Introducing The Larry D. Gabbard Performing Arts Scholarship

Elmwood Playhouse proudly announces the creation of the Larry D. Gabbard Performing Arts Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a High School Senior residing in Rockland County who intends to pursue a career in the Performing Arts including Performance, Arts Management, Stage Management, and Technical Design. The scholarship has been created in honor of Elmwood Board Member, director, actor and educator Larry D. Gabbard, who died suddenly after a short, but valiant fight against cancer in April 2021.

“Larry was a force of nature whose response to any problem was to take action. Creating a theater-related scholarship was something we as a board had been considering for some time, and Larry, in particular, loved the idea. So in our shock and grief over Larry’s loss, it was natural for us to honor him by finally moving forward to establish the scholarship and name it for him, especially since most of the cast and crew involved had worked with Larry previously and supported the idea. The Larry D. Gabbard Performing Arts Scholarship will support students in every aspect of theater, which mirrors Larry’s own commitment to the entire range of activities here at Elmwood: he was a performer, director, and board member who was equally comfortable discussing good lighting and good governance,” said Lisa Spielman, Board President.

A special benefit performance of “Songs For A New World” will take place Thursday, January 27, 2021, at 8:00 PM, serving as a fundraiser for the new scholarship.

According to Tony Bellomy, musical director of “Songs For A New World”, and Larry’s husband, “Quite simply, Larry was the love and center of my life. He was my director, stage manager, costumer, set designer, stylist, and star. And he did it all while doing the same for 400 high school students and 50 teachers every year. Even now, he directs my life and choices from the booth! As the song from “Songs For A New World” says, “carry me on, carry me on.” This scholarship is one way we can carry him on with us, by helping to carry some bright young souls into their exciting new act. Please consider a generous donation.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/support/larry-d-gabbard-scholarship/

Tickets to the Benefit Performance of “Songs For A New World”: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=133502