2025 Youth Bursary Recipients Announced
The Empire Foundation has once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the next generation of performers, presenting the 2025 Youth Bursaries to outstanding young artists from across the region.
At a ceremony held today in The Empire’s Armitage Centre, 37 talented young performers were recognised, sharing in more than $26,000 in bursaries designed to develop skills and provide inspiring opportunities for emerging performers across a wide range of disciplines.
The Empire Foundation Chairperson Janelle Fletcher said the panel was inspired by the calibre and passion of this year’s applicants.
“We continue to be inspired by the calibre of young artists applying each year,” Ms Fletcher said.
“Their talent and determination are a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in the arts and supporting the creative voices that will shape the future of our cultural landscape,”
“It’s a privilege to help them take the next step in their creative journey.”
Janelle Fletcher - The Empire Foundation Chair
This year’s recipients will take part in short courses and workshops at leading Australian arts institutions including the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Queensland Conservatorium - Griffith University, Queensland Theatre, The Australian Ballet School, Cuskelly College of Music, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), The Little Red Company, and many more.
Through these Youth Bursaries, participants will expand their training in acting, musical theatre, film, dance, music, and choral performance—gaining invaluable experience that supports their creative ambitions and professional growth.
Since its inception in 2010, The Empire Youth Bursary program has awarded more than 550 bursaries to local young artists, many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in their chosen fields across Australia and beyond.
Ms Fletcher extended heartfelt thanks to The Empire Foundation’s sponsors and donors for their continued generosity and belief in young talent.
The Empire Foundation is proudly supported by Bernoth Properties, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Downlands College and DP Wealth Advisory.
#What’s New
The Empire’s annual school holiday event, THRIVE Festival, has wrapped for 2025 with a record-breaking 5,127 people attending the four-day celebration of creativity, play and storytelling.
Shakespeare and a smash hit soundtrack collide at The Empire as preparations for the 2026 in-house production of & JULIET kick off with the appointment of Queensland-based Director, Tim Hill.
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.
