The Empire Theatre has continued its commitment to supporting and nurturing the region’s young performers with the presentation of the 2019 Empire Theatres Youth Bursaries.

Some of the region’s most talented young artists were acknowledged in the presentation today, with more than $18,000 awarded to 28 students who come from areas including Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Dalby, Goodiwindi, Warwick, the Lockyer Valley and Kingaroy.  

The bursaries are presented with the aim of developing skills and giving new experiences to young artists who demonstrate talent, involvement and achievement in a performing arts discipline.

This year’s recipients will attend short courses at Sydney Dance Company, Queensland Ballet, National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), Empire Youth Arts, Queensland Theatre, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Queensland Conservatorium and more.

Empire Theatres Foundation Chairperson, Janelle Fletcher said she was thrilled to be able to provide such a valuable resource for young performers.

“The recipients go through a full application and interview process before they are selected and once they receive their bursary and attend their course, they are able to come back and use the knowledge they have acquired to launch their careers.” Ms Fletcher said.

“Over the years, our recipients have pursued careers as actors, musicians, dancers and theatre technicians, just to name a few,” she said.

“This is one amazing way the Empire gives back to our region. We are very grateful for local business sponsors and the donations from our Theatre supporters which fully fund the bursaries,” Ms Fletcher said. 

“This is an investment in the creative health of our communities.  Every Bursary recipient will go on to make a contribution in some way to the performing arts, both locally and beyond.”

Each year the Youth Bursary scheme offers courses in a wide range of disciplines including dance, acting, instrumental music, singing, music theatre, film and television.

Since 2010, more than 400 Bursaries have been awarded.

The Empire Theatres Foundation is proudly sponsored by Bernoth Properties, Dornbusch Partners, Downloands, Heritage Bank, Greenridge Group, Horizon Accounting Group, The Chronicle, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Wearing Memories and EFEX.