Recipients of MTC's Indigenous Scholarship Program Announced

Melbourne Theatre Company announced the 2015 recipients of the Indigenous Scholarship Program, offered as part of the Company's Sharing the Light initiative.

Bayden Clayton and Cianna Chaplain will take part in the inaugural program designed to help create career pathways for Indigenous students. In 2015, the scholarship will take the form of an intensive work experience program tailored to each recipient's areas of interest within the field of theatre and live performance production.

'This scholarship supports young people in their education and employment endeavors by providing practical work experience and the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best in the business,' MTC Executive Director Virginia Lovett said.'Specifically designed to help gain access into, and understanding of, the technical and creative process of theatre and live event production, the intensive program will help prepare young indigenous people in their pursuit of further study or employment within the creative industries. We are thrilled to welcome Bayden and Cianna into the program and look forward to working with them throughout the year.'

The two 2015 scholarship recipients will each have up to eight weeks work experience during the year with MTC and other arts organisations, such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. During their scholarships, the recipients will shadow and assist qualified production staff, receive mentoring from industry experts, have access to learning materials and opportunities, and be given support in folio preparation for tertiary entrance interviews or job applications.

The scholarship also includes travel to and from Melbourne, accommodation, tickets to MTC productions and a weekly allowance during the work experience period.

This intensive work experience program is one of the four key components of MTC's Sharing the Lightinitiative. Supported by Crown Resorts Foundation, the initiative is designed to reduce barriers some face in accessing learning opportunities and experiencing world-class theatre.

For more information about MTC's Sharing the Light initiative visit mtc.com.au