Bell Shakespeare announces recipients of the 2024 John Bell Scholarship

Bell Shakespeare has announced the recipients of the 2024 John Bell Scholarship, offering four talented young actors from regional areas a life-changing opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most respected actors, directors, and educators.

The recipients are Annabel Bancroft from Margaret River Senior High School, WA; Ryan Cruickshank from Emmanuel College Gold Coast, QLD; Emma Piva from Canberra Girls' Grammar, ACT; and Jonathan Wiltshire from Wyong Christian Community School, NSW. These exceptional young performers were selected by a panel including Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans and Founding Artistic Director John Bell, following auditions involving 91 students from across the country.

John Bell Scholarship 2024 winners Annabel Bancroft, Ryan Cruikshank Emma Piva and Jonathan Wiltshire

The scholarship program immerses recipients in a week-long residency at Bell Shakespeare’s Sydney headquarters in January 2025. During this time, they will participate in intensive acting masterclasses, train with Bell Shakespeare artists, undertake mentoring sessions, observe rehearsals for the Company's first major production for 2025, Henry 5 –directed by Marion Potts and featuring breakout star JK Kazzi – and attend live performances.

The program culminates in a special performance where the scholarship recipients will present a Shakespeare monologue to the Henry 5 cast, receiving expert feedback and invaluable career guidance.

Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans said the John Bell Scholarship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Australians from regional areas who aspire to a career in the performing arts.

“It’s a privilege to nurture emerging talent and to share Shakespeare’s works with the next generation of artists. This year’s auditions showcased extraordinary enthusiasm and skill, and we are excited to welcome Annabel, Ryan, Emma, and Jonathan to our headquarters in January.”

Bell Shakespeare’s Head of Education, Joanna Erskine, added, “the John Bell Scholarship is more than just an opportunity to develop one's craft - it’s a powerful program that allows young talented performers to connect with leading industry professionals, gain invaluable insights, and immerse themselves in exceptional training.

“This program represents everything we stand for at Bell Shakespeare: nurturing imagination and potential, championing young people, and providing access to Shakespeare and the arts. These four young winners have a bright future ahead, and we are thrilled to support them with this opportunity,” she said.

Founding Artistic Director John Bell said, "I was very impressed by the intelligence and engagement of all the shortlisted students; I think the standard of performance is the highest I have seen in all these years. Choosing the top four students proved very difficult. Congratulations to all involved."

Annabel Bancroft said, “Having the opportunity to work with such an incredible company is truly an honour, I feel extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity and can’t wait to learn.”

Ryan Cruickshank said, “I am honoured and ecstatic to have even been considered, let alone receive the scholarship and I'm beyond excited for what is to come!”

Emma Piva said, “I can’t wait to completely immerse myself in the dramatic world of Shakespeare, pushing myself to learn new things and grow as an actor thanks to this amazing opportunity.”

Jonathan Wiltshire said, “Winning this scholarship has encouraged me in my passion to embrace opportunities. Through Bell Shakespeare, I’m excited to explore human expression practically, through language and nonverbal communication.”

The 2024 John Bell Scholarship residency will run from 20 - 25 January 2025 at Bell Shakespeare’s headquarters at Pier 2/3.

More: https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/john-bell-scholarship.