SOLT Awards Laurence Olivier Bursaries

Fourteen gifted students from drama schools across the UK were today awarded £55,000 worth of bursaries by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) in order to help them complete their training.

Previous bursary winners have included Bryony Hannah, Patterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, Daniel Rigby, Vinette Robinson and Michael Sheen.

Established by SOLT in 1987 in honour of the 80th birthday of Lord Olivier, the Laurence Olivier Bursaries aim to provide financial support to exceptional students entering their final year of drama school who are also facing financial difficulties in continuing their studies. The rigorous nature of acting courses means it is often impossible for students to undertake paid employment while training and the aim of the bursaries is to remove some of this financial burden.

Each year, the Principals of selected accredited drama schools submit two nominations each for the bursary. These nominees are then auditioned on a West End stage and interviewed by a panel of theatre industry professionals chaired by leading West End producer Lee Menzies.

Presenting the 14 recipients with their bursaries at a ceremony on Thursday 20 June 2013, SOLT President Mark Rubinstein said: "More than ever before there are talented drama students who, without additional financial support, would be unable to complete their course. Drama schools across the country proposed 40 applicants. These were auditioned and interviewed by the panel, which then selected 14 students from 12 different colleges. We are delighted that we have been able to help the talent of tomorrow and we look forward to seeing them on West End stages very soon."

The Laurence Olivier Bursaries range from £1,000 to a maximum of £7,500 and are given at the discretion of the judges. Other organisations and individuals award their own bursaries in conjunction with the Society's scheme.

The 2013 bursaries are awarded as follows:

· Laurence Olivier Bursaries: David Burnett (Drama Centre London), Crystal Condie (Bristol Old Vic), Celeste Dodwell (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art), Rebecca King (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Fiona MacNeil (Manchester School of Theatre), Simon Mokhele (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama), Beth Mullen (Academy of Live and Recorded Arts), Adam Newington (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Georgia Oldman (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts), Brontë Tadman (Oxford School of Drama),

· Behrens Foundation Bursary (Established by Michael Behrens, a leading City of London merchant banker, the Behrens Foundation provides a considerable annual support for a range of the performing arts, including theatre): Imogen Lindquist (RoyalCentral School of Speech and Drama), Rebekah Lowings (Guildford School of Acting)

· Carmen Silvera Bursary (Given in memory of the late actress Carmen Silvera by Barry Burnett): Simon Haines (Guildhall School of Music and Drama)

· Mary Selway Bursary (Given in memory of the late casting director Mary Selway

by the Casting Directors Guild): Lizzie Clarke (Drama Centre London)

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