Carol Burnett Launches Major UCLA Theater Scholarship with Personal Award Donation

Legendary comedian Carol Burnett has established a new scholarship for theater students. She announced the Carol Burnett Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship this week. The program is for the Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program at UCLA.

The star also donated her personal collection of career awards to the school. This includes over 140 trophies and accolades. The first scholarship recipient has already been named.

Financial Support and Historic Memorabilia for Students

The scholarship will help students with tuition and fees. A new student will be selected for the award each year. According to the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, the first recipient is Alexa Cruz.

Cruz is a first-year theater major from the class of 2029. She is a first-generation college student. The funding makes her dream of acting feel more attainable.

Burnett’s donated awards will be displayed publicly. They will be housed in the lobby of the Freud Playhouse on campus. This gives students daily inspiration from a trailblazer’s career.

A Full-Circle Moment for Burnett and UCLA

This donation is deeply personal for Carol Burnett. She found her own passion for performance as a UCLA student. She enrolled at the university fresh out of high school.

Burnett said the scholarship honors what UCLA gave her. She hopes it helps others find their true calling. The university’s dean praised Burnett’s visionary and prolific career.

The star will visit campus to mark the occasion. She will be joined by Abe Sylvia, a UCLA TFT graduate. Sylvia is now the creator of Burnett’s current show, Palm Royale.

This Carol Burnett scholarship creates a lasting legacy at UCLA. It provides crucial financial aid and priceless inspiration. The program ensures her groundbreaking spirit will mentor future generations for years to come.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who is the first student to receive the Carol Burnett scholarship?

The first recipient is Alexa Cruz. She is a first-year theater major at UCLA. Cruz has performed in community theater productions previously.

What did Carol Burnett donate besides money for the scholarship?

Burnett donated more than 140 of her personal career awards. This includes industry trophies and accolades. The collection will be displayed in the Freud Playhouse lobby.

Why did Carol Burnett choose UCLA for this scholarship?

Burnett is a former UCLA student herself. She says she found her true passion while studying there. The gift is a way to give back to the institution that shaped her.

What is the Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program?

It is the undergraduate musical theater program within UCLA’s theater school. The program trains students in performance, music, and dance. It is named for the famous dancer and actor.

Has Carol Burnett performed on Broadway?

Yes, Burnett made her Broadway debut in *Once Upon a Mattress*. She earned a Tony nomination for that role. She also starred in other productions like *Moon Over Buffalo*.