UC Irvine Undergraduates Bell Hernandez ’27 and Jeyna Lynn Gonzales ’25 Awarded Cody Renard Richard Scholarship
Bella Hernandez and Jeyna Lynn Gonzales
Department of Drama students recognized for leadership in theater arts
UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts Department of Drama students Bell Hernandez and Jeyna Lynn Gonzales have been selected for the Cody Renard Richard (CCR) Scholarship Program. In its fifth year, the CCR celebrates the next generation of theatrical leaders of color by providing financial support, mentorship and professional development.
“I was excited to find out that a scholarship like the CRR even existed — not just the financial support, but the work it does to support marginalized communities and offer students the opportunity to see and meet with professionals in our field,” said Hernandez. “I was ecstatic to find out that I had been awarded the scholarship, and while the financial reward will be incredibly valuable for my academic career, I am most looking forward to being able to meet and collaborate with other theater artists that I can relate with!”
Image: Costume design sketches and designs by Bella Hernandez.
Founded by Cody Renard Richard, a Tony Award-winning producer, advocate, educator, and stage manager, the program cultivates a strong network of emerging leaders while fostering equity and inclusion in the theatrical arts. Scholars engage in workshops covering leadership, community-building, and racial equity, preparing them to make a lasting impact on the industry.
“I am honored and incredibly grateful to join the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program’s 2025 Cohort,” said Gonzales. “The niche privilege of sharing space with these talented individuals over the next 5 months is one I cherish dearly and have strived for since the program’s establishment.”
Image: Performance of Theogony by Timothy Frangos (M.F.A./'24), with Jeyna Lynn Gonzales as production stage manager. Photo by Thea Valerie.
In addition to receiving a scholarship, Hernandez and Gonzales will participate in exclusive virtual workshops led by industry professionals and travel to New York City for an immersive Broadway and theater experience in the Summer of 2025. Both students' achievements mark the UC Irvine drama department's efforts commitment to nurturing leaders of tomorrow.
To learn more about the CRR Scholarship Program, visit codyrenard.com/scholarship. For more information about UC Irvine’s Department of Drama, visit drama.arts.uci.edu.