Tyler Civic Theatre Center recently announced the newly established Phyllis Stratton Weiss Scholarships.
Two scholarships are being awarded this year to college-bound graduating seniors who have exhibited outstanding volunteer service and participation at Tyler Civic Theatre. Their leadership skills, a strong work ethic and involvement in the community are also considered.
The scholarships are named in honor of Phyllis Weiss, a loyal patron, supporter and volunteer at Tyler Civic Theatre for over 50 years. A former speech teacher at Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler, she loves all aspects of theatre and values the opportunity to encourage students who have excelled at TCTC to continue their education.
The recipient of the scholarship for outstanding Production Support is Caroline Johnson. A student in the theatre’s summer S.T.A.R. programs since age eleven, she has progressed over the last eight years to positions as class assistant and this summer will direct her own class.
Johnson volunteers at the theatre because she “has a passion for providing fun and safe theatrical experiences for children.”
In addition to teaching and assisting children’s shows, her production support backstage includes stage manager, lighting and sound tech and costume coordinator.
According to her mentors and colleagues, Johnson is “one of the kindest, hard working assistants in our S.T.A.R. program … has an excellent rapport with students, is responsible and takes initiative.”
Johnson will have volunteered over 208 hours at Tyler Civic Theatre supporting productions. She is a graduate of Whitehouse High School and will attend UT Tyler.
Zach Combs is the recipient of the scholarship for outstanding Performance & Production Support.
“Tyler Civic Theatre has been my theatre home since I was 11 years old,” Combs said. “I have practically grown up here.”
He has performed in 18 shows at Tyler Civic Theatre with memorable performances such as Newsies, Elf, Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, SpongeBob and Footloose.
Combs has been an assistant for four S.T.A.R. camps and this summer will be the choreographer for the musical Music Man Kids. Other production support includes ushering, tickets and concessions.
He will have volunteered over 345 hours for productions onstage and offstage.
Combs has been active in theatre programs at Tyler Legacy High School and Magill Musical Theatre Studio. He has won multiple awards and honors in UIL, PSIA, TAPPS and recently was nominated as outstanding lead actor by Broadway Dallas HSMTA.
According to directors, Combs loves to learn and grow as an artist and performer and loves every aspect of the performing arts. They also said that he is a true natural talent, a leader and problem solver.
He will attend the University of Central Oklahoma.
Tyler Civic Theatre said it is very grateful to Phyllis Weiss and the generous scholarships she has made possible for the two talented and worthy student volunteers.