Local South Australian youth theatre company Wings2Fly Theatre have announced an extension to their scholarship program. The company are excited to announce 12 fully funded scholarships are now available for eligible applicants for productions through to July 2022!

 

Established in 2017 and run by local arts industry professionals, Michelle Nightingale and Alicia Zorkovic, Wings2Fly Theatre offer workshops for 6 to 10 year olds (Juniors) and 10 to 21 year olds (Youth) during the school holidays. With several other organisations offering development opportunities in musical theatre and the respective disciplines, Wings2Fly Theatre has deliberately decided to focus their unique training program exclusively on spoken theatre craft and straight plays.

 

“We are all about supporting young actors and giving them the opportunity to gain practical professional knowledge of the theatre and stagecraft” says company co-director Michelle Nightingale.

“It is about giving young actors a taste of professional theatre, the expectation and the intensity of creating characters and live theatre, the thrill of the lights and the effect of the applause.”

 

Due to the generous support of local sponsors the Jeffery family, LR&M Constructions, Adelaide Theatre & More Social Club, and Jonathan Arts Centre, Wings2Fly Theatre now have 12 fully funded scholarships to their programs available for productions into 2022.

“We have always been conscious of the expense involved in quality acting training, and that this would exclude some young people who simply don't have the means or come from a disadvantaged background” explains co-director Alicia Zorkovic.

 

Zorkovic and Nightingale are incredibly grateful for the support of the company’s generous sponsors. “Jenn & Michael Jeffery's son, Byron, has been performing with Wings2Fly since January 2019, and they have been thrilled with his development as an actor” says Alicia.

“He has learnt to manage his ADHD”, she adds “and the standard of learning is something that the Jeffery’s want to support in other young actors.”

 

The 12 scholarships will be spread across the next three show seasons in October 2021, April 2022, and July 2022. Each holiday season will see support offered to two youth participants and two junior participants who many not have otherwise been able to take advantage of this training.

“We also have financial support available for regional students to assist with travel and accommodation” says Alicia.

“We are so excited to extend the opportunity state-wide,” adds Michelle.

“These positions are fully funded and include two tickets to one of the performances plus a Wings2Fly hoodie“.

 

Youth hopefuls are required to prepare a 10 minute individual audition to secure a place in the show.

“This is where the training starts,” says Alicia. “We work one on one with each student, providing feedback, advice and positive reinforcement.”

Once the plays are cast, costuming, sets and props are designed and sourced and the entire company comes together to meet each other prior to the commencement of rehearsals.

“They have a read through of the play, get professional headshots taken, and try on their costumes,” Alicia explains, “It's an opportunity to meet other cast members, eat pizza and ask any questions they may have.”

 

Workshops run Monday to Friday thereafter and consist of character and script analysis, blocking, and technical rehearsal. The company also has two special guest presenters at each holiday workshop to increase exposure to industry professionals.

“In the past we have had Paolo Castro, Rory Walker, Corey McMahon, Adrian Barnes, Jennifer Innes and Pat Wilson,” Michelle says.

 

The workshop culminates with four performances at Holden Street Theatres on the Saturday and Sunday at 2pm & 5pm.

 

“We want every young person who shows an interest or has a dream of being an actor to have the opportunity to receive a quality and supported education and performance experience” concludes Michelle, “And now they can!”

 

Further information about the scholarships and how to apply can be found at wings2flytheatre.com.au/scholarships

 

Paul Rodda

 

When: April, July, & October School Holidays
Where: Holden Street Theatre

More Info: wings2flytheatre.com.au