Lilliana Davis from Gosford High School is one of four aspiring young actors who have won a prestigious scholarship with renowned theatre company Bell Shakespeare.
The 2022 John Bell Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for young actors from regional Australia to learn from some of the country’s most accomplished actors, directors, and educators.
The young actors will travel to Bell Shakespeare’s Sydney headquarters in January 2023 to train with the Company, undertaking acting and skills-based masterclasses as well as touring backstage at Sydney Opera House, watching live theatre performances, and observing rehearsals for Bell Shakespeare’s upcoming production of Macbeth.
The week will culminate with each student performing a Shakespeare monologue for the cast of Macbeth, receiving feedback, practical career advice and mentoring from professional actors and theatre creatives.
“Receiving the John Bell Scholarship feels as if a stepping-stone towards a future on worldwide stages, like my dreams aren’t as far-fetched as they seemed,” Davis said.
Bell Shakespeare’s Head of Education Joanna Erskine said John Bell himself was a young budding actor from a regional Australian town.
“He knew firsthand the lack of opportunities for young people outside of major cities, and how lifechanging the arts can be,” Erskine said.
“The John Bell Scholarship provides training, pathways, mentorship and access to conversations with working professional artists, that support talented young artists to enter the Australian arts industry.
“We are excited to meet and work with the four recipients, and deeply grateful to the many donors and government partners whose support makes this lifechanging opportunity possible.”
Bell Shakespeare artists auditioned students online and in-person across the country, working with each student on their chosen Shakespeare monologue.
The winners were selected by a panel including Bell Shakespeare’s Artistic Director Peter Evans and Founding Artistic Director John Bell.
For information about the John Bell Scholarship go to https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/john-bell-scholarship.
Source:
Media release, Dec 16
Bell Shakespeare