STUDENT AID PROGRAMS
Crossroads is committed to making our classrooms and our stage as inclusive and as accessible as possible. We do not want money to get in the way of the fun and benefits our classes offer and Crossroads is committed to providing a way in for every income level. We recognize that there is much more that we can do beyond the financials, and we promise that as we grow, these efforts will grow and expand with us. Please see below for the various levels of support Crossroads may be able to offer you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com or call/text at (317) 203-9497.
Crossroads Comedy Theater is now at nonprofit 501c3 organization! We received our letter of determination of tax exempt status in June of 2024. We believe this formation more closely aligns with our community-minded goals as an arts and arts education organization. Until our transition is complete, we are fiscally sponsored through Fractured Atlas and are accepting donations to help cover the costs of our scholarship program and other ongoing operational expenses. To read more about this and to donate, you can click here.
FINANCIAL AID
If you are experiencing financial difficulty for any reason you may be eligible for assistance paying for your class at Crossroads. Crossroads offers financial aid amounts covering 25% to 100% of the cost of our courses. Once you apply and if you are awarded an amount you will be informed via email. We will then take care of the process of enrolling you. There will be no exchange of money nor is there anything for you to pay back. These benefits currently apply to only core program courses in Improv, Comedy Writing, and Stand-up. Applications for financial aid are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
STUDENT AID APPLICATIONS WILL RE-OPEN IN SUMMER 2026 FOR FALL CLASSES
PLEASE READ THROUGH THE FAQ AND THEN CLICK THE “CLICK HERE TO APPLY BUTTON” AFTER.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Applications are accepted from the time courses are posted roughly two months prior to the start of a session and remain open up until about two weeks before the first class.
Only the small reviewing team will see the information you provide. Any information you provide on your application will be kept confidential. Your instructor will not see your information nor will they know you're a financial aid recipient unless you volunteer this information yourself. We take your trust and this responsibility very seriously.
Financial Aid covers anywhere from 25% to 100% of the cost of a core program course. For 2024 we are committing to at least $2500 in Scholarships and Financial Aid. Depending on grants, donations and the interest of students this total amount could rise.
At this time financial aid is open to any course in our core improv, sketch comedy writing, or stand-up comedy programs. More courses such as electives, workshops, or master classes from visiting instructors may be added down the line.
If the amount awarded is not not enough to cover your full enrollment and leaves a balance that is higher than you are financially able to pay, you will also be able to take advantage of other options including payment plans. Our payment plan can break up the balance into four payments over six weeks. If this accommodation is still not enough, you can reapply in another session and potentially receive more in aid. Crossroads offers volunteer opportunities as well. Volunteers earn $15/hr credit toward courses for each hour volunteered. Do you have a particular set of skills you think we could benefit from? We are open to discussing!
Yes! If you have a balance remaining after applying your financial aid we can set you up with our AfterPay payment plan. AfterPay offers students the ability to split the balance into four, interest free payments over six weeks. If you are a student in good standing and need something more tailored to your specific situation, we will work with you.
Though we understand that sometimes life gets in the way of plans, financial aid is currently use it or lose it for that session. You can always reapply for a session in which your plans are more stable.
If you are denied financial aid for any reason you can reapply in the following session. We also offer payment plans that can break up your enrollment into smaller chunks that many find easier to pay. Crossroads offers volunteer opportunities as well. Volunteers earn $15/hr credit toward courses for each hour volunteered.
You can email us at classes@xroadscomedyindy.com. We will be able to assist you with any questions you may have. If your question is regarding your application status, please understand we are a very small team. It could take two weeks or more to review your application.
CROSSROADS SCHOLARSHIP
Crossroads Scholarships cover the full cost of a core class in Improv, Comedy Writing, and Stand-up. Applications are open to anyone that feels they will add to the diversity of voices in our classrooms, anyone that identifies as a member of a historically marginalized group, anyone that feels their community is underrepresented, veterans, people with disabilities, people in long term recovery, people that are 50 years of age or over, and part-time or full-time adult students working toward their GED, high school diploma, undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or vocational degree. Scholarship applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
STUDENT AID APPLICATIONS WILL RE-OPEN IN SUMMER 2026 FOR FALL CLASSES
PLEASE READ THROUGH THE FAQ AND THEN CLICK THE “CLICK HERE TO APPLY BUTTON” AFTER.
