2014 Awardee: Martin Quinn

It is no exaggeration to say that I would find it impossible to train at Guildhall without the support of the Dewar Arts Award. Needless to say, I am very grateful!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

A proud Scottish actor, Martin grew up in the Gallowhill area of Paisley, where he was a member of drama groups from the age of six.  From early beginnings at his local youth theatre PACE, Martin went on to attend the Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT).

Through the SYT, Martin gained experience in devising and performing interactive shows for children and also auditioned for the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of Let the Right One In. He landed the lead role of Oskar and went on to perform at the Dundee Rep, the Royal Court Theatre and the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.

Whilst performing in the West End, Martin auditioned for drama school and gained a place at the illustrious Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

How the Award Helped

Martin was granted an award to support his studies at Guildhall, where at the outset he reported:

“This training is really pushing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to take on new challenges such as Shakespeare and eventually TV and Radio modules. It will equip me with the vocal skills and physical fitness necessary for a varied career as well as building up my confidence so that I can enter the industry with the strongest skillset I am capable of. Only a few months in and already I can see how this three year course should make me ultimately more attractive to employers.”

Let the Right One In – National Theatre of Scotland

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It is no exaggeration to say that I would find it impossible to train at Guildhall without the support of the Dewar Arts Award. Needless to say, I am very grateful!

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2014 Awardee: Jamie O’Rourke

"The Dewar Arts Award has helped me with financial constraints which otherwise may have prevented me from entering into study and enjoying all the benefits that entails."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.jamieorourke.net/
EMAIL:jamieorourke@live.co.uk
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/jamieborourke

Biography

Born in Falkirk, Jamie took an interest in theatre and performing arts from a young age.   He began in amateur theatre and moved up the ranks to assistant director before working with local companies.  At the age of 18 he founded his own company, Project Theatre, and took on the roles of Artistic Director, Producer and Productions Director.

Jamie has acted as Secretary of the Falkirk District Arts and Civic Council and has won a number of awards for services to drama and young people, including the Young Scot Award, Falkirk Civic Award and the Young Personality of the Year Award.  He has worked as a voluntary manager of local heritage ghost walks and is a founder of Scottish Community Arts – an organisation that works to promote and provide publicity for amateur and community organisations across Scotland.

In 2014, Jamie was accepted onto the BA Contemporary Performance Practice course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  This enabled him to continue his studies and develop the skills necessary to achieve his ambitions as an arts professional.

How the Award Helped

Jamie received a Dewar Arts Award to support his studies at the RCS.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has helped me with financial constraints which otherwise may have prevented me from entering into study and enjoying all the benefits that entails."

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2012 Awardee: Roz McAndrew

Receiving the Dewar Award has had a significant impact on my life. Without your support I would not have been able to accept my place at one of the UK's top Drama Schools. I can't put into words how grateful I am. Thank you!

YEAR OF AWARD: 2012
AGE AT AWARD: 19
ARTFORMS:
 
 
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rozmcandrew

Biography

A talented actress, Roz is a determined individual who takes on life’s challenges and remains positive and motivated.  Whilst living in a socially deprived area of Musselburgh, Edinburgh, she took on two part-time jobs to support her family and her education.

Roz studied an HND in Acting and Performance at Edinburgh’s Telford College.  She proved herself to be adept in comedic acting as well as more serious roles.  She played the antagonist in ‘Split//Second‘; a forum theatre production with Creative Electric, which explored the impacts of knife crime on young people and toured secondary schools around Edinburgh.

Roz also took on the role of Chairperson of the Creative Electric Youth Board.  This involved a high level of responsibility with duties such as managing the youth company, leading meetings and fundraising for the organisation.

After completing her HND and gaining an A grade, Roz secured a place at the highly competitive Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.  Her drive and determination is matched by her talent and interpersonal skills, and as such she demonstrates excellent potential for her future career.

How the Award Helped

Roz received an award to support her on her three-year degree course at Italia Conti.

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Receiving the Dewar Award has had a significant impact on my life. Without your support I would not have been able to accept my place at one of the UK's top Drama Schools. I can't put into words how grateful I am. Thank you!

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2011 Awardee: Jordan Blackwood

I would like to send a deep thank you to the trustees...your support is deeply valued and I cannot thank you enough for it.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Renfrewshire born and bred Jordan was a pupil at Johnstone High School. At an early age he joined the Paisley-based PACE Youth Theatre, where for many years he was an enthusiastic member, rising through the ranks to become a Drama Worker during his Gap year. During that time he also trained in acting and voice at the Spires Theatre School, the training wing of PACE Youth Theatre. It was here that he was introduced to theatre directing.

