The Doug Watson Scholarship for Performing Arts

The Tower Theatre Foundation established the Doug Watson Scholarship for Performing Arts in memory and honor of our longtime friend, member, sponsor, volunteer and board chair. Doug was a true believer in the performing arts, especially in the power of arts in education. He supported the Tower’s LessonPLAN programs and seemed to revel in being surrounded by an audience of enthusiastic kids!

To continue his legacy and extend the impact of our region’s performing arts, the Doug Watson Scholarship will empower students across Central Oregon to actively pursue their creative passions. We encourage graduating seniors who will be moving forward with their college education with an art focus to apply.

We are pleased to announce our 2025 Doug Watson Scholarship Recipients:

Talon Confer: Redmond Proficiency Academy, Class of 2025
After graduating, Talon plans on attending Chapman University with an intended major in Theater- Screen Acting.  

Gillian Ahern: Madras High School, Class of 2025
After graduating, Gillian plans on attending Central Oregon Community College with an intended double major in Theatre and Nursing. “I am so thrilled, excited and beyond thankful to have received the Doug Watson scholarship from Tower Theatre. I have had so many magical experiences in high school theatre, and to think they have led to this wonderful scholarship is amazing. I look forward to building upon my love of theater as I embark on my college career. Thank you so much, Tower Theatre!” 

Alexandra Dennis: Redmond Proficiency Academy, Class of 2025
"I am honored to have received the Doug Watson Scholarship, which I will use to pursue a BFA in at the CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory at Molloy University in New York. As I progress in my theatrical education, I hope to become a reliable and educated artist who understands the social, political, and interpersonal dynamics of the world around me, and has the tools to reflect that in my art and performance."