Scholarships applications are open to anyone that feels they will add to the diversity of voices in our classrooms, anyone that identifies as a member of a historically marginalized group, anyone that feels their community is underrepresented, veterans, people with disabilities, people in long term recovery, people that are 50 years of age or over, immigrants, undocumented people, and part time / full time adult students working toward their GED, high school diploma, undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or vocational degree. At this time scholarships are only open to people 18 years of age or over.
Applications are open from the time courses are posted for a given session up until a few weeks before the courses are set to begin.
To apply all you need to do is read through all the information, fill out the form as thoroughly as you are willing, and agree to our policies in place (Code of Conduct, Attendance, etc). Your application will be received and reviewed by our team. This process could take up to one month depending on how soon courses are set to start and the availability of our team.
Only the reviewing team will see the information you provide. Any information you provide on your application will be confidential. Your instructor will not see your information nor will they know you're a scholarship recipient unless you volunteer this information yourself. We take your trust and this responsibility very seriously.
At this time, core programs in Improv, Sketch Comedy Writing, and Stand-up are included in the Crossroads Scholarship program. We may expand this to electives, workshops, or new core program tracks down the line.
Crossroads Scholarships cover 100% of the chosen course. For 2024 Crossroads is committing to at least $2500 in Scholarships and Financial Aid. Depending on grants, donations, and the interest of students this total amount could rise.
Crossroads Scholarships can be deferred for up to two sessions. If you have not used your scholarship for a class at that point you will forfeit your scholarship. You can always reapply when your are able to commit to a course.
If you are denied a scholarship for any reason you can reapply in the following session. We also offer payment plans that can break up your enrollment into smaller chunks that many find easier to pay. Crossroads offers volunteer opportunities as well. Volunteers earn $15/hr credit toward courses for each hour volunteered.
You can reach out to us at classes@xroadscomedyindy.com or call/text us at 317-203-9452. Please understand we are a very small team. It could take two weeks or more to review your application.
PAYMENT PLANS
The main payment plan option at Crossroads is AfterPay. AfterPay will allow students to break up the cost of enrollment into four interest-free payments over six weeks. It only takes a minute to set up and doesn’t cost you anything more. You’ll see the payment amounts, dates they are due, and you’re all set. To use this option look in the class description for the payment plan information. Click the payment plan link.
We know that the AfterPay option won’t be the best fit for everyone. If you find that is the case for you then email us at indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com and we can work on a plan that fits your situation.
EDU DISCOUNT
Are you a student, teacher, or school administrator looking for something that is fun, engaging, and useful in the classroom and in everyday life? We have you covered. As part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the communities we serve and in those who serve our community, we are happy to offer an EDU Discount.
Improv is especially valuable for educators. Crossroads has trained many teachers, and several of our instructors are educators themselves. Our classes help students build active-listening skills, confidence, collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to think on their feet. Educators may also discover fun exercises and approaches they can adapt for use with their students. Whether you are looking to strengthen your classroom presence, reconnect with creativity, or simply try something new, our classes offer a supportive place to learn and grow. No student loans required.
Currently enrolled students and currently employed teachers and school administrators are eligible for the EDU Discount. Eligible participants may receive an EDU Discount of up to $100 off the regular tuition of one eligible core program course per session. Core program courses are numbered classes (such as Improv 1). The exact discount amount varies by course and will be confirmed before enrollment.
To inquire about eligibility and EDU pricing, email indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com from your current school-issued email address. Please include the course you would like to take. If your eligibility is confirmed and a discounted spot is available, we will send you an invoice for the applicable EDU tuition. Payment-plan options may also be available.
The EDU Discount is limited to one core course per person, per session. Up to two EDU Discount enrollments may be available in each course. Discounted spots are subject to course capacity and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting a request does not reserve a seat; enrollment is confirmed only after the required invoice payment has been received.
