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Deadline for all financial aid applicants is April 1, 2008.
Notification of all awards will be made by April 15, 2008.

The ADF offers financial aid to a limited number of students in the form of scholarships, assistantships and apprenticeships. All financial aid recipients assist with operational and administrative work at the Festival. These duties will be assigned upon arrival. All financial aid applicants, except those for cooperative scholarships, must submit a copy of their parents’ most current tax forms or, if not claimed as a dependent, their own tax forms as submitted to the IRS, before they will be considered for any assistance. Financial assistance will not be considered without this information. Students dependent on financial assistance to attend the ADF are urged to apply early and to call the School office for advice on how to cut costs.

Tuition Scholarships (Requires audition)

Tuition scholarships are offered to promising students who have a high level of technical ability and creative potential and who have experience in either performing or choreographing. The awards are based on both ability and financial need. The student is responsible for her/his room, board, and living expenses. Scholarship amounts range from $200 to full tuition. For 2008, some special scholarships are designated in the names of Duham Arts Council, Fox Family Foundation, Harkness Foundation, Martha Hill, Gerald E. Myers, Martha Myers, Stephanie Reinhart, Julia and Thomas Saltz, Terry Sanford, Bessie Schonberg, Estelle Sommers, and Lou Wall.

Students must prepare a one-and-a-half minute solo for presentation at the audition. Audition dates subject to change. For audition locations and dates, see the audition information page.

Students must either submit their application package (completed/signed application form and application fee) before their audition date or be prepared to turn it in at the audition site. There will be application materials on hand at each audition. Students unable to attend an audition may submit a VHS videotape or DVD containing two minutes of technique and a one-and-a-half-minute solo along with their application package. The deadline for video or DVD submission is March 21, 2008.

Stagecraft Apprenticeships (Requires résumé of experience and letter of recommendation)

Stagecraft apprenticeships are awarded to students with interest and experience in the technical aspects of dance production. Apprentices act as an integral part of the technical crew in the preparation and running of performances by the visiting companies. The work involved is strenuous and requires maturity and responsibility. The apprenticeship commits the student to afternoon and evening hours and precludes performing in faculty or repertory presentations. Apprentices receive full tuition for two morning courses and the apprenticeship itself, which counts as a double course for those receiving academic credit.

Apprentices are required to arrive on Thursday, May 29, and to stay until Thursday, July 24, several days before and after the school dates, to assist in setting up and dismantling the ADF’s equipment. Room/board costs will be covered for these extra days. Apprentices are responsible for their room/board fees and living expenses during the six weeks of the ADF School.

Dorm Counselors and Staff Assistant Scholarships (Requires résumé of experience and letter of recommendation)

The ADF offers a few counselor positions and staff assistant scholarships to mature and responsible students who have skills to help with the operation of the Festival. Due to legal and insurance restrictions, most staff assistants must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. We are particularly looking for individuals with a valid commercial bus license. Other useful skills include: video experience, general office skills, receptionist experience, computer experience, counselor experience, and audiovisual equipment operation and maintenance. NOTE: In general, students who have previously attended the ADF are given priority in selection of dorm counselors and staff assistants.

Staff assistants will be asked to arrive on Monday, June 2, and to stay through Monday, July 21. Staff assistants will be required to work up to 20 hours per week, including weekends and evenings as needed for special events. Staff assistants will receive a full tuition scholarship and may take three classes. Staff assistants may take WFSS classes if their schedule permits. Room and board costs will be covered for the days prior to and after the Festival. Staff assistants are responsible for their room/board fees and living expenses during the six weeks.

Students with related experience may apply to be dorm counselors. Dorm counselors will be asked to arrive on Tuesday, June 3 and stay through Sunday, July 20. Counselors supervise Four Week School students and under-18-year-old Six Week School students residing on campus. Counselors live with these students in the dorm and accompany them to meals and on off-campus excursions. Responsibilities include weekend and evening duties. Counselors will receive a full tuition scholarship and may take three classes. Counselors may take WFSS classes if their schedule permits. Living costs and a percentage of meals will be covered by the ADF.

Hospitality Assistant Scholarship (Requires resume of experience and letter of recommendation)

Responsible for providing dinners and personal assistance for the Director and special festival guests staying in the Director’s home. Acts as host/hostess for ADF parties held in the Director’s home, in addition to working with the ADF staff to manage party supply inventory and coordinate event logistics. The hospitality assistant will live in the home of the ADF Director and receive free room and board, as well as free tuition for two morning ADF classes. Applicants must have their own transportation and be comfortable with cooking.

Cooperative Scholarships

The ADF matches tuition grants from sponsoring dance studios and college dance departments or groups for accepted applicants. These matches are up to $125 for studios and up to $250 for college/university groups and departments. The grants are matched on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should complete the appropriate section of the application form to request a sponsor’s application be sent to their potential sponsor. A limited number of cooperative scholarships will be available.

Internships in Administration and Production

Each summer, ADF offers internships in all areas of arts administration and production. For further information, please contact the ADF for an internship brochure and application.