The Olympia Theatre Rising Star Award Now Open!
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 at 12:50 pm | News & Events
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” Vincent Van Gogh
The Olympia Theatre is delighted to announce the second annual Olympia Theatre Rising Star Award, to be delivered by the Gaiety School of Acting throughout 2016, beginning on the 16th of January. The Rising Star accolade is to be granted to one young person aged between 13 and 18 years of age with a passion for the arts, particularly acting. The award is intended to give this one exceptional young person the opportunity to develop their love of theatre and to help them realise their dreams of becoming a professional actor.
In addition to three terms at the Gaiety School of Acting’s weekly Young Gaiety Workshop, the chosen Rising Star will win a place on two intensive day-long workshops, four week-long summer camps and year-long representation by The Gaiety School of Acting Agency. In order to ensure the young person participating in the programme is provided with support and guidance, a Gaiety School tutor will also act as a designated Rising Star Mentor over the 12 month period. Other benefits of the programme include a topped up Leap Card and lunch for occasions on which the young person is spending full days at the school.
The Olympia Theatre Rising Star Award is now open to all applicants from Youth Reach programmes within the Dublin area, with the winner selected based on an application statement and an audition conducted by representatives of The Olympia Theatre and The Gaiety School of Acting. The auditions will take place in The Gaiety School of Acting in Temple Bar on the 23rd of November 2015.
The recipient of the 2015 Rising Star Award was 17 year old Zoe Kelly. Zoe was formally presented the award on Thursday 22nd January 2015 with Ireland’s first family of acting, the Gleesons, in attendance.
When asked about the significance of the award Patrick Sutton, Director of The Gaiety School of Acting stated; ‘Our school is successful and the recognized and proud leader in the field of actor training, because of the extraordinary success of our graduates – young and vibrant actresses like Charlie Murphy (Class of 2008), Sarah Greene (Class of 2006) and even American Actress Olivia Wilde, have all trained at the school. We hope The Rising Star’s time with us will afford them the opportunity to develop their love and understanding of the art form and assist with establishing themselves in the industry’.