Bursaries

 

The Empire Theatres Foundation supports the professional development of artists by offering two kinds of bursaries - the Brian Boak Bursary and a Youth Bursary.

Youth Bursary

Applications for the 2013 Youth Bursaries will open on Monday 10 June 2013 and close on Friday 19 July 2013.

Download Youth Bursary Information Pack (PDF, 387KB)

Download Youth Bursary Application Form (DOC, 358KB)

Download Referee Proforma (DOC, 32KB)

Download Youth Bursary Terms & Conditions (PDF, 84KB)

The Empire Theatres Foundation Youth Program offers a bursary in specific professional development short courses at leading Australian performing arts educational institutions.

Institutions include National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney, Conservatorium of Music in Brisbane, Victorian College of Arts, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), the Queensland Theatre Company's young artist program and Dance World.

The program aims to assist young individuals who demonstrate current involvement and achievement in a performing arts discipline.

For further information contact the Empire Theatres Foundation Officer at foundation@empiretheatre.com.au or call 07 4698 9900.

Brian Boak Bursaries

The 2014 Brian Boak Bursary will open in late 2013. Watch this space for more information. 

Download the Brian Boak 'Developing Performer' Bursary Information Pack

The 'Outstanding Performer' bursary, worth $25,000 and the 'Developing Performer' bursary, worth up to $10,000, have been made possible through the generosity of the late Brian Boak, a staunch supporter of the performing arts on the Darling Downs.

Each bursary is designed to provide opportunities for career development in the areas of acting, dancing, singing or instrumental performance. These bursaries are offered in alternating years.

Applications are invited from artists, aged 18 to 35, from anywhere in Australia. However, preference may be given to applicants residing in the Darling Downs region. Previous Brian Boak Bursary recipients include:

• 2012 Outstanding Performer: Lucas Stibbard (theatre maker)
• 2011 Developing Performer: Sam Nester (trumpet player and conductor)
• 2010 Outstanding Performer: Martin Smith (cellist)
• 2009 Developing Performer: Emily Goddard (actor)
• 2009 Developing Performer: Dane Lam (conductor)
• 2008 Outstanding Performer: Bonnie Brown (pianist)
• 2008 Developing Performer: Nicola Hayden (flautist)

For further information contact the Empire Theatres Foundation Officer at foundation@empiretheatre.com.au or call 07 4698 9900.

 

Brian Boak 'Outstanding Performer' Bursary winner announced

The Empire Theatres Foundation is pleased to announce Lucas Stibbard as the 2012 Brian Boak ‘Outstanding Performer’ Bursary winner.

Lucas, who completed his Bachelor of Theatre Arts (Acting) at the University of Southern Queensland in 2000, is renowned nationwide for the theatre pieces that he has directed, written, devised and performed in.

In 2011 he was awarded a number of accolades for his highly acclaimed boy girl wall, including two Matilda Awards – one for devising and producing, and one for best independent production.
He also received a Groundling award for best production and a Helpmann Award nomination for best actor in a play.

In addition to his success with boy girl wall, Lucas has worked with Melbourne Theatre Company, La Boite, Bell Shakespeare, HotHouse Theatre, Queensland Theatre Company and also co-directed the Empire Theatre’s Funny Boys in 2012.

He has also taught for leading institutions including NIDA, Queensland University of Technology, USQ, Drama Queensland, Aboriginal Centre of Performing Arts and Queensland Theatre Company’s Youth & Education program.

On film and television, Lucas has starred in Kokoda, The Great Raid, Wombat and The Wilde Girls.

Lucas is also the founding member of a Brisbane-based performance collective, The Escapists.

The Empire Theatres Foundation proudly welcomes this emerging theatre talent to its prestigious list of bursary winners.