Derby Theatre is to offer another aspiring actor professional acting experience which includes the chance to appear in two productions.
The Brian Weaver Fellowship began in 2013 and was set up thanks to a donation from Buxton resident Doreen Weaver in memory of her late husband.
Adam Horvath from Derby, the first recipient of the Fellowship, appeared in The Odyssey at Derby Theatre and will soon start rehearsals for Derby Theatre’s festive production A Christmas Carol.
He said, “receiving the Brian Weaver Fellowship has been the biggest springboard of my career so far. Being involved in two professional productions has helped me gain invaluable experience of working over a prolonged period in an industry environment and also reinforced people’s view of me as a professional actor, opening doors for me to work outside Derby.
“As a result of being seen in The Odyssey, I was cast in a play produced by Nottingham Playhouse which did a two-month tour around the country and which led to further offers of work.”
Sarah Brigham, Derby Theatre’s artistic director, added, “the success of the scheme has gone beyond our expectations. Adam’s amazing talent, coupled with his incredibly positive attitude and willingness to learn, have meant he’s developed into a great actor who I’m confident will do very well in the business.”
Anyone wanting to apply for the Fellowship needs to have been born in Derbyshire or be living in the county. Applicants should be between 18 and 29 and have some acting experience through an amateur group, school or youth theatre.
The Fellowship is intended to help support someone who may not have the chance due to financial, social or cultural barriers to take up a career in acting.
Applicants should write 500 words explaining why they feel they need the scholarship and how they will benefit from it. Applications should be sent to Andrew McIntyre at [email protected] by Monday 15 December.
Questions about the Fellowship should be sent to Caroline Barth, head of learning at Derby Theatre, at [email protected] or contact her on 01332 593944 before Friday 12 December. Auditions and interviews will be held in January.