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The Search for Today’s Joan Sutherland is On!

The highly prestigious Empire Theatres Foundation Brian Boak Bursary is now open for applications, with one exceptional Australian applicant set to receive $10,000.
 
This life-changing award will offer support to next generation Hugh Jackmans and Joan Sutherlands, with the Brian Boak ‘Developing Performer’ Bursary being used to facilitate the successful applicant’s ongoing professional arts career development.
 
Empire Theatres Foundation Chair, Sheena Liley, said the Brian Boak ‘Developing Performer’ Bursary is designed to assist exceptional young performers who demonstrate outstanding skills and possess international potential in their field of expertise.
 
“This Bursary is offered biennially through the Empire Theatres Foundation in Toowoomba and provides support to a person wishing to pursue a program of study or professional development in the areas of acting, dancing, singing or instrumental performance,” Mrs Liley said.
 
This ‘Developing Performer’ Bursary and the Brian Boak ‘Outstanding Performer’ Bursary, worth $25,000, were made possible through the generosity of the late Brian Boak, a staunch supporter of arts on the Darling Downs and an Empire Theatre enthusiast. These bursaries are offered in alternating years.
 
Two years ago, trumpet player Sam Nester won the $10,000 ‘Developing Performer’ Bursary, enabling him to complete his postgraduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York.
 
Past Brian Boak Bursary winners 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) – currently starring in MTC’s Elling
·         2009 Developing Performer: Dane Lam (conductor)
·         2008 Outstanding Performer: Bonnie Brown (pianist)
·         2008 Developing Performer: Nicola Hayden (flautist)
 
Applications for the $10,000 ‘Developing Performer’ Bursary are now open and will close on 31 January, 2013.
 
For more information contact the Empire Theatre on (07) 4698 9900 or visit www.empiretheatre.com.au.

Image: Lucas Stibbard (of boy girl wall fame), last year’s winner

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