Over the years, Jordan has developed a broad knowledge of theatre and arts and is considered to be a young Scottish theatre director of great potential. As well as directing the classics, he has written and produced much of his own work.

Jordan is considered both talented and creatively inspiring and has strong foundations to become an exciting theatre director and practitioner. He will add an exciting new voice to Scottish theatre.

Jordan has been accepted to study theatre practice: performance arts at Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He writes that he is “very passionate ….about the theatre/arts [and] ..very excited about beginning my studies at one of the best drama schools in the UK.” His aim is to become a theatre director of note.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help with the first year of his studies at CSSD.

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I would like to send a deep thank you to the trustees...your support is deeply valued and I cannot thank you enough for it.

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2011 Awardee: Philip Todd

Please accept my heartfelt thanks to the trustees …for this generous award and the opportunity it provides for my further development.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.philip-todd.com/
EMAIL:info@philip-todd.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/phil_todd

Biography

Born in Fife and brought up in Caithness, Philip graduated from RSAMD with a degree in digital film and television and the Paul Kelly Memorial Award. Philip possesses a wide range of talents and skills and is ‘something of a Renaissance man’ according to one of his former tutors, in that he sings, plays a musical instrument, dances, acts, aspires to direct films and speaks Gaelic.

While a student film-maker at RSAMD he was able to take part in drama workshops led by many well-known actors and directors, including Sir Richard Attenborough and James McAvoy.

As part of his degree Philip worked with actors on many film scenes as well as directing scenes in workshop. As a student film maker he has studied acting for screen techniques and while at RSAMD, wrote, directed and appeared in a number of personally-initiated projects, some of which were in the Gaelic language. Philip’s ultimate ambition is to combine acting for screen with film directing. He was accepted by Central School of Speech and Drama, London to study acting for screen.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award helped fund Philip through an MA in Acting for Screen at the Central School of Speech and Drama, London.

Philip Todd Actor Showreel from Philip Todd on Vimeo.

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Please accept my heartfelt thanks to the trustees …for this generous award and the opportunity it provides for my further development.

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2011 Awardee: Natalie Ibu

[While in New York] I will take every opportunity to fully immerse myself in the sector including seeing work, attending classes, talks and seminars, meeting artists and exploring opportunities for future professional engagement.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh born and raised, Natalie graduated from De Montfort University in 2004 with a first-class degree in theatre with arts management. From there she went on to New Perspectives as a trainee director for a year, supported by an Arts Council, East Midlands bursary. After a spell at Contact Theatre, Manchester, Natalie went on to win a Resident Traineeship at the Royal Court Theatre against considerable competition (which is the most sought-after traineeship in the UK), supported by an ITV Directors Scheme bursary. Later she did directors’ traineeships the Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Since graduation, Natalie has worked as Assistant Director with such diverse theatre companies as (amongst others): New Perspectives Theatre, Citizen’s Theatre and the Royal Court, and later, as Director with Old Vic New Voices/Waterloo East, Young Vic, Traverse, Royal Lyceum (Youth Theatre), Jersey Arts Centre and Vineyard Theatre, NYC. In 2010/11 she was the inaugural Associate Director (Warehouse) for HighTide.

Currently Natalie is Artistic Director of her own company We Were Here, a creative ensemble for emerging practitioners seeking to develop their craft through experimentation and exploration.

Natalie was offered a 3-month artist residency by the prestigious New York Theatre Workshop. She writes of this opportunity: “I will join their Emerging Artist of Colour Fellowship Programme [which] will allow me access to resources, professional development opportunities and mentorship. Being based in New York … will provide me with a currency to make relationships with other venues and practitioners.”

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards will help finance this exciting opportunity for Natalie.

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[While in New York] I will take every opportunity to fully immerse myself in the sector including seeing work, attending classes, talks and seminars, meeting artists and exploring opportunities for future professional engagement.

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2011 Awardee: Roslyn Paterson

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 23
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Gourock-born Roslyn has been interested in acting since her school-days when she impressed with her natural talent. For five years, she was an active member of the Inverclyde Youth Theatre (Kayos Theatre Company), where she was cast in many leading roles to great acclaim.

