Established in 2009 as an enduring tribute to the legacy of William D. and H. Marie Betrus Smith, pillars of the theater community in Monroe, the purpose of this scholarship is to enhance the performance quality and technical aspects of theater arts for Monroe County residents.
To promote the highest level of accomplishment, the scholarship funds the mastery of textual interpretation, voice, and movement. Technical awards are considered when portfolios are submitted with the application.
Today, the scholarship is an endowed fund within the Community Foundation of Monroe County and continues to be supported through donations from family and friends in memory of William and Marie.
For more information on the William D. and H. Marie (Betrus) Smith Scholarship for the Theatrical Arts, including how to donate, please contact the Community Foundation of Monroe County at (734) 242-1976 or visit their website at www.cfmonroe.org.
About Bill and Marie
The Smiths met after a Monroe High School play and discovered their mutual passion for theater and love for each other.
Their love of theater continued through World War II and during a move to New York City. Bill and Marie had two passions: family and the Monroe Community Players. So much so that when they returned to Monroe to start their family the also rallied family and friends to bring back MCP after World War II. Today we recognize them as the founders of the current MCP.