We are delighted to share that Finley Miller, a second-year student on our BA Musical Theatre course, has been awarded the Laurence Olivier Bursary by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Theatre Development Trust.

The Laurence Olivier Bursary is awarded to exceptional Drama and Musical Theatre students who demonstrate outstanding promise and it provides them with vital financial support as they enter their final year of training.

Chris Whitehead, Head of Music – School of Musical Theatre, said:

“We are delighted that Finley Miller has been successful in securing a Laurence Olivier Bursary for his final year of training with us. The faculty agree that Finley is an exceptional student and ambassador for ArtsEd. His hard work and commitment to self-improvement have enabled him to maximise his development in both technique and performance throughout his second year of training, and we look forward to seeing this continue in his public productions in third year.”

Now in its 39th year, the Laurence Olivier Bursary scheme was established in 1987 to mark Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday and continues to champion the next generation of theatre artists. Nominees are put forward by drama schools across the UK and invited to audition on a West End stage before a panel of leading industry professionals. Former recipients include Michaela Coel, Denise Gough and Michael Sheen.

For Finley, receiving the bursary was both a surreal and affirming experience. He said of his award:

“I am absolutely over the moon to receive such a prestigious award. As a northern boy who dreamed of performing, opportunities like this often felt out of reach. I am incredibly grateful to ArtsEd and the Sir Laurence Olivier Bursary team for placing their trust in me. I cannot wait to continue my musical theatre and acting journey into third year and beyond, supported by this amazing recognition. Thank you!”

ArtsEd Principal, Professor Louise Jackson, said:

“The whole ArtsEd community is thrilled for Finley as he enters his third year as a Laurence Olivier Bursary recipient. I would like to thank all of the ArtsEd students and staff for dedicating themselves to a level of training that unlocks opportunities such as this. Congratulations Finley and thank you to SOLT and the Theatre Development Trust, along with all those who continue to provide essential funding for our students.”

In Conversation, remembering Dame Gillian Lynne

On Thursday 28^th May we welcomed audiences to a very special evening celebrating the life and legacy of Dame Gillian Lynne.

It was a heartfelt event filled with moving conversations, treasured memories and reflections on the extraordinary impact Gillian had on theatre, dance and the wider arts.  We were honored to be joined by a distinguished panel of Peter Land, Chrissie Cartwright, Sir Luke Rittner and Sierra Boggess who all shared personal stories and insights into Gillian’s remarkable career and lasting influence.

The evening also featured beautiful performances from ArtsEd musical theatre students, choreographed by Grace Harrington and Matthew Malthouse, showcasing the talent, creativity and passion that continue to inspire future generations of performers.

Some of the panel discussion included what makes a great dance teacher today, how Gillian’s unique approach as a choreographer and director has impacted dance training today (“Energy breeds energy” was Gillian’s favourite maxim.) and what her lasting legacy will be in influencing the future of dance and choreography as well as supporting the future generations through the Lynne and Land Foundation.

“Teachers are there to inspire their students. Never assume you know it all and continue learning right up until the end and never rest on your laurels… There are three things which are important in education, head, heart and hand – the head is the academic bit, the heart is the passion bit which lights you up and the hand is the practical bit which puts it into action.  All teaching should have these three things.”  Sir Luke Rittner.

The panel generously imparted advice to our students.. “Make sure you have a dialogue, don’t just do movement, talk to yourself as you are moving. It’s about storytelling. “

Chrissie Cartwright

“You need passion and work ethic, the work never stops. You never arrive. Always be looking to what’s next. Keep being passionate. The audience needs you now more than ever. The world needs you now more than ever. We cannot survive this world without the arts. We need your version. There isn’t one way to do this, there isn’t one path, you are who you are as you came onto this planet and the need to do what you are doing is enough and the rest of it is the work.”

Sierra Boggess

We were also delighted to hear from Charlotte and Halle, our Lynne and Land Scholars discussing their personal journeys which are a testament to the ongoing impact and financial support from the Lynne and Land Foundation and the opportunities it continues to create for young artists.

“We are so grateful to the panel for joining us for such a special evening, remembering our alumna Dame Gillian Lynne. Our students were beyond excited to be in the room for this ‘In Conversation’ hearing from industry leaders and esteemed performers.  Being able to gain an insight into forging a career in the performing arts and what it takes to turn that career into something sustainable and successful was such a wonderful opportunity for them.”

Professor Louise Jackson

Thank you to our inspiring panel, students and everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening celebrating an artist whose influence continues to be felt across theatre, dance and the wider arts.

All of these events support our bursary programme ensuring talented students can train at ArtsEd regardless of their financial situation.

If you would like to make a donation in support of our bursary fund or become a Friend of ArtsEd and support us all year round please visit our Support us page to find out more.