Bell Shakespeare.

Bell Shakespeare’s Regional Performance Scholarship is designed specifically for secondary school students living in regions with limited access to live theatre.

The Regional Performance Scholarship is funded by Colonial Foundation over a period of five years. The Scholarship offers the opportunity for two or three talented young individuals to travel to Sydney for a week for the work experience opportunity of a lifetime with Bell Shakespeare.

In 2008, 133 students auditioned at regional centres across Australia visiting 38 venues and enabling broad access to the Scholarship for students in many locations. In each community up to eight students were selected to audition. These students had already won preparatory heats within their schools and the process allowed the opportunity for many students to be involved in performing Shakespeare.

During the audition process, students presented a two to four minute monologue of their own choice and were judged on voice, movement, characterisation, script comprehension and level of personal commitment to the study of drama.

Auditions took the form of a 15-minute individual masterclass. This gave each student the opportunity to perform their monologue up to three times working closely with the Bell Shakespeare arts educator on interpretation and direction. Every audition showcased each individual student’s drive and determination. Being selected to audition is the first recognition of this effort and securing a coveted Regional Performance Scholarship is the ultimate acknowledgement.

Of the young people selected to audition for Bell Shakespeare in 2008, 15 were short-listed. Three winners, Ryan Mitchell from Karratha WA, William Haines from Canberra ACT and Laura Hartnell from Trafalgar VIC, were chosen to come to Sydney in May to work with John Bell and the cast of Pericles as they prepared for their 2009 national tour.

'The Regional Performance Scholarship experiences are unmatched by any other annual programme offered for young actors in this country and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.'

Laura Hartnell, Trafalgar VIC, Scholarship winner 2008

'Colonial’s outstanding support of this project has set a leadership benchmark for other potential supporters. This Scholarship continues to make Shakespeare and theatre skills accessible and stimulating for an increasing number of students across the country.'

Christopher Tooher, General Manager, Bell Shakespeare

'Colonial Foundation is proud to support the Regional Performances Scholarships. The experience of the audition process provides a great confidence boost to young people throughout regional Australia.'

Andrew Brookes, Executive Officer, Colonial Foundation

View the Regional Performance Scholarship page for students.