The $1,500 scholarship is funded by the proceeds from New Line’s “Night of the Living Show Tunes” concert in January at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

This scholarship was dreamed up by New Line’s artistic director, Scott Miller. Since he founded the troupe 18 years ago, he’s written a number of scholarly-but-fun books on musical theater, a subject he considers well worth a major. Musical theater is “one of the few indigenous American art forms,” he observed. “It’s never been more vigorous or more adventurous than it is right now.”

The scholarship will go to a student who lives in the St. Louis area. Application guidelines are on the troupe’s website, newlinetheatre.com/scholarship.html.

Application requirements include an essay, letters of recommendation and proof of enrollment in an accredited

college.

I will make the final decision about the scholarship. Scott asked me to do that a few months ago; both of us went to school on scholarships ourselves and know that even a little help can make a big difference. For what it’s worth, I also really enjoyed the Sheldon concert and want to see things like that keep happening. For a good cause? All the better.

Applications must be submitted by April 1. For more information, call 314-773-6526, or send an e-mail to newchaz64@aol.com.