From orchestra pits to center stage, Concordia College and Trollwood Performing Arts School are investing in the next generation of performers, musicians, technicians, and arts professionals through a new partnership that expands scholarships, internships, and real-world artistic training.
“I’m very excited about this,” said Dr. Robin Griffeath, associate professor of voice and director of Concordia Opera. “It has the potential to be a meaningful and visible connection between Concordia College and Trollwood, building on an already strong relationship and turning it into something more intentional, supportive, and beneficial for students.”
The initiative begins this summer.
Scholarship Support
As part of the partnership, Concordia will offer four $5,000 Trollwood Merit Scholarships — two in music and two in theatre — to rising high school seniors participating in Trollwood productions.
Music awards will support one vocalist and one instrumentalist performing in the Mainstage Musical and the orchestra. Theatre awards will recognize one actor and one technical crew member participating in either the Mainstage Musical or Trollwood Players.
In addition, select students may be nominated by faculty and conductors of both organizations for the Trollwood Choice Award, which guarantees a minimum of $2,000 when a student applies and auditions for a music scholarship at Concordia.
“These scholarships create tangible financial support for talented students in voice, instrumental music, acting, and technical theatre,” Griffeath said. “That support not only recognizes their artistic achievement but also makes a Concordia education more accessible.”
Recipients will also advance directly to the live round of Concordia’s music scholarship process, including consideration for the prestigious Christiansen Scholarship, valued at $26,500 per year.
Visit ConcordiaCollege.edu/TrollwoodScholarships for more information about the scholarships.
Ongoing commitment
Plans are underway to offer Peak-eligible summer internships and employment opportunities at Trollwood for Concordia students. Students will gain hands-on training as rehearsal accompanists, orchestra section leaders, specialized pit musicians, and June session instructors.
“These are the kinds of experiences that help students grow as artists, teachers, collaborators, and emerging professionals,” Griffeath said. “Students will be able to connect their summer work directly to their academic and professional development at Concordia.”
Shared investment in students
For Trollwood leadership, the program extends the student experience beyond the summer stage.
“One of the most exciting parts of this partnership is knowing that students’ experiences at Trollwood can open doors for their future,” said Kathy Anderson, Trollwood’s executive director. “We deeply appreciate Concordia’s commitment to supporting and encouraging young performers and musicians.”
“As an arts educator, there is nothing more meaningful than knowing students will be encouraged to continue growing as artists after their time at Trollwood,” she added. “We are truly appreciative of Concordia’s partnership and their belief in the next generation of performers, musicians, and creative leaders.”
Concordia connections
The partnership builds on deep existing ties between the two institutions. Concordia faculty and staff regularly contribute to Trollwood programming, and students gain experience in both settings.
Griffeath and Dr. Kristin Griffeath, instructor of voice at Concordia, serve as directors of the Trollwood Conservatory, an advanced program focused on developing “triple-threat” performers through integrated training in singing, acting, and dance. Kristin Griffeath also serves as music director for the Trollwood Mainstage Musical.
Additional shared connections span music, technical theatre, and production roles.
Because of these existing ties, the partnership represents a natural next step, Griffeath said.
“This partnership reflects a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence in music and theatre,” he said.