Australian Theatre for Young People Scholarship Recipients Announced

The Australian Theatre for Young People has announced two new scholarship opportunities for young Australians aged 18-26. Partnering with the Australian Theatre Company in Los Angeles and G'Day USA, the young recipients will mentor with ATYP in Sydney for one year, culminating in the opportunity to travel to L.A. to work on a project with ATC and be profiled at the G'Day USA Gala in January 2017.

ATYP ambassadors Rebel Wilson and Rose Byrne are both alumni of ATYP and are generously supporting two scholarship funds. Each of the scholarships has different selection criteria, but both center around identifying, nurturing and promoting the next generation of theater artists.

Rebel Wilson has donated $15,000 per year for the next three years to fund the "Rebel Wilson Theatremaker Scholarship" to be awarded to an emerging artist interested in generating their own content. The recipient can be any combination of the following: actor / writer / producer.

"I received a similar scholarship from ATYP, Nicole Kidman and Lend Lease in 2004 which allowed me to travel to New York and develop my writing and performing skills," said Wilson. "The opportunity was invaluable in turning me into the professional that I am today. I am so passionate about theater - it's where I got my start and it's also a great platform for young artists to work in and develop their style, potentially using it as a stepping stone into other storytelling mediums such as film and television. Australia has so much young creative talent and I am so proud to now be in a position to help and give back. It's important these young people are encouraged and supported, just like I was when I was a student at ATYP. I can't wait to see who applies for this amazing opportunity."

Rose Byrne has also donated $15,000 per year for the next three years to support an emerging female leader in the arts. This could be a director, writer, actor or producer. Her commitment to the support of women in film is widely known but this scholarship marks her commitment to women in theater.

"I'm delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to young women passionate about a career in theater," stated Byrne. "I know that ATYP will provide a nurturing and professional environment for an artist to learn and grow their art form. I look forward to following their progress and seeing the quality of work that is created. I'm delighted that ATYP continues to be at the forefront of mentoring the arts leaders of tomorrow."

As part of each scholarship package, recipients will participate in a week-long internship with L.A.-based Australian Theatre Company to learn how a professional theater company operates. The internships, which will include training and mentoring from the ATC creative team and their American based theatrical practitioners, will culminate in a showcase for members of the entertainment industry and ATC audiences.

"We are thrilled to be able to partner with ATYP and G'Day USA to offer an extraordinary opportunity to these developing artists," said ATC co-founders Nick Hardcastle, Nate Jones, Jackie Diamond and Joshua Thorburn in a joint statement. "We look forward to working with the scholarship winners and our team of incredible theatrical practitioners here in the United States and to the future growth of this truly special program."

ATYP artistic director Fraser Corfield is delighted about the programs and what they mean for young theater makers. "It's getting harder and harder for young artists to get a start in the industry. This is a unique opportunity for emerging theater makers to kick start their career here in Australia and begin to learn how to get their work onto the international stage. It's exciting to see a trail blazer like Rebel and an established, passionate actor like Rose, helping up the next generation of our young artists."

Chair of the G'day USA Committee and Australian Consul-General in Los Angeles Chelsey Martin welcomes the new partnership. "G'day USA is all about showcasing the best of Australia to the United States, and we welcome the chance to celebrate these talented young Australians at our LA Gala in 2017. We are also pleased to be able to support these scholarship recipients by providing them with Qantas travel to Los Angeles to further their development here in the entertainment capital of the world."

Applications for both scholarships are now open. Full details of the selection criteria are available at www.atyp.com.au. Applications close 25 January 2016.

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