An aspiring actor is to benefit from the Brian Weaver Fellowship, set up to celebrate the life of a Derbyshire actor and director.
The fellowship has been introduced thanks to Buxton resident Doreen Weaver who wanted to donate to a worthwhile, theatre-related cause in memory of her late husband and his love of theatre.
Brian Weaver was born in Clowne. His love of acting began during a school production of Macbeth in which he played the title role.
He received several acting job offers but financial restraints prevented him from accepting them.
Later in life, he performed in and directed many plays in both a professional and amateur capacity.
When he died, Doreen decided to approach Derby Theatre to discuss how he could be remembered in his home county.
The Brian Weaver Fellowship will provide the opportunity for an actor between the ages of 18 and 29 to appear in two professional productions at Derby Theatre during 2014, the first of which will be a production of Homer’s The Odyssey.
Doreen Weaver says, “I’m certain that Brian would want to join me in being able to offer another talented Derbyshire actor the opportunity to become involved in the magical world of theatre. We have therefore set up this fellowship.”
Applicants need either to have been born in Derbyshire or be currently living in the county.
The fellowship is intended to help support someone who has not had 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 12 noon on Friday 27 December.
Questions regarding the fellowship should be addressed to Derby Theatre’s head of learning Caroline Barth at [email protected] or on 01332 593944 before Friday 20 December.
Auditions and interviews will be held early in January 2014.