Testimonials
“I am very excited to share that after a successful audition and trial week, I have been awarded the Solo English Horn position with the New York Philharmonic! I cannot express how truly grateful I am to NSAL for all of the support I’ve received over the past year. Since entering the woodwind competition, I have been touched by the level of empathy and selflessness that exists at every level of this organization. I feel so lucky to have been a part of your efforts to uplift and inspire young artists. The work you do is extremely valuable, and I thank you fro the bottom of my heart.”
— Ryan Roberts,
2018 NSAL Woodwinds Competition
“Competing in the 2017 National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition provided me with amazing opportunities to help further my ballet career. I had the privilege of dancing along side such talented dancers from across America and was honored to be judged by such an esteemed panel. Winning the NSAL first place prize allowed me the funds to jump start my current career with the Bayerisches Staatsballett II, in Munich, Germany, and continues to support me through my next career steps. I’m forever grateful for being a part of the National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition.”
— Gillian Fitz,
2017 NSAL Ballet Competition
“Winning second place in the national acting competition was a dream come true. It afforded me the opportunity to move to start my career–something I would not have been able to achieve on my own as quickly.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am indebted to NSAL as you helped a young woman achieve her dreams much sooner than she thought she could on her own.”
— Lara Dohner,
2015 NSAL Drama Competition
“NSAL has been instrumental in supporting and launching my career. Not only were they financially supportive in providing a very generous amount of prize money and covering the costs of the many auditions I took over 3 years, but they were emotionally very supportive of my journey. By partaking in the NSAL competition, I was immediately welcomed into the NSAL family. My “home” chapter specifically were great advocates for my career. I felt such a strong sense of community and encouragement from the ladies of my chapter, and I feel beyond grateful for and indebted to all of them.”
— Anna Brumbaugh,
2014 NSAL Woodwind Competition
I cannot understate the impact that the NSAL’s generous prize has had upon my career. Such a prize quickly gains and holds attention. Immediately after receiving the first place award local and regional media outlets picked up the story. Within the artistic community such news travels quickly, and it was not long before I received invitations to give lectures and demonstrations as a visiting artist at various institutions. Over that summer I was picked up by Davidson Galleries, one of the premier print dealers in the country. Around the same time I was hired to lead a workshop for Frogman’s Print and Paper Workshops, and the director specifically mentioned the competition as influencing his decision. In these regards, the NSAL was instrumental in establishing my credentials. Thank you!
— Douglas Bosley,
2013 NSAL Printmaking Competition
“Winning the NSAL Voice Competition in 2008 was exactly the boost my career needed. I was about to finish my undergraduate degree and embark on postgraduate studies, a young artist apprenticeship, and my MET debut eight years later; NSAL helped me bridge that gap with confidence and financial security. Thank you for helping me pursue my passion!”
— Sarah Mesko,
2008 NSAL Voice Competition