The Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre Scholarship Fund supports students who wish to study theatre at Laguna Playhouse. This fund is driven by individual contributions, gifts and grants, including support from organizations such as the Festival of Arts Foundation, The Assistance League and other local organizations. Each year our Scholarship Funds look slightly different, awarding both partial and full tuition support.

Students also may be considered for the Jessica Herron Memorial Scholarship. Established in 2005, the purpose of the Jessica Herron Memorial Scholarship Fund is to help families in transition or need assistance with tuition and class fees.

If you are seeking scholarship assistance, please complete the accompanying application form and attach supporting materials.

Criteria for Scholarship Consideration

 Student must have a consistent (2 semesters or more) grade point average of 2.5 or above
 Two (2) letters of recommendation
 Statement of Need with support materials
 Student commitment to write thank you letters
 Identify what you can reasonably contribute to your child’s experience


Jessica Herron was a student in the Laguna Playhouse Conservatory Program from 1999 to
2004. She was a committed class member, a performer and technical staff for Youth Theatre productions.  She participated in the first Laguna Playhouse Theatre trip to NYC in 2002 with her mother, Dana Klein.

During her time at the Playhouse, Jessica formed profound friendships and was a mentor to the younger students.  She never met a stranger nor found any obstacle too big to meet and overcome. Jessica, as well, gave her time and energy volunteering for charity organizations.  It was important to her to give back to her community and help those who may not have strong advocacy in their lives. Upon graduating from the Playhouse program, Jessica attended Vanderbilt University where she continued to find volunteer activities to augment her academic studies.

Jessica died in a car accident in October of 2005 while home for a visit.  She was with her parents and brother at the time of the accident and although the other members of the family were seriously injured, all have recovered.  Her parents, Dana Klein and Jay Herron, are great lovers of the theatre and especially the Laguna Playhouse.  In Jessica’s memory, the family has established an on-going Memorial Scholarship to benefit Laguna Playhouse students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to realize their dream to study acting and theatre.