Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective and Encore Theatre & Gallery Present

The Sylvester Rickey Powell Excellence in Theatre Scholarship Award

Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective and Encore Theatre & Gallery Sylvester Rickey Powell Excellence in Theatre Scholarship Award is a multi-year scholarship award celebrating the legacy and work of Birmingham’s theatre legend, Sylvester “Rickey” Powell by uplifting a Birmingham-based student’s studies in Higher Arts Education. The student receives a $1200 a year scholarship award every year they are studying at an undergraduate institution.

Sylvester “Rickey” Powell inspired millions of people across the globe with his talents. From the local stages of Birmingham to Broadway (The Wiz) Europe (Porgy & Bess Tour). Rickey’s legacy will forever be remembered for the way he would light up a room, his talents and the way showed up for the community.

Past Awardees Include:

2023 Awardee - Joshua Rauterkus (University of Alabama, AL)

2024 Awardee - Jaylon Coleman (Morehouse College, GA)