Opportunity for Young Talent: 2025 Empire Youth Bursary Applications Open
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.
Open from July 1 at 9am, applications for the bursaries are available to young people aged between 12 and 25 until close of business July 29.
The Empire Foundation Youth Bursaries program enables successful applicants to attend professional development short courses at leading Australian performing arts institutions, with the aim of assisting young creatives who demonstrate involvement and achievement across a range of disciplines, including dance, acting, instrumental music, singing, music theatre, film and television.
In 2024, The Empire Foundation awarded $23,000 in bursaries to 31 local young artists hailing from Toowoomba, Warwick, Chinchilla and Kingaroy, attending short courses at Australian arts institutions including National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), Queensland Theatre, Cuskelly College of Music, Conroy Dance Centre, Gondwana National Choral School, The Empire Youth Arts and more.
Many former Youth Bursary recipients have gone on to tertiary study and the establishment of creative careers including filmmaker Charlotte Chimes who screened her latest work Locked In at The Empire as part of the prestigious Flickerfest short film festival tour, actor Chris White who has spent several years bringing Bandit Heeler to life touring Bluey’s Big Play and dancer Jacob Watton who was a recent ensemble member of Trent Dalton’s Love Stories at Brisbane Festival 2024 and the subsequent tour in 2025.
The Empire Foundation Chair, Janelle Fletcher said she looked forward to seeing the high quality of applicants continue in the program.
“In 2024, we were inspired by an outstanding group of students who were all driven, talented individuals who were striving to achieve and excelling across a range of disciplines,” Ms Fletcher said.
“We’ve seen some truly inspiring success stories from past recipients, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the impact this program can have over time,” she said.
These young people represent the future of the arts in Australia. As we look ahead, it’s more important than ever to invest in their potential—to provide platforms that foster their creativity, development, and vision.
Janelle Fletcher - The Empire Foundation Chair
Since 2004, more than 550 bursaries have been awarded.
The Empire Foundation is proudly supported by Bernoth Properties, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Downlands College, DP Wealth Advisory, Greenridge Group and The Arbour Boutique Apartments.
For more information regarding the Youth Bursary program and to apply, visit the Community page at empiretheatre.com.au
#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.
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
After nearly three decades of quietly setting the scene, the Empire Theatre’s iconic red curtain is taking its turn in the spotlight with the unveiling of a premium upgrade.
