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.
#What’s New
After four sold-out shows in September of this year, Theatre of Magic is returning by popular demand to The Empire for a six-month series of performances.
The Empire Foundation has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2024 Empire Youth Bursaries.
The Southern Queensland Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) will shine a light on talented artists across Southern Queensland with the creation of a high-quality publication aimed at celebrating the spirit and stories of Southern Queensland art and culture.
A remarkable true story of unity, humanity and hope lands on The Empire stage when Tony and Olivier Award-winning hit Broadway musical Come From Away performs from 14 – 23 March 2025.
The Empire’s popular family festival Thrive on Arts will return from September 26-29, celebrating all things nature and the environment.
In the lead-up to 2024 NAIDOC Week celebrations, The Empire launched their Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in support of their ongoing commitment to fostering reconciliation in Australia.
