Scholarships

Dr. Walt Newman Scholarship Fund

Individual Scholarships for CMT’s Programs

CMT proudly follows its guiding principles of casting all who wish to participate, regardless of financial limitations.

Our needs-based scholarships may be applied to productions, training opportunities and camps. Scholarships are given on a quarterly basis and may be applied to any single program during that time. Scholarships for winter and summer camp have their own deadlines and are available in addition to a production or class during that same quarter as needed.

Dr. Walt was a true Renaissance man and a passionate, devoted member of the CMT community. For many years, he served on our Advisory Board and was a familiar, joyful presence at countless CMT performances. He often brought along family, friends, and colleagues to share in the magic of his favorite local theater company, inspired by the artistic leadership of Kevin Hauge.

Deeply moved by CMT’s mission to cast all who wished to participate, Dr. Walt believed in the organization’s power to nurture life skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the performing arts.

His commitment to our community extended far beyond the stage. As a brilliant and compassionate physician, Dr. Walt donated his medical services in support of our CMT community including, providing annual flu shots to CMT families, and playing a pivotal role in coordinating PPE and COVID-19 vaccinations through numerous pop-up clinics hosted at the Creative Arts Center.

Dr. Walt was always ready to help—never seeking recognition but simply motivated by a desire to serve. His wisdom, generosity, and hands-on care touched the lives of so many.

CMT is honored to continue Dr. Walt’s legacy through the Dr. Walt Newman Scholarship Fund, which helps to ensure access to our CMT performances and programs.

How to Apply

Fall Scholarship Applications are Now Closed. Winter Applications Open Oct. 27.

 

NEW APPLICANTS (Those who have NOT received a scholarship from CMT in the past 2 years.)

  1. Fill out and submit a 2025-2026 Scholarship Application for the program you would like to participate in by the deadlines listed.
  2. All new families must complete a phone interview with a member of the Scholarship committee. We will reach out to you to schedule this phone meeting after you have submitted your application.
  3. All applicants will be notified of their status via email following their interview. Instructions for registration will be provided at this time. Applicants must complete registration in order to secure their spot.

RETURNING APPLICANTS (Those who have received a scholarship from CMT in the past 2 years.)

  1. Fill out and submit a 2025-2026 Scholarship Application for the program you would like to participate in by the deadlines listed.
  2. All applicants will be notified of their status via email no more then one week after submitting their application. Instructions for registration will be provided at that time. Applicants must complete registration in order to secure their spot.

Late applications will not be accepted. Due to the number of requests, CMT adheres to a strict deadline for each quarter, and we are not able to consider late applications. All deadlines are listed on this page and end typically 1 week prior to auditions or the start of classes. If you miss the deadline, we recommend applying for a later quarter during our season.

For more information, email ryan@cmtsj.org

Application Deadlines

YOU MUST COMPLETE A SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AND RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP CODE BEFORE REGISTERING

WINTER 2026

Winter Scholarship Applications Open October 27

Winter Camp: Once Upon A Dream (TK-8th Grade)

Deadline to Apply: February 5

Winter Studio Classes (TK-12th Grade)

Deadline to Apply: February 5

Drowsy Chaperone, Rising Stars (Ages 8-14)

Deadline to Apply: November 23 | Auditions: December 8-9

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Mainstage (Ages 14-20)

Deadline to Apply: November 30 | Auditions: December 15

SPRING 2026

Spring Scholarship Applications Open January 26

Godspell, Rising Stars (Ages 8-14)

Deadline to Apply: February 22 | Auditions: March 3-4

Chess, Mainstage (Ages 14-20)

Deadline to Apply: March 1 | Auditions: March 11

SUMMER 2026

Summer Camp CMT Scholarship Applications Open December 1

Summer Show Scholarship Applications Open March 30

Camp CMT (TK-8th Grade)

Deadline to Apply: May 24

Pinocchio, Junior Talents (Ages 7-10)

Deadline to Apply: April 26 | Auditions: May 5-6

Disney’s Newsies, Rising Stars (Ages 10 to 14)

Deadline to Apply: May 3 | Auditions: May 12-13

Legally Blonde, Mainstage (Ages 15-20)

Deadline to Apply: May 10 | Auditions: May 21