New statewide competition offers scholarships to young performers.
For Florida high school students dreaming of taking center stage, a new scholarship competition could help turn their passion for musical theater into a promising future.
Behind the Mark Bruce & Marilyn Lee Swillinger Musical Theater Competition is a story of shared passions, enduring love and a commitment to helping young talent shine.
Established through a gift from longtime arts philanthropist Mark Swillinger to the National Society of Arts and Letters Florida (NSAL Florida), the annual competition honors his late wife, Marilyn, a dedicated champion of the performing arts.
Together, Mark and Marilyn supported South Florida’s cultural community, including chairing NSAL Florida’s 2016 Red Rose Gala.
Marilyn, who passed away in 2023, served as president of Lynn University’s Friends of the Conservatory of Music and was a founding supporter of the Center for the Arts and Innovation. She believed deeply in giving back, once sharing that, as a chosen child, she felt it was her duty to continually give of herself.
Mark continues that commitment through philanthropy, including an endowment exceeding $1 million to Lynn University for arts and education.
“Marilyn and I always loved attending musical theater in our community,” stated Mark Swillinger. “Watching young artists grow and take on new, challenging roles season after season was something we found especially inspiring. With this new competition, I look forward to creating a legacy gift to NSAL Florida that honors one of my wife’s greatest passions and helps bring students’ dreams to life for years to come.”
THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON FLORIDA STUDENTS
Open to high school juniors and seniors throughout Florida, the competition offers $7,000 in scholarships:
- First Prize: $3,500
- Second Prize: $2,000
- Third Prize: $1,500
The inaugural competition takes place March 27, 2027, at Lynn University in Boca Raton.
For more than 45 years, NSAL Florida has supported emerging artists through scholarships, competitions and mentorship.
“With the addition of this new scholarship, we are thrilled to be able to champion high school musical theatre students and provide them with the financial support and mentoring that NSAL is synonymous with,” said NSAL Florida President Shari Upbin.
For Mark, the competition keeps Marilyn’s passion alive while opening doors for young performers whose futures are still unfolding.
GET CONNECTED
Applications close on March 13, 2027. Florida high school juniors and seniors can find eligibility requirements and application details at NSALFlorida.org.
The competition is open to the public, with a suggested $10 cash donation.
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