General Support and Scholarships
Your support of the UAB Department of Theatre makes a difference for current and future generations of UAB students. Contributions from alumni and friends have been critical to the continued success of the department.
You can contribute to the Department of Theatre in a number of ways:
General Fund
The Department of Theatre General Fund provides the department with flexibility to support key priorities. Your support allows us to continue to provide outstanding academic programs and world-class performances.
Give to the General Fund
Scholarship Fund
The Department of Theatre Scholarship Fund provides financial support to our theater students. This important fund makes a UAB Theatre degree possible for many deserving young artists.
Give to the Scholarship Fund
Dr. Marisa Marques Endowed Scholarship in Theatre
The Dr. Marisa Marques Endowed Scholarship in Theatre was named in honor of Dr. Marisa Marques, a professor and Pathologist at UAB. Dr. Marques hopes to provide students the support needed to fulfill their passions. This scholarship will assist qualifying students enrolled or admitted to the Department of Theatre.
The Gardner-Haarbauer Alumni Endowed Award
The Gardner-Haarbauer Alumni Endowed Award is named in memory of Alan Gardner and in honor of Ward Haarbauer. Alan is a UAB alumnus and was a well-known actor and director in the Birmingham area. Alan taught theatre for 17 years, most recently at Vestavia High School and the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Ward retired from UAB Department of Theatre, after 39 years of active and enthusiastic service. Over Ward’s career he taught courses in stagecraft, acting, directing and America drama, and always concentrated on theater history. This award creates a permanent legacy for both Alan and Ward and will be used to assist UAB Department of Theatre students.
Department of Theatre Musical Theatre Scholarship Fund
The Department of Theatre Musical Theatre Scholarship Fund provides financial support to our Musical Theatre students. This important fund makes a UAB Theatre degree possible for many deserving young artists.
Support UAB Department of Theatre Touring Groups
The Department of Theatre provides four different tours that allow our students to perform before a diverse audience of K-12 students and senior citizens throughout Alabama. The Touring Groups offer exciting performances for an otherwise underserved segment of our state’s population and performance opportunities for our students. The Touring Groups have been well received and travel widely but require annual funding to ensure their continuation. Learn more about our tour groups.
UAB Touring Companies Support Gifts
Donations made to Theatre UAB tours make this program possible. Your donation will provide valuable assistance with travel expenses, costumes and scenery, special props, and -- most importantly -- the scholarship funding for each company member.
Give to the Touring Support Fund
Become an Ovation Member
OVATION UAB is a support organization that raises funds for UAB theatre student scholarships and promotes UAB student theatre productions. OVATION UAB supporters are entitled to the best seats for theatre productions, pre-show lectures and discussions, post-show parties to meet the cast, recognition in performance programs. For more information, contact Mel Christian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (205) 934-3237.
UAB Faculty/Staff Membership
$50
- Attend both before and after show events
- Includes one season ticket subscription
UAB Alumni Membership
$50
- Attend both before show and after show events
- Includes one season ticket subscription
Patron Membership
$125
- Attend both before and after show events
- Includes one season ticket subscription
Couples Membership
$200
- Attend both before and after show events
- Includes two season ticket subscriptions
Sponsor Membership
$500
- Attend both before and after show events
- Includes two season ticket subscriptions
- Name listed in program as sponsor
Presenting Membership
$1,500 or more
- Attend both before and after show events
- Includes two season ticket subscriptions
- Name listed in program above show title as presenter
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding giving to the UAB Department of Theatre please contact:
Julia Ann Starke
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(205) 996-2154
Stewardship & Senior Director of Development
College of Arts and Sciences.