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 the Performing Arts.
Applicants must be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago between 18 to 25 years of age, with a demonstrable record of contributions to the local arts industry. A rigorous selection process, which evaluates applicants based on academic certificates, recommendation letters, Pre-screening, Full Auditions, In-Person Interviews, essay, and a financial assessment for The Angostura Foundation.
The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts will focus on
Key Dates
- Application closes Friday, May 16th, 2025.
- Pre-screening Saturday, May 31st, 2025.
- Full Auditions Sunday, June 1st, 2025.
- In-Person Interviews Friday, June 6th, 2025.
The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts Details.
The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts Includes:
- Full-time tuition expenses for the programmes outlined for a maximum of four (4) years.
- Relevant university student and amenities fees
- 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.)
- Assistance and support as required in acquiring a Student Visa.
- Expenses for travel to North America for mandatory audition
- University application fees
The Angostura Foundation Scholarship in the Performing Arts Contract - Key Terms and Conditions.
The Scholarship shall be for a maximum period of four (4) years which shall be on the basis of the start date and completion date of the Undergraduate Degree Programme.
-
The Recipient shall (inter alia):
- apply to at least four (4) institutions approved by The Foundation;
- maintain a grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.0 for each academic year of the Undergraduate Degree Programme and submit all necessary documentation evidencing such GPA;
- at the end of each academic year and upon return to Trinidad and Tobago, complete an internship with Angostura and The Foundation for a period of six (6) weeks;
- continuously provide services to Angostura and The Foundation for a period of five (5) year ("Bonded Period"), commencing immediately upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Degree Programme. In this capacity, the Recipient shall actively promote and represent Angostura’s brands, products and services in a positive and professional manner and work closely with The Foundation; and
- grant Angostura and The Foundation the right, in perpetuity, to use his/her name, image, likeness and biography for all editorial, publicity and promotional purposes in connection with (inter alia) the Scholarship.
Application Requirements
- All interested applicants must be citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and between the ages of 18 to 25 years at the closing date of applications.
Applicants must not possess dual citizenship for any other country. -
* - fields are mandatory. Application Submission Requirements - General (for all applicants) Description Two forms of National I.D.* Provide copies of Birth Certificate and other form of National I.D. Police Certificate of Character* Provide a copy of your police certificate of character. Financial Assessment* Download and complete this form, providing supporting document. This form must be sworn before a Commissioner of Affidavits Essay* - The use of Artifical Intelligence tools is 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/transripts of all academic qualifications. SAT scores Your most recent SAT (Scholastic Apptitude Test) scores if completed and available. SAT test date Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 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 colour headshot. Letters of recommendation* Two (2) letters of recommendation, one from an academic institution, the other from someone who is very familar with your work as an artist. Exam Certificates in Dance For Dance applicants 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. Exam Certificates in Music For 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. - Doe, John. Resume.
- Doe, John. Academic record.
- Doe, John. Essay.
- Doe, John. Score. Puccini: "O mio babbino caro"
- Doe, John. Score. Mozart: Sonata in C
Labeling Files for Upload
Submit your materials directly to The Angostura Foundation Scholarship application portal. All materials uploaded are to be labelled in the following format:Surname, First name. Item.
