Applications for 2024 Youth Bursaries Open
The Empire’s commitment to nurturing and developing young talent in the region continues with the opening of applications for The Empire Foundation 2024 Youth Bursaries.
Open from July 1 at 9am, applications for the bursaries are open to young people aged between 12 and 25 until close of business on July 26.
The Empire Foundation Youth Bursaries, enable successful applicants to attend professional development short courses at leading Australian performing arts institutions, aiming to assist young creatives who demonstrate involvement and achievement in performing arts across a range of disciplines including dance, acting, instrumental music, singing, music theatre, film and television.
Many former recipients of the bursary have gone on to tertiary study and the establishment of creative careers including performer Chris White who is currently bringing Bandit Heeler to life overseas in Bluey’s Big Play, comedian Grace Jarvis who returned to The Empire in May ahead of her Brisbane Comedy Festival run and actor and filmmaker Charlotte Chimes who was recently awarded the 2024 Brian Boak Supporting Bursary.
In 2023, The Empire Foundation awarded $25,000 in bursaries funded to 30 local young artists hailing from Toowoomba, Clifton, Dalby, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi.
The 2023 recipients attended short courses to Australian arts institutions including National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), Queensland Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Queensland Ballet, Gondwana National Choral School and more.
The Empire Foundation Chair, Janelle Fletcher said she looked forward to seeing the quality of applicants to the program this year.
“In 2023 we saw an incredible group of students who were really striving to achieve and excel in their different fields, and we have recently seen some wonderful success stories from recipients from previous years,” Ms Fletcher said.
As we look to the future, it’s so important to embrace and invest in the arts and continue to further the experiences and development of these young people, who are the future of the arts in this country.
Janelle Fletcher - Foundation Chair
Since 2010, more than 500 bursaries have been awarded.
The Empire Foundation is proudly supported by Bernoth Properties, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Downlands College, DP Wealth Advisory, Greenridge Group, Hot Property, The Arbour Boutique Apartments and Wearing Memories.
For more information regarding the Youth Bursary program, visit the Community page at empiretheatre.com.au.
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