06.03.2020
ArtsEd are delighted to announce that second year BA (Hons) Acting student, Christopher Coniston has been awarded the most prestigious national award for drama students in the UK: The Laurence Olivier Bursary Award.
The Laurence Olivier Bursary Scheme was set up by the Society of London Theatres with Lord Olivier, with the sole aim to develop future acting talent for the British stage. The Society of London Theatres (SOLT) represents the major UK theatre producers, from commercial West End Theatres, to The Royal National Theatre.
Each year, two second year students per drama school are put forward for the award. A two-day selection process takes place in the form of a ten-minute audition on a West End stage, followed by an interview. The panel is made up TV and Theatre casing directors, as well as West End producers.
Thrilled with his achievement, Chris tells us:
“This award means a huge amount to me! It not only enables me to solely focus on my 3rd year (my most exciting and important year of drama school training) without the financial burdens looming over me, but it has opened up a fruitful and exciting avenue in my future to look forward to. The fact I can simply hold this phenomenal achievement to my name fills me with such pride and gratitude. To come from humble upbringings and achieve such things is utterly mind-blowing. I’d like to thank everyone who has been with me along this journey thus far for believing in me, and giving me the self-belief to go out there and make this happen. Words cannot really express how I feel, but I am over the moon.”
Director of the School of Acting, Julie Spencer shares her congratulations:
“We are absolutely delighted and very proud that Chris has been awarded one of Laurence Olivier Award top bursaries. He is a student who is committed and exceptionally focused. This is a great achievement and we are extremely grateful for the support of the Society of London Theatre”
The Laurence Olivier Bursary recipients will attend the Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard on Sunday 5 April at the Royal Albert Hall, where they will be presented with certificates on the red carpet.
Help ArtsEd nurture future talent and support us now – whether it’s a one-off donation or becoming an ArtsEd Friend, your help could change a life!