Milton resident receives $2,000 scholarship from Paul Kares

Kathryn Sumstine recently received a $2,000 scholarship from Paul Kares, a Lewes-based nonprofit organization supporting young musicians and aspiring culinary professionals.

The Milton resident is a freshman at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, Ga., majoring in the performing arts.

“Kate already has an impressive resume with a lengthy list of theater productions,” said Jim Rivette, who founded Paul Kares with his friend, musician-chef Paul Cullen. “We can’t wait to watch her soar in college.”

Sumstine, a Cape Henlopen High School graduate, appeared in her school’s productions of “Ranked,” “Puffs” and “Grease.” 

She was in “13: The Musical” and “The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe” at the Milton Theatre, and served as the theater’s production assistant for “Spring Awakening,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Sumstine’s parents read about Paul Kares in the Cape Gazette. “They thought it would be a great fit given my theater and performing goals,” she said. “I am a beginning piano player currently learning to play guitar. My main instrument is voice.”

In her scholarship application, Sumstine wrote that she chose SCAD because it has a casting office with audition opportunities.

The Paul Kares selection committee admired Sumstine’s talent and drive.

“She thought about her goals very carefully,” said Michael Whitehouse, executive director of Paul Kares. “She chose each of her freshman classes to advance her skills.”

Her curriculum includes vocal training for actors, musical theater dance technique and the art of audition.

Sumstine said she seeks to integrate acting, dancing and singing “to create and tell a story, and become a well-rounded performer.”

For more information or a grant application, go to paulkaresde.org.