If you are part of a group of teachers, students, administrators, or a combination of these roles, we may be able to plan a custom course for your group. Please email indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com for more information.
The EDU Discount is nontransferable, must be requested before registration, and cannot be applied retroactively. It cannot be combined with early-enrollment pricing, the Multi-Class Discount, the Double Dip Discount, or any other discount or promotional offer.
MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNT
DOUBLE DIP DISCOUNT
Students who have successfully completed a core program course in Improv, Musical Improv, Stand-Up, or Sketch Comedy Writing may retake that same course for 50% of the regular tuition. Retaking a course can be a great way to learn from a different instructor, refresh your skills, explore updated curriculum, or connect with new classmates.
The Double Dip Discount is limited to two students per course. Discounted spots become available seven days before the course begins and are offered only if enrollment space remains. Availability is not guaranteed, and submitting a request does not reserve a spot.
To request the discount, email indyclasses@xroadscomedy.com within the seven-day enrollment window. Please include the course you previously completed and the course you would like to retake. If a discounted spot is available, we will send you a discount code. Enrollment is confirmed only after payment and registration is completed.
The discount must applied at the time of enrollment & registration. It cannot be applied retroactively. Refunds or credits will not be issued to students who enrolled at the regular price. The discount is nontransferable and may not be combined with other offers or applied to other courses.
VOLUNTEERING
Do you have a particular set of skills? Skills that you have acquired over a long career that you feel we can benefit from? Let us know! Some areas can include video editing, graphic design, social media, marketing, and more. When we have live performances in the Indianapolis area we will likely have more opportunities for things such as ushering, box office, and more. If you have services you think we can benefit from in exchange for training with Crossroads, please email Mike@xroadscomedy.com.
REFERRAL PROGRAM
This is not exactly student aid, but we’re including it here for your reference. We have a referral program! Crossroads is small and thrives on word of mouth. Specifically kind words out of your mouth to people you know. If you refer someone who enrolls in one of our core basics classes (classes with a 1 in them) you will both receive a $25 Crossroads Gift Card good for upcoming Crossroads classes and performances! Once they enroll they would send us an email, CCing you on the email, saying you referred them and then we’ll handle the rest after the course has started. Do you have a platform on which you can help advertise our classes to a larger number of people such as a large social media following or co-host a morning show on national television? Email Mike@xroadscomedy.com to discuss other possibilities.
CLASS BUDDY PROGRAM
As part of our ongoing effort to create ways for people to experience our courses at every income level as well as for us to invest in the broader comedy and arts community and its performers, we are bringing the Class Buddy System to Crossroads! Class buddies take a Crossroads class at no cost in exchange for acting as a good “ambassador” for Crossroads in class, online, and in the community.
This program is starting out very small as you might expect since Crossroads itself is quite tiny compared to other theater companies. In the beginning these buddying opportunities will only be open to core level courses and not workshops or electives. Improv 1, Stand-up 1, and Sketch Comedy Writing 1 are on the table to start out. Some of those include online options. In time this may very well be expanded should this program prove successful for us in Indianapolis for us, the class buddies, and the students. Further, these class buddy opportunities are not open to all at the moment.
- Keep the students up to date on shows happening around the city.
- Update students on new class or audition opportunities in the community.
- Help arrange social gatherings and outings to see shows around the city when the interest is there.
- Create a way for the class to keep in contact if they are interested in doing so.
- Help make sure students are where they need to be, specifically during week one of a course.
- If Crossroads has shows during a course, buddies might be asked to work a shift or two if the availability lines up.
- Must have successfully completed at least one core Crossroads Class in the discipline in which you’d buddy a class.
- Must be able to make at least at least seven of eight classes of an eight week course or five of six classes of a six week course.
- Class buddies would also be asked to be a good ambassador for Crossroads online and in person and occasionally share information about the theater when and where it makes sense to do so.
- Be in general good standing in the community and with Crossroads.
NOT ACCEPTING BUDDY REQUESTS AT THIS TIME