SCHOLARSHIPS
We strive to never turn a student away due to financial limitations. Thanks to the support of our donors & patrons, we are able to provide scholarships for 20% of our students.
Be the Corporate or Individual Sponsor who provides students with the gift of attending performing arts classes, workshops or a summer camp at Metropolitan Performing Arts. Currently 20% of our students receive financial assistance. Your sponsorship will have a significant impact on the life of an individual student.
We are recognized under the IRS tax code as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization (EIN #27-0769037). Therefore, all donations are tax deductible.
THE JULIAN WEHDE
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
For students needing financial support to enroll in one or more classes, camps, or performances. This scholarship is based on need, ability to volunteer, and past performance both at MPA and in the surrounding community.
MPA was Julian’s happy place. Julian was full of creativity, laughter, and boldness. He took chances on stage whether he was wearing a silly blond wig in ‘Spamalot’, or jumping off of portable stages proclaiming his affection for his one true love in ‘Taming of the Shrew.’ This Scholarship provides support for students who would not otherwise be able to afford to pursue their dreams.
Julian Yan Wehde (2003-2020) was a performer and student at Metropolitan Performing Arts beginning in 2017. He watched his sister Flora perform in Aladdin and decided to join the fun, signing up for The Aristocats that very night. He also performed in Spamalot!, Matilda, The Taming of the Shrew, and Mermaid over the next few years. The community that Julian found at MPA was at different times a solace, an inspiration, or a source of pride. It was a place to practice leadership and friendship. Above all, it was a community of deep acceptance. Julian's time at MPA was the best of his life and he was his best self because of it. His family is eternally grateful to MPA.
For students wanting to enroll in one school year of private lessons for a 30 min time slot. This scholarship is based on need and merit. The student will fill out a section on the scholarship form as to why they feel this scholarship should be awarded to them.
THE EMILY SKEEN
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Emily Skeen was a singer, teacher and native of the Pacific Northwest. She received her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from Portland State University in 2015, and her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019. Skeen has been teaching voice and piano privately for over fifteen years, and had the pleasure of teaching undergraduate classes as a pedagogy TA during her time at CU Boulder.
Her students have received awards from such organizations as the National Association for Teachers of Singing and the Imig School of Music. As a singer Skeen performed roles as Miss Jessel in Britten’s Turn of the Screw and Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Donna Anna in Denver Immersive Opera’s adaptation of Don Giovanni. She received awards from such organizations as the metropolitan opera national council auditions, the national association for Teachers of Singing, the Viola Vestal Coulter Foundation, and the Jeanine B. Cowles Foundation.
Emily Skeen made her music directorial debut in SpongeBob the Musical with MPA and music directed The Lightning Thief , A Percy Jackson musical in the Winter of 2023. She was a private voice teacher, a friend, and a beautiful soul. She inspired her students by openly sharing her love of music with all of us. Emily was legendary for keeping students positive, focused, and moving forward in their performance skills - even on their toughest days. She also taught them to be fearless and take positive risks.
To apply for one of our Scholarship programs, please visit our Tuition & Financial Assistance page for details.
