Nineteen drama students have plenty of reason to celebrate today after being awarded almost £73,000 between them as part of the Laurence Olivier Bursaries scheme.
The annual scheme, which is run by Society of London Theatre, aims to help talented students complete their training by providing them with financial assistance as they enter their final year.
The group of aspiring performers, who follow in the footsteps of actors including Ewan McGregor, Michael Sheen and Bryony Hannah, all of whom have been awarded the bursary in the past, comprises Scott Mackie, Farran Mitchell, Baker Mukasa, Lily Nichol, Rayxia Ojo, Alec Poore, Christopher Royle, Rebecca Saffir, Rachel Smart, Emily Stonelake, Connor Vickery, Jacoba Williams, Brad Morrison, Matthew Hopkinson, Shane Murphy, Kate Newman, Billy Irving, Luke Brady and Aaron Pierre.
Speaking to Official London Theatre about receiving his bursary, Mukasa said: “I am really appreciative and really grateful that I’ve been given this chance. It’s going to give me a lot of time to focus. It’s so nice knowing that there’s a support system in place for people who have a passion for theatre, who have a passion for what we do, and knowing that even if you do come from a certain background there are things out there, if you have talent, if you have drive and if you work hard, that will make your journey easier.”
Fellow recipient Poore spoke about how much difference the financial support would make in the coming year: “It makes it so much easier for next year. I can now focus on what I really want to do. It’s so nice to not only feel appreciated but also to know there’s that support for someone going into their third year when it’s a bit difficult. I’m really grateful for it. It will make next year a lot less stressful. Just living here was going to be a nightmare. It means I can enjoy what I do rather than worrying about money.”
Established in 1987 by the organisation behind Official London Theatre, the Laurence Olivier Bursaries are awarded to students across 20 UK drama schools who have been put forward as exceptional candidates by the schools’ principals. Auditions and interviews then follow to determine which of the candidates are the most deserving of the funding.
Talking about the bursaries scheme’s importance, producer and Chair of the Olivier Bursaries Committee Lee Menzies said: “As national arts education funding continues to be reduced, the support we are able to offer students through the Olivier Bursaries is needed more than ever. The support we are able to offer via all the bursaries not only allows the recipient to continue their studies with a much needed financial cushion, but also gives them the means to see their peers perform across the UK’s stages, an incredibly crucial part of their development.”
The bursaries awarded today total more than £73,000, with each individual given between £500 and £7,500 help realise their potential as the country’s next great performers.
Juma Sharkah, who was nominated for her performance in the Royal Court’s Liberian Girl at the Olivier Awards 2015 with MasterCard, was one of last year’s bursary recipients so it’s only a matter of time before we discover what the future holds for the 2015 winners.