2012 Christian Rowley Memorial Scholarship

Application Deadline: 5pm on Monday, March 4, 2013

About the Christian Rowley Memorial Scholarship Fund

In appreciation for the huge impact San Diego Junior Theatre had on his life, Christian Rowley’s family has formed a memorial scholarship fund in his name. Each year, thanks to this fund, young people who could not otherwise attend are given the opportunity to take part in the character enriching activities of Junior Theatre. Christian Rowley was a San Diego Junior Theatre student who passed away unexpectedly on a high school trip to Mexico. His family has graciously created this scholarship so that other young people have the chance to participate in Junior Theatre, like Christian had. We are saddened by the loss, and strengthened in the hope that many lives are still being touched by the generosity of others.

Christian Michael Rowley was the second smallest kid in his sixth grade class and the number one geek, but in his mind he was at least as talented as the kids he saw on TV shows and commercials. An audition with Faces International confirmed what he already knew: he had talent; and for $800 for photos and another $300 for acting classes, he could be rich and famous. It was suggested that San Diego Junior Theatre, with more than forty years of experience, might be a better place to start.

In May 1990, he signed up for his first class and was eligible to audition for both summer shows. He prepared “Great Balls of Fire” for his Grease audition, but when the time came, he couldn’t follow the pianist’s intro. He tried twice to begin and failed, then fled the audition in tears. That might have been the end of his JT career; except director Jim Saba saw him flee. Jim sat Christian down on the stairs and explained that every actor chokes sometime in his career. It was no big deal. He suggested that Christian might be better suited for Charlotte’s Web. Christian took Jim’s soothing words to heart and auditioned. He got the part of John Arabel. He continued auditioning and eventually landed the starring role of Peter in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.

Undoubtedly, Christian could relate to Peter Hatcher. After all, he’d been a fourth, fifth and sixth grade nothing himself. But seventh grade was a magical year. He participated in every show at JT. He fell in love for the first time and she liked him back. His role In Tales led to commercial and movie auditions and a voice over for Eclipse at the Space Theatre. From a belittled, unsure geek emerged a self-assured, witty, good-looking, intelligent young man. Perhaps it was just time for Christian to emerge from his cocoon, but those who knew him best attribute the change to his incredibly positive experience at JT.

He learned discipline, to follow directions, that each performance demanded your best and that everyone involved in the production is important, not just those in the spotlights. He learned of the camaraderie that builds when you are a part of a theatrical production. He learned that if your screw up in front of an audience, you keep going. All valuable lessons in life.

Even after leaving JT, Christian felt attached and would return often to check on “the kids”. In the summer of 1996, Christian checked on a production when he was volunteering at the Globe. He was pleased to note that his name was still known around JT. Someone had been caught pulling a “Christian”, that is, sitting in the dark hall by the stage romancing a female.

In a diary written at the end of his junior year, Christian concluded: “I’ve learned a few things: 1) Do NOT procrastinate. 2) Women are trouble. 3) God will help. 4) Friends are priceless. 5) Happiness is key. Never, ever, settle for second best.”

At the end of his senior year, he wrote: “In ten years, who knows what could have happened. Maybe, I’ll be dead. If this is ever used to interpret what kind of person Christian Rowley was, I would like to point out that he was a person who desired nothing more than to be happy. He was caring and loving. He tried to live his life to the highest level he could achieve. He tried to be the best person he could be.”

A lesson he learned well at San Diego Junior Theatre.

— Jody Rowley, Christian’s Mother

How to Apply for a Scholarship

San Diego Junior Theatre is excited to announce a special opportunity. Students between the ages of 8 and 17 are invited to apply for a Christian Rowley Scholarship. This year, we will offer 4 students year-long scholarships that will cover one Junior Theatre class or camp for each session and cover all production fees from Summer 2013 - Spring 2014.

The scholarships will be awarded on Friday night, April 26th, 2011 at our opening performance of A Little Princess.

Applicants must turn in the following to be considered for this scholarship:

1. Completed application,
2. Student letter of interest,
3. Parent/guardian proof of income,
4. Two letters of recommendation.

The ideal scholarship candidate will possess the following qualities:
• New (or limited access) to Junior Theatre
• Inspired by some aspect of Theatre
• Willing to make the commitment to a year of Theatre Studies
• Looking for a place to belong.

The student letter of interest should be at least one full typewritten page (double spaced) and include the following:

• Describe how you heard about Junior Theatre and why you would like to participate in our classes and productions.
• Describe why you are applying for the scholarship.
• List other activities or youth organizations you have participated in and provide examples that demonstrate your commitment to these activities.

Remember that we want to hear your own unique ideas and words, please make sure the letter you submit is your own work.

Complete application packets are due Monday, March 4, 2013 by 5pm. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Candidates must be available for an interview scheduled on Saturday, March 16, 2013 between 9am - 12pm.

Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions about the scholarship or the application process.

Sincerely,
Shalico Leaverton
Education Director
San Diego Junior Theatre
619-239-1311, x.229
Fax 619-239-5048
shalico@juniortheatre.com

Click Here to Download the Application Packet (PDF).

Please mail your completed application packet to:
San Diego Junior Theatre
Attn: Christian Rowley Scholarship
1650 El Prado, Suite 208
San Diego CA 92101

Or drop it by our office in Balboa Park

How to Donate to the Christian Rowley Memorial Scholarship Fund
Your donation to the Christian Rowley Memorial Scholarship Fund can make a difference. Download the Donation Form, or donate online.