutes in length. The idea is not to have a polished product, but to demonstrate your conducting gesture, your communication skills, and musical leadership. Ensure that we can clearly hear your instructions to the ensemble. The two selected works should be contrasting in style. Conductors will also normally be required to demonstrate keyboard facility and reading a short excerpt from open score (which will be provided upon request). Announce your name at the beginning of each video, and the title and composer of each work.

What are the technical requirements for the pre-screen video that I need to submit along with my application?

Below are the technical specifications for the pre-screening video:

  • Resolution: Record in high definition (HD), preferably at 1080p.
  • Format: YouTube link (applicants are required to record themselves and submit to YouTube, then copy the link to the application form).
  • Frame rate: Minimum 30 frames per second (fps).
  • Audio: Ensure clear audio quality with minimal background noise. Music and spoken words should be audible.
  • Lighting: Use adequate lighting to ensure visibility. Avoid backlighting.
  • Background: Choose a clean, uncluttered background, such as a plain wall or a dance studio.
  • Orientation: Record in landscape mode (horizontal).
  • Stability: Use a tripod or stable surface to avoid shaky footage.
  • File size: Keep the file size under 300MB. Compress if necessary while maintaining quality.
  • Upload: Submit your video directly to the Angostura Scholarship application portal. Alternatively, you can upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and provide an unlisted or private link.

Is there anything else I need to know to ensure my video recording will be accepted as part of my application?

Here are some tips for ensuring that your video meets the required guidelines:

  • Wear appropriate dance attire that allows the selection committee to clearly see your movements.
  • Videos should be recent, preferably recorded within the last six months.
  • Review the video for quality before submitting to ensure it meets all guidelines.

I don’t have access to a studio or space where I can record my video, what can I do?

If you require assistance in recording your video, please contact foundation@angostura.com

I need help to complete my application and to upload all of the required information, who can help me?

If you require assistance in completing the application form and/or uploading the supporting documents, please contact foundation@angostura.com

What is the deadline for uploading my application?

The deadline for submitting your application and all relevant supporting documentation is 11:59pm on Thursday, September 12th.

How will I know if my application qualifies for consideration for the Scholarship?

Only suitable applications which meet the established criteria will be reviewed by the Talent evaluation panel, who assess the candidates' qualifications. Based on this evaluation, a shortlist of suitable candidates will be determined. The shortlisted candidates, will be contacted and invited to participate in interviews, where the Talent evaluation panel further evaluates their skills and abilities. These interviews will take place on September, 26th 2024.

Who will be on the Talent Evaluation Panel?

An independent panel of talent evaluators comprising experts in the Performing Arts field and the members from the Board of Directors of The Angostura Foundation, will review the submitted applications.

How many Scholarship winners will there be?

There will be only one person awarded The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts.

How will the winner of the Scholarship be selected?

After the audition stage, the selection committee makes the final decision to award the scholarship to the candidate who best meets the Angostura Foundation and the shortlisted universities' acceptance criteria. The decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate’s application materials, performance during the audition, and overall fit with the scholarship's objectives.

When is the winner notified about the Scholarship?

The successful candidate is notified as soon as the final decision is made. The Angostura Foundation will provide clear information about the scholarship's terms and conditions and will offer assistance to the successful candidate in applying to the shortlisted North American universities.





TERMS & CONDITIONS
By applying for the Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the performing arts the applicant, parents & teachers agree that the decision of the Angostura Foundation Board is final, and may not be contested. Applicants will not receive specific feedback on their application.