Leland Starnes Memorial Scholarship

Leland Starnes was the Director of the Salisbury State Theatre from 1972 to 1980 when he unexpectedly passed away at 57 years of age. Starnes directed 26 plays and musicals during his time at Salisbury State College, even performing in several of them. He held Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from Harvard University and a Doctorate in Fine Arts degree from Yale University. Prior to his arrival at Salisbury, he directed the Yale Dramatic Association and taught at the Yale Drama School. After leaving New Haven in 1968, he taught at the University of Pittsburgh and directed its University Theatre. Starnes also acted professionally at theatres in New Haven, Williamstown, and Pittsburgh. In addition to his stage performances, he acted in two major motion pictures—The Crazies (1973) and Cruising (1980). The memorial scholarship is given as an academic memorial in honor of Dr. Leland Starnes who firmly established the reputation of Salisbury University for quality theatre.