2017 EMPIRE THEATRES YOUTH BURSARY APPLICATIONS OPEN

Applications for the Empire Theatre’s Youth Bursaries are now open, presenting opportunities for young performers in our region to access training at some of Australia’s leading performing arts institutions.

Young people between the ages of 12 and 25 are invited to apply for bursaries to attend professional development short courses at prestigious institutions including National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the Queensland Conservatorium, Conroy Dance Centre and the Victorian College of Arts. The bursaries aim to assist the region’s young creative talents who demonstrate current involvement and achievement in a performing arts discipline. Since 2010, more than 350 Bursaries have been awarded in a range of disciplines including dance, acting, instrumental music, singing and musical theatre. Empire Theatres Foundation Chairperson, Sheena Liley said the bursaries were a valuable resource for young people from the Darling Downs, with many using the knowledge acquired to later launch their careers as professional actors, fulltime musicians, dancers and theatre technicians.

“This is one amazing way the Empire gives back to our region. Local business sponsors and donations from our Theatre supporters fully fund the bursaries,

” Mrs Liley said. “This is an investment in the creative health of our communities,” she said. “Past winners have used their bursaries as a launching pad into the industry, with many now professional actors, fulltime musicians and technical professionals.” Past recipients have also appeared in the Empire Theatre’s major productions including Disney’s High School Musical, The Boy from Oz, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, The Phantom of the Opera, Disney’s Mary Poppins and most recently Wicked. Applications for the Youth Bursary program are available until 5pm, Friday 18 August. The Empire Theatres Youth Bursary program is made possible thanks to the following sponsors: The Chronicle, Heritage Bank, Greenridge Group, Downlands College, Dornbusch Partners, Taylor’s Removals, Horizon Accounting Group and Think Office Technology.