The following is a list of awards and prizes available to drama students.


J.E.A Crake Performance Award in Drama

The J.E.A. Crake Performance Award in Drama is named after Dr. John Ernest Alexander Crake who was Professor of Classics at Mount Allison University from 1946 to 1976. It is funded by The J.E.A. Crake Foundation Inc. which is a private charitable foundation with the primary goal of supporting those engaged in study, teaching, and scholarship in the humanities.

This award is given annually at Convocation to the graduating student who, in the opinion of the faculty and staff of the Drama Studies program, has demonstrated outstanding acting ability, maintained high academic standing (minimum overall GPA of 3.0), and made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the University community.

Applicants/nominees will be assessed on the quality and variety of acting projects during their time at MtA (for Motyer-Fancy Theatre, Tintamarre, Garnet & Gold Musical Theatre Society, etc.). Consideration will also be given to the number of performances, to academic achievement, and to efforts made by the actor to practice his/her craft in the wider community.

Prospective May graduates each year are encouraged to apply to the director of drama by April 1st, 2022. Students and faculty are also encouraged to nominate deserving students. Watch the Drama Studies weekly newsletter for details.

Applications/nominations, in hard copy, should include a covering letter, describing in broad strokes the applicant’s performance and academic history at Mount Allison, reflecting on their learning experience, and listing shows worked on, with years, directors’ names, and roles indicated. The selection is made by faculty and staff participating in the Drama Studies program.

The award recipient is announced at Convocation.


Nathan Cohen Memorial Scholarship

The Nathan Cohen Memorial Scholarship was established in 1974 in memory of Nathan Cohen, a distinguished graduate and drama critic who graduated in 1942 and received an honorary degree from Mount Allison in 1967. It is supported by contributions from family, friends, and the Toronto Star.

The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding drama major or minor who has a keen interest in dramatic literature, history, or criticism, and has demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, the practical aspects of play production.

  • Students returning in the next fall term may apply or be nominated
  • Minimum overall GPA = 3.5
  • Recipient must be a full-time student in good standing in the year preceding application as well as in the year in which the award is held

Applications and/or nominations should be sent to the director of drama by the middle of March. Watch the Drama Studies weekly newsletter for details.

Applications/nominations, in hard copy, should include a covering letter, describing in broad strokes the applicant’s performance and academic history so far at Mount Allison, reflecting on their learning experience, and detailing how their practical experience contributes to their academic success. The selection is made by faculty and staff participating in the Drama Studies program.

The award recipient is announced in September.


Katherine (Shaw) Bigelow Memorial Prize

The Katherine (Shaw) Bigelow Memorial Prize was established in 1962 by the family of Katherine (Shaw) Bigelow who graduated in 1942 and was active in the Players' Society during her four years at Mount Allison. The award recognizes a drama major or minor who, in the opinion of the director of drama in consultation with faculty and staff associated with the Drama Studies program, has made the most significant contribution to the season’s productions as a performer, director, technician, manager, or playwright.

  • Students returning in the next fall term may apply or be nominated
  • Minimum average = GPA 3.0 on all DRAM courses
  • Recipient must be a full-time student in good standing in the year preceding application as well as in the year in which the award is held

Applications and/or nominations should be sent to the director of drama by the middle of March. Watch the Drama Studies weekly newsletter for details.

Applications/nominations, in hard copy, should include a covering letter, describing in broad strokes the applicant’s performance and academic history at Mount Allison, reflecting on their learning experience, and describing how their work has contributed to the theatre seasons they have been involved with. The selection is made by faculty and staff participating in the Drama Studies program.

The award recipient is announced in September.


Beth Robinson Award

The Beth Robinson Award was created in memory of a dedicated Windsor Theatre supporter in 2003. The award recognizes ongoing contributions in the area of design and/or production in the Motyer-Fancy Theatre (formerly Windsor Theatre). It is normally awarded to a drama major or minor who has been made a significant contribution in the area of design and/or production in the theatre in the past, and who plans on continuing to contribute in either or both of these areas in the coming year.

  • Students returning in the next fall term may apply or be nominated
  • Minimum average = GPA 3.0 on all DRAM courses
  • Recipient must be a full-time student in good standing in the year preceding application as well as in the year in which the award is held

Students who wish to be considered for this award please present a letter and brief resumé of your theatre activities to the director of drama by April 1st, 2022. Students and faculty are also encouraged to nominate deserving students. Watch the Drama Studies weekly newsletter for details. The selection is made by faculty and staff participating in the Drama Studies program.

The award recipient is announced in September.


MASU Department/Program Award

Each year the Mount Allison Students' Union solicits nominations from each department and program to recognize a “deserving drama major or minor graduating with a high academic performance (minimum overall GPA = 3.0) and/or having contributed to your department in an extraordinary manner.”

Prospective May graduates each year are encouraged to apply to the director of drama by the end of February. Students and faculty are also encouraged to nominate deserving students. Watch the Drama Studies weekly newsletter for details.

Applications/nominations, in hard copy, should include a covering letter, describing in broad strokes the applicant’s performance and academic history at Mount Allison, and reflecting on their learning and practical theatre experience. The selection is made by faculty and staff participating in the Drama Studies program.

The award recipient is announced at the Last Lecture in late March.