2023 Empire Youth Bursary Recipients Announced
The Empire has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2023 Empire Youth Bursaries.
The Empire has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2023 Empire Youth Bursaries.
In a ceremony held at The Empire today, 30 talented young artists were honoured as around $25,000 in bursaries was awarded to develop skills and give new experiences to young people who demonstrate talent, involvement and achievement in a performing arts discipline.
This year’s recipients will attend short courses at top Australian arts institutions including National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), Queensland Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Queensland Ballet, Gondwana National Choral School and more.
The Youth Bursary program will this year send recipients to courses in a wide range of disciplines including acting, writing, classical music, dance and choral singing.
Empire Theatres Foundation Chairperson, Janelle Fletcher said the 2023 round of applicants were all incredible talent with creative concepts and goals in mind.
“We saw an incredible group of students who are really striving to achieve and excel in their different fields,” Ms Fletcher.
“As we look to the future, it’s so important to embrace and invest in the arts and further the cultural experience and development of these young people. It’s these very young people who are the future of the arts in this country.”
Janelle Fletcher, Empire Foundation Chair
Since 2010, more than 500 bursaries have been awarded to young artists in our community, many of whom have progressed and established successful careers in their disciplines.
Ms Fletcher thanked the Empire Theatres Foundation sponsors and donors for the ongoing support and generosity that makes the Youth Bursaries program possible.
Empire Theatres Foundation is proudly sponsored by Bernoth Properties, DP Wealth Advisory, Downlands College, Greenridge Group, Horizon Accounting, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, The Arbour Boutique Apartments and Wearing Memories.
#What’s New
The Empire’s popular school holiday event, THRIVE Festival, is set to return from September 25-28, this year plunging beneath the waves and celebrating the wonders of the ocean.
Following the incredible success of 2024’s Come From Away, The Empire is thrilled to announce the next in-house mainstage production, award-winning smash-hit coming of age jukebox musical, & JULIET.
The Empire Foundation’s commitment to the development of young artists in the region continues with the opening of applications for The Empire Foundation 2025 Youth Bursaries.
After six months of sold-out performances, Theatre of Magic is extending their season by popular demand for the remainder of 2025, including four special performances to celebrate the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
The vibrance and talent of Southern Queensland’s artists takes centre stage with the launch of a premium publication, Under the Southern Sky – Arts and Culture of Southern Queensland, a showcase of the region’s incredible skill and creativity.
Shining a Spotlight on the community powering The Empire’s success
