A partnership between a law firm and the Island’s longest-running musical theatre society is continuing to pay dividends for talented local performers.
Each year Douglas-based practice DQ Advocates supports the annual Douglas Choral Union (DCU) bursary which is awarded to young Island residents as they pursue further education in any aspect of drama, dance, music and theatre.
The recipients of the 2023/24 awards returned to the Island during the festive period when they were officially presented with their bursaries.
Local performers
All three performers have been involved with the arts in the Isle of Man for several years.
Millie Christian, 19, has just completed her first term at the Performance Preparation Academy at Guildford in Surrey, where she is studying towards a BA in musical theatre.
A performer of ballet, tap, musical theatre and singing, Millie has tread the boards from a young age and has appeared in four DCU productions since 2016.
The cost of her bursary will go towards equipment and specialist lessons, combined with extra-curricular activities supporting her development.
Gracel Delos Santos, 23, is currently in the second of a three-year course at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.
Gracel has appeared in many Island shows and works part time to support herself as she works towards a BA in Professional Acting degree.
She is planning to use the bursary to invest in travel to training events and performances.
Alex Maxwell, 27, has become a well-known name in Island theatre and began his foundation year at the London School of Musical Theatre in September.
An accomplished performer, he formed his own company to build up finances to help fund his course, hoping to make the step into the industry at its conclusion.
Supporting opportunities
Gary Corkhill, DCU chairman, said: “Once again we are thrilled to be supporting opportunities for our young people and working alongside DQ Advocates, with whom we have a very productive and long-standing relationship.
“As an Island charity with a proud history and a reputation for embracing the future, teaming up with DQ for the bursary scheme is an important part of what we do.
Gary Corkhill, DCU chairman
“We were so impressed with the quality of the applicants and are confident that Alex, Gracel and Millie can thrive in their ventures so we are delighted to be able to help them with their studies.”
All three beneficiaries will provide an update on their progress and present workshops with the DCU later this year.
Applications
Applications for the 2024-25 Bursary, which can assist local students up to the age of 25 in funding to study any aspect of theatre at College or University, will open in the summer.
You can find out more by e-mailing: DCUBursary@outlook.com
Each applicant will be asked to complete an application and a shortlist of applicants will then be invited to discuss their future plans.
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