Sam Singhaus as the legendary Miss Sammy at Come Out With Pride in 2018. (Watermark archive photo)
ORLANDO | The LGBT+ Center Orlando announced Feb. 25 the creation of a performing arts scholarship to be named after Sam Singhaus, also known as the legendary drag performer Miss Sammy, and his sister-in-law, costume designer Marcy Singhaus.
Both Sam and Marcy Singhaus passed away in 2020.
The Singhaus Scholarship for the Performing Arts was created by Central Florida businessperson Neil Hamilton and “serves as a tribute to the creative and generous spirit of the Singhaus Family.”
“The funds provide financial assistance to elevate young talent in their pursuit of a career in theatre: performance, technical, creative, costume design. This fund is designed to support members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies and considers candidates whose path includes formal education as well as those who are not receiving a formal education and have a specific financial need such as aid in purchasing a new sewing machine, vocal coaching, dance training, etc.,” The Center stated in a press release.
Florida Theatrical Association pledged the scholarship’s first $5,000 along with funds contributed by Hamilton. To help raise additional funds, FTA, Hamilton and The Center will host The Singhaus Oscar Party at The Abbey in Orlando March 27. The event, hosted by Gidget Galore, will start at 6:30 p.m. with the Academy Awards broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. The evening will include light bites, raffles, a silent auction and a video tribute to The Singhaus’. Individual tickets are $35 or $100 for a table of four. The latter will include a complimentary bottle of champagne.
Those interested in applying for the scholarship must be between the ages of 16-24, reside in Central Florida, show active involvement in the LGBTQ community and demonstrate a specific need for financial support that aligns with the goal of a career in the performing arts. Applicants must submit an application and essay and have the option to submit a video as well. The application will be made available in April and will be reviewed by a panel that will include Steve Singhaus, Mary’s husband and Sam’s brother.
“Sam Singhaus was a friend to many,” The Center expressed in its press release. “Whether dazzling on stage in front of a packed (Broadway) house or just sharing a story with a handful of friends, Sam filled any room with light and made you feel special. His quick wit and talent entertained us all and he took every opportunity to encourage creativity in others. In his community, Sam pushed boundaries with kindness yet stood firmly for what he believed was just and right. Sam was eager to lend his time, energy, and fabulousness to help worthy causes over the years and he inspired and helped shape the community that we know and love today. His drag persona, Miss Sammy was one of the most well-known and influential drag performers in Orlando history.”
The scholarship will be awarded July 22 during The Center’s annual LGBT+ Diversity Awards. Sam Singhaus was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the same event in 2019.
To purchase tickets to The Singhaus Oscar Party, go here.
