Broadway Theater League Creates Scholarship Fund for Arts Education

The Broadway Theater League of Utica (BTL) has created a scholarship fund at The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties in memory of a longtime member of BTL’s board of directors. The Linda Leogrande Youth Ambassador Scholarship Fund honors her more than 30 years of service on the board and her passion for theater and the arts.

“It is because of Linda that I am on the Board at Broadway Utica,” said Dr. Anthony Mandour. “She sought me out and wouldn’t stop until it happened—that was Linda. She had an intense love for this community and was totally giving of herself and encouraging and inspiring others to do the same.”

Broadway Theater League of Utica, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1957 to bring touring Broadway-caliber performances to the Mohawk Valley. Those involved in BTL agree that Linda was a shining example for both the community and the organization. Dedicating the new scholarship program to Linda’s memory recognizes her advocacy for getting youth involved in the arts. She was the longstanding committee chair for the Pearle Nathan Scholarship at Utica College, spending many years serving on the nominating committee.

“It’s our mission to uphold the core values of Linda’s generosity by promoting the arts, praising people in their roles, and encouraging open communication and creativity for all,” said Danielle Padula, executive director of Broadway Utica.

The scholarship will acknowledge and support qualifying seniors enrolled in Broadway Utica’s Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program pursuing a major in arts education. The eligible seniors will have participated in the Youth Ambassador Program for two consecutive Broadway seasons. For more information about the program, visit broadwayutica.org.

Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made by visiting foundationhoc.org.