For the third consecutive year, an aspiring actor from Derbyshire is to appear in two professional productions through the Brian Weaver Fellowship.
The scheme was set up with a personal donation from former Buxton resident Doreen Weaver in memory of her late husband Brian. She wanted to create a legacy and approached Derby Theatre to discuss how he could be remembered.
The successful fellowship recipient for 2016 will gain at least 14 weeks’ professional acting experience and the chance two appear in two Derby Theatre productions.
The first two recipients were Adam Horvath from Derby and Jake Waring, who has lived in Whatstandwell and Holloway. During his Fellowship year, Waring appeared in Paul Allen’s adaptation of Brassed Off and Mike Kenny’s version of Cinderella at Derby Theatre.
Waring said, “the Fellowship has been truly amazing. I’ve learnt so much from the year and worked with so many fantastic people. With my previous experience, combined with the invaluable experience I’ve gained during my Fellowship year, I truly have a genuine platform from which to build and develop my career further. I’m forever grateful to Doreen for her kindness and generosity.”
Doreen Weaver said, “it doesn’t seem possible that we’ll soon be auditioning for a new Fellow for 2016. Having seen Jake in Brassed Off and then Cinderella, I’m sure we’ve found a truly talented actor who will hopefully progress with his career and be an inspiration to future applicants.”
Anyone wishing to apply for the Fellowship should have been born in Derbyshire or be living in the county. Applicants should be aged 18 to 29 on Monday 14 March.
They should aspire to a professional acting career and have some acting experience which could be through amateur groups, school, youth theatre or a professional theatre.
Applicants should write 500 words explaining why they feel they need the scholarship and how they will benefit from it. The closing date is Monday 14 March. Further information is available at the Derby Theatre web site.