The Empire NewsThe Empire News

2023 Empire Youth Bursary Recipients Announced


The Empire has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2023 Empire Youth Bursaries.

2023 Empire Youth Bursary ~Recipients Announced~

The Empire has continued their commitment to supporting and nurturing the young performers of the region with the presentation of the 2023 Empire Youth Bursaries.

In a ceremony held at The Empire today, 30 talented young artists were honoured as around $25,000 in bursaries was awarded to develop skills and give new experiences to young people who demonstrate talent, involvement and achievement in a performing arts discipline.

This year’s recipients will attend short courses at top Australian arts institutions including National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), Queensland Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Queensland Ballet, Gondwana National Choral School and more.

The Youth Bursary program will this year send recipients to courses in a wide range of disciplines including acting, writing, classical music, dance and choral singing.

Empire Theatres Foundation Chairperson, Janelle Fletcher said the 2023 round of applicants were all incredible talent with creative concepts and goals in mind.

“We saw an incredible group of students who are really striving to achieve and excel in their different fields,” Ms Fletcher.


“As we look to the future, it’s so important to embrace and invest in the arts and further the cultural experience and development of these young people. It’s these very young people who are the future of the arts in this country.”

Janelle Fletcher, Empire Foundation Chair

Since 2010, more than 500 bursaries have been awarded to young artists in our community, many of whom have progressed and established successful careers in their disciplines.

Ms Fletcher thanked the Empire Theatres Foundation sponsors and donors for the ongoing support and generosity that makes the Youth Bursaries program possible.

Empire Theatres Foundation is proudly sponsored by Bernoth Properties, DP Wealth Advisory, Downlands College, Greenridge Group, Horizon Accounting, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, The Arbour Boutique Apartments and Wearing Memories.

#What’s New

2024 ~Brian Boak Bursary Winner~ Announced

Following a record number of applications The Empire is thrilled to announce Munich-based Australian multidisciplinary performer, lirico-spinto soprano and actress Christiana Aloneftis as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Brian Boak Bursary.

IMPACT Junior 2024: Mataya Forster, Eliza Kinniburgh, Chelsea Rogers, Samantha Cheetham, Edward Pocknee, Majella Ford, Minea Tao. Absent: Joshua Walkington

​The Empire’s youngest artists have kicked off rehearsals for their original production, Our Egg Named Larry, to be performed from July 12-13.

John Waters and Daniel MacPherson star in The Woman in Black

The second longest-running play in West End history will premiere on The Empire stage ahead of a national tour.

Audiences dazzled as ~curtain closes on Cinderella~

A hugely successful 6 show season of The Empire's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella comes to an end.

The Empire Appoints New Directors to Board

Three new directors were appointed to The Empire's Board in January 2024.

Acknowledgement
of country

The Empire acknowledges the Traditional Custodians, the Giabal, Jarowair and Western Wakka Wakka peoples, where we work and present stories. We would like to pay respect to the Elders, past and present and to all First Nations peoples.

Artwork: We Are Yuree by Adrian Bauwens

Empire Theatre