Talented artists awarded Empire Theatres bursaries
ONE THING was clear at this year’s Empire Theatres Youth Bursary awards ceremony - the future of arts in the Darling Downs is bright.
Some of the region’s most talented young artists were acknowledged in the presentation on Monday, with a total of about $20,000 awarded to 25 students who come from areas including Toowoomba, Cabarlah, Ravensbourne, Highfields and Meringandan as well as Dalby, Kingaroy, Gatton and Warwick.
The bursaries are presented with the aim of developing skills and giving new experiences to young artists.
This year’s recipients will attend short courses at Queensland Theatre, Expressions Dance Company, Sydney Dance Company, Brent Street Performing Arts, National Institute of Dramatic Arts, Sound Thinking and Empire Youth Arts.
Empire Theatres Foundation Chairperson Sheena Liley said she was thrilled to be able to provide such a valuable resource for young performers.
“Many of our recipients use the knowledge they acquire at their short courses to launch careers as professional actors, full-time musicians, dancers and theatre technicians,” Mrs Liley said.
“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.
“This is an investment in the creative health of our communities.”
The Empire Theatres Foundation is proudly sponsored by Heritage Bank, Greenridge Group, Downlands College, Dornbusch Partners, Taylor’s Removals, The Chronicle, Horizon Accounting Group, Think Office Technology, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers and Bernoth Properties.