A former member of Derby Playhouse Youth Theatre has been selected as the first recipient of the Brian Weaver Fellowship—set up to provide an aspiring actor with professional, paid work.
Adam Horvath will perform in The Odyssey at Derby Theatre in February along with a production in the autumn.
The Fellowship has been set up in memory of the late Brian Weaver, a Buxton actor and director who had a lifelong passion for the arts. Seventeen hopefuls auditioned.
Adam Horvath lives in Derby and his first involvement with the arts in the city was with Derby Playhouse Youth Theatre when he was 14. He has also acted with Derby LIVE’s community theatre and Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company.
He said, “I'm absolutely over the moon at being offered this opportunity. I've still not stopped smiling and can't wait to get started.
“I'm so lucky to get the chance to do what I love, in the place and city that I love. I can't say how grateful I am to Doreen Weaver and hopefully I'll do Brian proud.”
Brian Weaver’s widow Doreen said, “For me, Adam Horvath was the perfect choice and I wish him every success in the future.
“I shall certainly be there at the theatre to watch him perform. If I’m able, as I hope, to repeat this Fellowship offer next year, I’m sure that Adam will be an inspiration to all those who apply.
“I’m so pleased that I decided to approach Derby Theatre with this dream project in memory of my beloved husband.”
Derby Theatre’s artistic director Sarah Brigham added, “Adam’s raw talent shone through and I’m delighted that we’ll be able to offer him the platform of being in two Derby Theatre main stage shows to launch his career.”
Adam’s Fellowship role will begin on Monday 20 January when rehearsals start for The Odyssey.