New initiative to support emerging storytellers across directing, story art and libretto writing will provide mentorship with top industry artists including Sir Timothy Miles Rice, John Musker, Kirk Wise and Brenda Chapman.
The CTN Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Creative Talent Network (CTN), one of the animation industry’s longest-standing communities connecting artists, studios, and creative leaders, has just launched the Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award, a new initiative supporting emerging storytellers with direct mentorship from some of the most influential figures in animation and musical storytelling. Applications are now being accepted through June 26, 2026.
Created in honor of Roger Allers (1949–2026), the acclaimed co-director of The Lion King and a key creative force behind Disney’s Renaissance era, the scholarship provides selected artists with mentorship from an well-known and highly-respected group of collaborators and industry leaders, including Sir Timothy Miles Rice, Directors John Musker, Kirk Wise, Brenda Chapman, Gary Trousdale, and Librettist Ken Cerniglia.
Allers, who worked at Disney from 1985 through 2003, co-directed 1994’s The Lion King along with Rob Minkoff. The film went on to become one of the most successful and influential animated films in cinematic history, including sales of a home video record of 55 million copies. He also contributed to Aladdin, The Emperor’s New Groove, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Brother Bear, The Lion King 1 ½, and others. He co-directed the 2006 film Open Season alongside Jill Culton and Anthony Stacchi for Sony Pictures Animation, and wrote and directed the 2014 animated adaptation, Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. Along with The Lion King writer Irene Mecchi, Allers earned a Tony Award nomination for best book of a musical for Disney’s The Lion King Broadway musical, which went on to win the Tony for Best Musical in 1998.
The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award supports artists across three disciplines - directing, story art, and libretto writing - marking the first scholarship of this scope from CTN, which has built an ongoing and respected slate of artist support initiatives. With a focus on developing the next generation of creators working across film, television, and stage, the program provides both access and guidance at a critical moment when the industry is increasingly investing in new voices and original storytelling.
“At CTN, we believe in the power of story to transform lives,” said Tina Price, Founder of the CTN Foundation. “Roger’s work embodies a rare blend of beauty, truth, and joy. Through this scholarship, we aim to nurture artists who carry that same light forward into the world.”
Leah Allers, actress, singer, and voiceover artist, and daughter of the late filmmaker, added, “It means so much to me to help carry forward my father’s legacy through the launch of this Scholarship Award. I’m so grateful to these six incredible mentors who are masters of their fields, for stepping up to represent my father and support emerging directors, story artists, and librettists. With the wonderful support of the CTN Foundation, this program is about opening doors for new voices and honoring the spirit of my father’s career. His standards of excellence and his truly unique creative voice set a bar that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Recipients of the Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship Award will be recognized at CTNX (Creative Talent Network Expo) in Burbank, the annual gathering that has become a key destination for animation professionals, where their work will be showcased alongside leading filmmakers, artists, and industry executives. This year, the event runs November 19-22. More information can be found here.
The Roger Allers Legacy Scholarship reflects CTN Foundation’s broader mission to expand access to creative careers through mentorship, education, and community support, with a focus on ensuring that talent - not circumstance - defines opportunity. Applications and donation opportunities are now open. More information can be found here.
Source: The CTN Foundation
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
