UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 01 JULY 2015
A Birmingham School of Acting student is celebrating after wowing judges to win a £2,500 Laurence Olivier bursary.
Second-year student Rachel Smart joins a list of famous names who have won the bursary in previous years, including Ewan McGregor and Michael Sheen.
Established by the Society of London Theatre in 1987 in honour of the 80 birthday of English actor Lord Olivier, the Laurence Olivier bursaries aim to provide financial support to exceptional students entering their final year of drama school who are also facing financial difficulties in continuing their studies.
Rachel, 21, said: "To win the award I had to present a modern piece, a classical piece and a song, to a panel of judges on the stage of the Ambassadors Theatre in London. I also had an interview with the panel where we spoke about the financial strains of third year study and I explained how the money would help me.
"At drama school you are constantly scrutinising yourself and the work you do, so it was a real boost to hear the judges enjoyed my work and had selected me. One of the judges said he was impressed with my acting through song, so that was lovely to know that the work we are doing on the BA Acting course is being recognised."
Each year, the Principals of 20 drama schools from across the UK submit two nominations for the bursaries scheme. Nominees then audition before a panel of theatre industry professionals, led by leading West End producer and Chair of the Olivier Bursaries Committee Lee Menzies.
Lee said: "As ever, the standard of applicants this year was extremely high, making the selection process very difficult.
"As national arts education funding continues to be reduced, the support we are able to offer students through the Olivier Bursaries is needed more than ever."
Upon completing her studies at Birmingham School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University, Rachel hopes to work in classical theatre.