EIGHT weeks remain for applications for the Jersey Amateur Dramatic Club’s new student award, created following the death of Kezia Mason, a cast member in the company’s junior production of Matilda.
The club is giving £1,000 for its student performing arts award to support further education in the performing arts, whether in performance or stage craft.
Debbie Taylor, chair of the JADC, explained the significance of the club’s decision to introduce the award.
‘Although not specifically named after Kezia, as we had donated a sum of money to the fund set up by her brother, we felt that to use the profits from the show to help other youngsters in the Island to pursue further education in the performing arts was a positive way forward,’ she said.
The sum of £1,000 is available every year until the fund is exhausted, although she added it was hoped that future committees would agree to top it up with profits from other children’s shows.
‘Not all our youngsters are in the financial position to be able to fund further education in the performing arts and while £1,000 will not fund a full course, it can go some way to support, for example, flights for auditions, purchase of equipment, books, or extra singing or dancing lessons.
‘This can include students who wish to stay in the Island to pursue some vocational study, as well as those wishing to go to a specific performing arts school,’ Ms Taylor added.
The award is administered by the club’s executive members.
Applicants must be born in Jersey or have lived in the Island for at least two years prior to their application.
Further details are available on the club website: jadc.co.uk and the deadline for applications is 31 March.
