Carol Burnett is extending a generous hand to aspiring talents in the world of musical theater. The beloved entertainer has established the Carol Burnett Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. This scholarship aims to support students in the Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program, offering vital financial assistance to high-potential undergraduates.
Endowment Details and First Recipient
The scholarship, administered by UCLA’s theater department, will be awarded annually to help cover tuition and fees. The inaugural recipient of the Carol Burnett Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship is Alexa Cruz, a member of the class of 2029. Cruz, who has already demonstrated her talent in community theater with performances tied to Burnett’s own career, expresses her excitement about the new opportunities this support will bring.
More Than Financial Support
Burnett’s contributions extend beyond finances. She has donated over 140 of her industry awards and accolades to UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television, which will be exhibited in the lobby of UCLA’s Freud Playhouse. In celebration of this initiative, Burnett will appear on campus for a special event, accompanied by “Palm Royale” creator Abe Sylvia, himself a UCLA alumnus.
“I am so pleased that, with this endowment of the Carol Burnett Scholarship to the UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television, students will be given an opportunity akin to what UCLA gave me when I enrolled fresh out of high school,” said Burnett. “I found my true passion at UCLA, and in this scholarship lies the hope that it will do the same for many others for many years to come.”
A Lasting Legacy
The gesture has been met with high praise. Celine Parreñas Shimizu, dean of UCLA’s TFT, lauds Burnett’s illustrious career and contributions. “She created new paths every time something blocked her way,” Shimizu noted. “Her approach to craft is completely aligned with the spirit of what we teach our brilliant students at TFT. Carol Burnett’s voice has always been, and will always be, part of our story.”
Alexa Cruz, the scholarship’s initial beneficiary, hopes this opportunity will propel her ambitions in acting. “As a first-generation college student, this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams of becoming an actress and make my goals feel more attainable,” she shared.
Before she became a household name with The Carol Burnett Show, Burnett honed her skills in theater, appearing on Broadway and self-producing shows in New York. Her notable stage roles include Princess Winnifred in “Once Upon a Mattress,” a performance that earned her a Tony Award nomination. With her comprehensive support to UCLA, Burnett’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of performers.
