The Empire Youth Arts Launches Mort & Co Scholarship Program
Young people across the Darling, Southern and Western Downs will have more opportunities to explore their creative potential through The Empire Youth Arts with the launch of the new Mort & Co Youth Arts Scholarship program.
Made possible by the generous support of Australia’s largest privately owned feed lotter Mort & Co, the program will provide around 20 scholarships to participants across the Toowoomba, Warwick and Dalby areas to help offset the cost of drama classes, performance opportunities and workshops.
Nominations and applications for scholarships are now open in each level of The Empire Youth Arts eight weekly classes on offer as well as in each of the summer school holiday workshops, The 18- Hour Play Project and the Shakespeare Series.
Successful auditionees to the 2027 Junior IMPACT Ensemble presented by DP Wealth and Senior IMPACT Ensemble presented by Clifford Goulson Lawyers will also be eligible for scholarship support.
Mort & Co CEO Stephen O’Brien said supporting The Empire Youth Arts Scholarship Program was an opportunity to invest in young people and a much-loved part of the Toowoomba community.
The Empire Theatre is the jewel in Toowoomba’s crown. It means a great deal to our community, and we’re proud to help ensure it continues to thrive for generations to come.
Mort & Co CEO, Stephen O’Brien
“Our support of The Empire allows it to invest in the future of the Arts in Toowoomba. These scholarships give young people the chance to build confidence, discover their talents and get involved in the performing arts, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
“It’s a privilege to support The Empire and help create those opportunities for young people in our region.”
The Mort & Co Youth Arts Scholarship Program aims to create more accessible pathways for young people to engage with performing arts, nurture their talents and realise their potential, with all participants eligible to apply for placements themselves or be nominated by teachers, parents and peers.
The Empire CEO, Giuliana Bonel said it is inspiring to see a local business like Mort & Co prioritising accessibility to arts experiences.
“We are so grateful to Mort & Co for the invaluable financial support that made this new scholarship program possible and for the meaningful difference that will be made,” Ms Bonel said.
“It’s an exciting addition to The Empire Youth Arts program next year and will provide more young people with opportunities to express themselves, build confidence and discover their potential through the performing arts,” she said.
As we prepare to celebrate 30 years of The Empire in 2027 and look to the future, now more than ever before, it’s vital that we continue to nurture and invest in the next generation of young creatives as they learn valuable life skills that will stay with them long after they have left the stage.
The Empire CEO, Giuliana Bonel
Nominations and applications for scholarships are open now at empiretheatre.com.au. The 18-Hour Play Project and the Shakespeare Series nominations close on Tuesday 1 December and applications for Semester 1 weekly drama classes on Tuesday 8 December.
For more information, visit empiretheatre.com.au or contact The Empire’s Ticket Office on 1300 655 299.
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