While a pupil at James Watt College in Greenock Roslyn achieved an A grade in Acting and Performance and subsequently won a place at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London part-funded by a Dance and Drama Award. She is studying for both a BA in Acting and a Diploma in Professional Acting at Trinity College, London. Roslyn is considered to be a huge talent not just in acting, but also in dance and singing.

Roslyn is entering the final year of her studies at ALRA.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help towards the additional costs of the final year of study.

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2011 Awardee: Yusuf Javed

I will happily accept the kind offer made by the board of the Dewar Arts Award. The money offered will be of great use to me.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 20
ARTFORMS:
 
 
 

Biography

Glasgow-born Yusuf is a graduate of the competitive GMAC Creative Apprenticeship programme. Although the youngest of the group by a number of years, Yusuf excelled on the programme, demonstrating real talent and focus beyond his years. His final scripts were singled out by the Head Commissioner of BBC Scotland as a real talent to watch.

For as long as he can remember, Yusuf has loved the cinema and enjoyed telling stories. His ambition is to find new and interesting ways to tell great stories, following in the footsteps of some of his cinematic heroes, Christopher Nolan, Edgar Wright and Alfred Hitchcock. As a British Asian, Yusuf wants to bring both his Scottishness and his background as an ethnic minority to his creative work, to introduce a distinctive and refreshing new voice to the industry.

According to one of his tutors, his strength lies in his quirky characterisations and subtle humour which lend warmth to his writing. On completion of his GMAC apprenticeship it was recommended that he pursue academic study as his next stage in development. Yusuf won a place to study scriptwriting for film at Bournemouth University.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will enable Yusuf to take up this place and pursue his ambitions.

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I will happily accept the kind offer made by the board of the Dewar Arts Award. The money offered will be of great use to me.

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2010 Awardee: Deborah Hannan

I am overwhelmed by the award and the opportunities and possibilities it presents me with. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the panel, nor the degree to which this award profoundly and richly alters my life.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2010
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Born and brought up in Edinburgh, Deborah graduated in 2009 from Edinburgh University with a first-class degree in English Literature. While still an undergraduate she was actively involved in making theatre, primarily with the unfunded Edinburgh University group Theatre Paradok. Her ambition is to establish herself in Scotland as a theatre director.

After graduation, Deborah joined a two-year programme with the Traverse Young Writers’ Group where she wrote several short scripts and had a piece workshopped as part of their ‘First Bite’ script development. She is considered to be both an exceptionally talented and intelligent dramatist emerging onto the Scottish theatre scene. Her work is seen to be distinctive, with a strong commitment to experiment and risk-taking.

Deborah received an award from the Edinburgh University Department of English Literature to create a large site-specific version of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales in Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall. The panel included Ben Harrison and Douglas Maxwell of Grid Iron. She has had a long-term connection with the circus troupe Te Roaka.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award assists Deborah to study for an MA in Directing at RSAMD, Glasgow.

Since the Award

Deborah graduated with an MA in Directing with a well-deserved distinction. Deborah describes her year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly ‘RSAMD’) as ‘long and fruitful’ which took her from having an ambition to be a director to becoming one. She is considered to be an intelligent, creative and original director who has a bright future ahead of her.

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I am overwhelmed by the award and the opportunities and possibilities it presents me with. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the panel, nor the degree to which this award profoundly and richly alters my life.

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2009 Awardee: Alan McKendrick

Thanks very much, I’m delighted… and am already looking forward to being able to embark on my project with support from the Award.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2009
AGE AT AWARD: 26
ARTFORMS: , , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Freelance stage writer/director/translator Alan McKendrick, from Glasgow, already has a number of stage successes under his belt. His most recent stage work as writer/director includes The James Dean Death Scene, Finished With Engines and The Bad Drive Well. In 2006 he was winner of the Arches Award for stage directors (for The James Dean Death Scene) and the following year reached the final shortlist for the prestigious Meyer-Whitworth Award for the UK-wide best play by a new writer (for Finished With Engines).

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award helped Alan to spend a period of time on a creative attachment with the renowned Schaubuehne Theater, Berlin.

Since the Award

Having spent a period of time in Berlin, Alan writes that his “original intention was to…consolidate upon my already-extant skills as a playwright, director and translator. I believe that …this was ultimately achieved on a personal level.” The fruit of this time in Berlin began to appear some months after his return to Scotland, which includes the possibility of his own work being translated into German and him working with a German director on a German-English stage translation.

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Thanks very much, I’m delighted… and am already looking forward to being able to embark on my project with support from the Award.

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