John Bell
Scholarship

Applications are OPEN for the 2026 John Bell Scholarship

Calling all young performers!

The John Bell Scholarship is your opportunity for a week at Australia's national Shakespeare company. You have the opportunity to sit in on rehearsals, train with our artists, and perform your winning monologue for people such as Founding Artistic Director John Bell and Artistic Director Peter Evans, with feedback and mentoring along the way.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to audition, you need to be enrolled full-time at a regional high school and be 16 years of age or older by 31 December 2026.

How auditions work 

Auditions take the form of a relaxed, one-on-one 15-minute Workshop Audition with a Bell Shakespeare artist. Choose a monologue from our 2026 monologue list (attached below), wear whatever you feel comfortable moving in, and bring your natural voice.

2026 Monologues2026 Monologues

Check out some audition tips here. 

In-person auditions

We'll be auditioning in person across Terms 3 and 4. Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch to arrange a time that works for you.

Zoom auditions

Can't make it in person? Just let us know on the form and request a Zoom audition instead. 

One thing to note: in-person auditions aren't guaranteed, even if you'd prefer one, so we may ask you to audition over Zoom instead.

We strongly encourage students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply. 

John Bell Scholarship Application Form John Bell Scholarship Application Form

If you have any questions please reach out to learning@bellshakespeare.com.au