Example:
Live Audition Requirements And Additional Application Inclusions
| Audition Requirements - Dance Only | ||
| Description | ||
| Live Audition | ||
| Dancers are advised to warm up prior to the audition. Warm up space will be provided. Dancers must wear a unitard or tights and tight-fitting top, or leotard that clearly enables the viewer to observe dancing technique and body. |
||
| 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 | Perform five (5) short combinations to music in the centre; 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 | Perform two (2) combinations: 1. A short center warmup using the rounding and arching of the torso. 2. 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 (required media format: mp3). |
|
| Audition Requirements - Drama Only | ||
| Description | ||
| Live Audition | ||
| Performance of two (2) monologues of contrasting mood. Both pieces must be completely memorized. One piece comedy and the other piece serious. |
||
| 1. Monologue (Classical) | Any monologue selected from one of William Shakespeare's plays, or from a play of one of his Elizabethan contemporaries. (Marlowe, Jonson, Webster, Kyd, etc.), or from an English translation of any play from ancient Greek drama. The monologue selected must be written in verse. Two minutes maximum duration. You must upload the script of your monologue with the application. | |
| 1. Monologue (Contemporary) | From any published English-language play written after 1900 up to the present day. Selection may be from any published Caribbean play. Two minutes maximum duration. You must upload a script of your monologue with the application. | |
| Audition Requirements - Music Only | ||
| Description | ||
| Live Audition | Scales: Required of all applicants, except Conductors | Scales: 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. |
| Instrumentalists (except pan, and percussion) | 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: eg. 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. The works must be performed in their original keys. If your selection(s) require accompaniment, an accompanist will be provided. Music scores must be submitted with your application. | |
| Pannists | Pannists: Three (3) pieces. At least one of the three (3) selections should be written specifically for the pan. The other two (2) may be transcriptions. Pannists must submit scores of their selections. | |
| Singers (classical) | Singers: Three (3) selections. The three selections should be in at least two different languages chosen from: English, Italian, German, French, Latin, or Spanish. Scores must be submitted with your application. An accompanist will be provided. | |
| Singers (Musical theatre) | Two (2) selections in contrasting style selected from the standard musical theatre repertory. Must be accompanied live in audition. Scores must be submitted with your application. Music theatre applicants will be expected to stage their songs with movement as appropriate. Costumes are not required. It is permissible to include short dialogue leading into your selections. | |
| Jazz Instrumentalists | Jazz musicians: Prepare three contrasting pieces from the standard jazz repertoire. Play the melody, improvise over the form, and demonstrate fluency over the changes. Jazz musicians must provide a lead sheet with your application. | |
| Percussionists | Percussionists: Three (3) selections which should demonstrate your ability on different percussion instruments. One work may include several instruments. You must include at least one mallet instrument, and an instrument with a keyboard (eg. 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 above where applicable, except for timpani. | |
| Videos to be submitted* | 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. Scores of your selections must be submitted with your application. Conductors will also be required to submit a third video demonstrating your keyboard facility (own choice). Based on your materials submitted, we may request the reading of a short excerpt from open score at the keyboard (which would be provided). Announce your name at the beginning of each video, and the title and composer of each work. |
Candidate Selection Process And Timeline
The application window for The Angostura Foundation Scholarship will be open until 11:59pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025.
NO applications will be accepted after 11:59pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025.
NO applications will be accepted after 11:59pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025.
It is strongly recommended to hold the following dates free until you are notified. Candidates may not choose their appointment time.
- Suitable applicants will be invited to the Pre-screening, located at Academy for the Performing Arts, UTT, Port of Spain, on Saturday, May 31st, 2025. Successful applicants at the Pre-Screening will be notified at the end of day May 31st, 2025, whether they have been selected for a Full Audition on Sunday, June 1st, 2025.
- Selected applicants will be invited to the Full Auditions, also located at Academy for the Performing Arts, UTT, Port of Spain, on Sunday, June 1st, 2025.
The shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in In-Person Interviews on Friday, June 6th, 2025, These interviews will take place in-person, at The Angostura Holdings compound. This is the only date for interviews, and applicants should hold the date until notified. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of their interview time.
The Angostura Foundation will then contact the candidate most suitable for The Angostura Scholarship in the Performing Arts.
The chosen candidate will be required to submit at least four admission applications to the shortlisted North American Universities for which submission opens approximately on Monday, September 1st, 2025 and closes on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025.
The final confirmation of the most suitable candidate is subject to the receipt of an offer letter from one of the selected shortlisted North American universities, which is usually communicated via an application status letter to the candidate. Once accepted, the applicant will then be awarded the Scholarship in the Performing Art by The Angostura Foundation.
Live Audition Information and Instructions
Please read all these instructions carefully
Audition requirements for each discipline can be found here (Go to Section)
- Your submitted application will be acknowledged by e-mail.
