Life-changing scholarship for Coast student

Wyong Christian Community School student Jonathan Wiltshire has been awarded a life-changing John Bell Scholarship.

Wiltshire was one of four talented young actors from regional areas right across Australia including Western Australia, Queensland and Canberra to be awarded a scholarship which gives the recipients the opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most respected actors, directors, and educators.

He and three other recipients were selected by a panel including Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans and Founding Artistic Director John Bell, following auditions involving 91 students from across the country.

The scholarship program immerses recipients in a week-long residency at Bell Shakespeare’s Sydney headquarters in January 2025.

During this time, they will participate in intensive acting masterclasses, train with Bell Shakespeare artists, undertake mentoring sessions, observe rehearsals for the Company’s first major production for 2025, Henry 5 – directed by Marion Potts and featuring breakout star JK Kazzi – and attend live performances.

The program culminates in a special performance where the scholarship recipients will present a Shakespeare monologue to the Henry 5 cast, receiving expert feedback and invaluable career guidance.

Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans said the John Bell Scholarship offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Australians from regional areas who aspired to a career in the performing arts.

“It’s a privilege to nurture emerging talent and to share Shakespeare’s works with the next generation of artists,” Evans said.

“This year’s auditions showcased extraordinary enthusiasm and skill, and we are excited to welcome Annabel, Ryan, Emma, and Jonathan to our headquarters in January.”

Bell Shakespeare’s Head of Education Joanna Erskine said the John Bell Scholarships were more than just an opportunity to develop one’s craft.

“It’s a powerful program that allows young talented performers to connect with leading industry professionals, gain invaluable insights, and immerse themselves in exceptional training,” she said.

“This program represents everything we stand for at Bell Shakespeare: nurturing imagination and potential, championing young people, and providing access to Shakespeare and the arts.

“These four young winners have a bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to support them with this opportunity,” she said.

Founding Artistic Director John Bell said he was very impressed by the intelligence and engagement of all the shortlisted students.

“I think the standard of performance is the highest I have seen in all these years,” he said.

“Choosing the top four students proved very difficult.

“Congratulations to all involved.”

Jonathan Wiltshire said winning the scholarship had encouraged his passion to embrace opportunities.

“Through Bell Shakespeare, I’m excited to explore human expression practically, through language and non-verbal communication,” he said.

The 2024 John Bell Scholarship residency will run from January 20-25,  2025 at Bell Shakespeare’s headquarters at Pier 2/3 in Sydney.