NEW YORK CITY: Musicians United for Social Equity (MUSE) has announced a set of scholarships supporting musicians who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color and are pursuing theatre careers. This new initiative also heralds the official launch of MUSE, co-founded by Kenny Seymour and Stephen Oremus along with a board of award-winning musicians.

“Talented and passion nurtured by support and mentorship brings one that much closer to success,” said Seymour in a statement. “It is our hope at MUSE that through these scholarships, we can help bring creative individuals closer to achieving their goals and dreams.”

The MUSE Harold Wheeler Scholarship will dedicate $2,500 to one aspiring professional musician working in the theatre, while the MUSE Linda Twine Scholarship will offer $2,500 to one student musician who plans to pursue employment in the theatre industry. Each scholarship will also include one-on-one consultations with MUSE founding members.

In addition to the scholarships, MUSE invites all musicians of color to join its free membership, which offer mentoring and networking opportunities as well as access to their job board and directory.

“I’m excited by MUSE’s potential to affect great change in our theatre industry, both on Broadway and beyond,” said founding board member Alex Lacamoire, of Hamilton and other acclaimed productions, in a statement. “It is past time for a progression in the practices of how musicians are hired for theatre, and MUSE hopes to champion our members so that BIPOC artists can thrive in this industry.”

Scholarship applications are due May 5.

MUSE was founded under Artists Striving to End Poverty. The organization aims to highlight the work and talent of diverse musicians and artists in the music and theatre world by providing access, internships, mentorships, and support to historically marginalized people of color.