William D. Smith and H. Marie Betrus Smith
Scholarship for the Theatrical Arts
Monroe Community Players is pleased to announce that Sydney Stewart and Nathan Stanifer are the winners of the 2010 Smith Scholarship.
Two scholarships were awarded this year based on the outstanding audition pieces presented by both of these young talents.
The awards were presented by H. Marie Betrus Smith at Players Membership Meeting in June.
Sydney has a strong interest in musical theater and plans to attend Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp this summer.
Nathan plans to develop his movement and stage presence with dancing lessons during this next year.
William D. Smith starred as Elwood P. Dowd in “Harvey” presented by Monroe Community Players as a dinner theater in February, 1981. It was a favorite role.
William D. Smith and his wife, H. Marie Betrus Smith, revitalized Monroe Community Players in 1948. It had disbanded during World War II. Bill’s mother, Edna L. Smith, was a member at that time.
There have been four generations of the Smith family in Players. H. Marie Smith, Paul W. Smith, Bernie AbbateSmith, Alison Smith Schwanke, and Lauren Smith were all in plays with William D. Smith. Mark D. Smith has also been a member of Players, along with his daughter Jessica Smith Burns, who was in several shows.
Bill was a mentor for his peers in MCP, at Westgate Dinner Theater in Toledo and around theater communities in SE Michigan. He helped many hone their craft and reach for the exceptional performance. Bill and Marie worked together to make Monroe Community Players an integral part of the community. This scholarship carries on their work in developing actors to their full potential.