Xia Lian Wilson, 17, has her sights set on Broadway with her dream a step closer after receiving a scholarship with renowned theatre company Bell Shakespeare.
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The Illawarra Grammar School student will join three other aspiring thespians who were among 120 to audition for the John Bell Scholarship (named after the company's founder), and will go on to learn from some of Australia's most accomplished actors, directors and educators next July.
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be around like minded people while being able to gain more insight into the industry," Miss Wilson said.
Miss Wilson will undertake acting masterclasses and backstage tours, watch live theatre performances and observe rehearsals of Hamlet.
Each in the program will also perform a Shakespeare monologue for the cast of Hamlet, as well as receive expert feedback, and practical career advice and mentoring.
The other recipients hailed from Bendigo and Mortlake, both in Victoria, and Karratha in Western Australia - all regional areas.
Bell Shakespeare's artistic director Peter Evans said the scholarship could be a "life-changing experience for aspiring actors from areas where such opportunities may not exist or be accessible".
Miss Wilson has been taking drama classes since she was four, singing lessons since she was seven, has performed with Opera Australia previously and won several sections in eisteddfods.
She has also just been cast as "Joanna" in the upcoming production of "Sweeney Todd" presented by The Arcadians in Corrimal and credits her drama teacher Anette McCann for helping get her this far.
After completing year 12 Miss Wilson wants to study vocal performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before going on to bigger and better things.
"I know this is extremely ambitious, but I would love to be employed on Broadway ... or I would love to have a contract with Opera Australia," she said.
"My ultimate role would be to play "Christine" in Phantom of the Opera."
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
