Drama Circle Theatre Trust
DRAMA CIRCLE THEATRE TRUST
Grant Awards 2007
The Trustees of the Drama Circle Theatre Trust were delighted to make grants in 2007 to four of the applicants for financial assistance towards a specific course or project, designed to improve his or her skills or knowledge of some aspect of theatre. All the succesful applicants presented themselves with interest and enthusiasm during their interviews.
The recipients of the grants were -
Melissa Smith (Belfast)
Melissa received a grant towards tuition fees for the National University of Ireland Certificate in Directing. Melissa's aim is to develop her directing skills and the course offers her "not just a recognised qualification, but the invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience with professional, working directors."
Dean Johnson (Belfast)
Dean's grant was for travel and fees for a three-week summer production of a musical version of "Great Expectations", run by Youth Musical Theatre:UK, in Scotland.
Dean, who wants to become a professional actor, wrote in his report -
"Every day we worked from 9 o'clock in the morning to 9 o'clock at night, only stopping for lunch, dinner and a short break to get a drink. Obviously, with those long hours of constant singing, dancing and acting, we were pushing our bodies, but really pressing yourself is the best way to improve..........I really enjoyed this course and the experience has certainly given me 'Great Expectations'."
Will McNeice (Bangor)
Will used his grant for expenses to attend the Prague Quadrennial, which was to be the single largest theatrical event in the history of theatre. Will had been approved as a volunteer on the British contingent which gave him access to many events and exhibitions. Having worked first in theatre as a lighting technician before progressing to lighting design, Will went on to study set design and also hopes to develop his directing skills.
Of his time in Prague, he comments that "as a member of the press team, (it) gave me access to people I wanted to meet. I interviewed high-profile designers from around the world and managed to ask all the questions that not only interested me, but other people wanted to learn as well." He concluded "As well as learning new things, I made friends as well, from places as diverse as Greece, Mexico and Uruguay, and we formed long-term plans to work together."
Garvan Tohill (Belfast)
This grant was towards a week-long course, called "The Moving Voice", at the Drama League of Ireland Summer School at the University of Limerick as he wished to improve his vocal skills for use both as an actor and as a director.
Garvan's report gave "a review of what I learnt or what I will use again and again to maintain a standard that I achieved at DLI." His final comments were - "Excellent course and tutor; plenty of advice on new and interesting techniques. Look forward to next year."
Are you interested in developing
your skills and knowledge in theatre?
If you are and have
a specific course or project in mind,
you can apply for the chance
to win a grant this year.
For details and application form,
Click here