After an initial review of your materials, you will be notified on or before Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 whether you have been selected for an audition - If you have been selected for a live audition, there are two stages:
- Pre-Screening – Saturday, May 31st, 2025 - 10am - 3pm
- Full Auditions - Sunday, June 1st, 2025 - 11am - 2pm
Candidates may not choose their appointment time-
Pre-screening – Saturday, May 31st, 2025
Applicants will be given a specific appointment for the Pre-Screening which will be held at the Academy for the Performing Arts, UTT, Port of Spain. At the prescreening, Drama & Music applicants will be asked to present one (1) selection of their choice from the list of audition requirements for the panel. Dance applicants will be in a class format (together) where Ballet & Contemporary technique will be assessed. (see Dance attire below). The audition panel reserves the right to request additional material from the requirements or not. Successful applicants at the Pre-Screening will be notified at the end of Saturday, May 31st, 2025, whether they have been selected for a full audition on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at the same location. -
Full Auditions - Sunday, June 1st, 2025 - 11am - 2pm
Those selected for Sunday, June 1st, 2025, Full Audition will be expected to present the entire portfolio of audition requirements in their respective discipline. A specific appointment time will be given. Candidates may not choose their appointment time. The Full Auditions will be held at the Academy for the Performing Arts, UTT, Port of Spain.
- Finalists will be selected from the Full Auditions for an In-Person Interview on Friday, June 6th, 2025, between 10am and 2pm at The House of Angostura, Corner Eastern Main Road and Trinity Avenue, Laventille, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. You will be notified by Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, if you have been selected for an interview. Friday, June 6th, 2025, is the only date for interviews (applicants should hold the date until notified).
Other live audition information:
- WARMS UP
Limited warm up facilities are available on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, and Sunday, June 1st, 2025. This needs to be scheduled ahead of time. Candidates will be given a strict period of time for warmups. To schedule a warmup time, please write to foundation@angostura.com. Warmup times will be filled in the order of request. Candidates are to submit this request no later than Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. - DANCE ACCOMPANIMENT
Applicants for Dance must bring their recorded soundtracks. The dance studio is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for playback from your smartphone or laptop. Or you may bring your music on a flash drive. The required media format is mp3. - DANCE ATTIRE
Dancers should come prepared to do an open dance audition; a -ballet barre and contemporary centre work. It is recommended to have ballet shoes and convertible tights. - OFFICIAL ACCOMPANIST (MUSIC)
A professional accompanist will be provided for Applicants in Music who require an accompanist. You may bring your own accompanist if you prefer. Legible scores of what you will perform are required when you submit your application online. Music applicants may not substitute selections at the audition. Recorded soundtracks as accompaniment are not acceptable, as part of the assessment includes how you make music with a live person. The scores you upload with your application should be clearly marked with cuts, ritard, breath marks etc. as applicable - MUSIC SCORE SOURCES
You may use an edition of a music score you have. Your selections must be uploaded and submitted with your application.
Downloadable PDF scores could be sourced from one of the following sites:- MuseScore.com (musical theatre or classical) Download for a fee
- imslp.org (public domain scores, vocal & instrumental, classical only) FREE
- SheetMusic-free.com (vocal, piano, all styles) FREE
- FreeSheetMusic.net (classical) FREE
- Sheetmusicdirect.com (musical theatre) Download for a fee
- DRAMA
Drama applicants may not substitute monologues at the audition. Your selected monologues must be uploaded with your application.
For questions on auditions or audition requirements please email: foundation@angostura.com.
Questions
Questions 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 (4) years.
- Relevant university student and amenities fees
- 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.)
- Assistance and support as required in acquiring a Student Visa.
- Expenses for travel to North America for mandatory audition
- University application fees
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, Musical Theatre (voice), Jazz Studies, Pan Studies and Conducting.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama degree prepares students for careers in theatre, film, and television. The area of study will be 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 18 to 25 years.
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 materials is 11:59pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025.
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, suitable candidates will be invited to the Pre-screening on Saturday, May 31st, 2025.
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 live audition and interview 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.