Actors currently in their second year at drama school or university are being invited to apply for The Luke Westlake Scholarship 2021.
Open for submissions until 25 October 2021, the third annual scholarship from the Just Add Milk Theatre Company (JAM) offers the winning applicant artistic and financial support worth over £4,000.
First awarded in 2019, the scholarship has been renamed in memory of actor Luke Westlake, a friend of JAM founding members and co-artistic directors Kristian Wall and Kyle Rowe who passed away in June last year.
Commenting on the scholarship which carries their son’s name, Luke Westlake’s parents Lee and Bridgette said: “We are delighted that the scholarship so kindly dedicated by MAD to the memory of our son Luke continues to grow from strength to strength. It is an amazing opportunity, and we urge all those eligible to apply. We look forward to seeing another excellent field of candidates and this year we hope to meet in person to celebrate the fantastic talent that we know will come forward.”
Aimed at helping a working-class acting student to navigate their final year of study and their first year in the profession, The Luke Westlake Scholarship 2021 will offer the winner a prize which includes a year’s Spotlight membership, subscription to The Stage, and free accountants and tax returns support, along with headshots, a showreel and stage combat training. The winner will also receive £500 towards their rent and will be offered the opportunity to meet with agents and casting directors.
Launching this year’s scholarship, co-founder Wall said: “We are delighted to be able to bring the scholarship back for a third year. We will continue to be the backbone for working class artists in the industry and thank all the actors who take part in our workshops and courses, as well as our scholarship partners, who help us provide these opportunities.”
Last year’s winner, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama student Ayomide Adegun added: “The Luke Westlake Scholarship has helped me incredibly in the past nine months. Financially and resourcefully, I feel on par with everyone that has come from a better social standing as me.”
The judging panel includes: Ian Aryeh (resident director for the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Showcase), Jaz Hutchins (company director of GoHub), Scarlett Maltman and Mary Burch (Industry Minds), Liam McLaughlin, Kristian Wall and Kyle Rowe (Just Add Milk), Faye Timby (casting associate for Sophie Holland Casting) and Brigette and Lee Westlake.
Aimed at making the industry more accessible to actors, JAM provides affordable workshops with agents and casting directors, produces new writing and actively develops the next generation of acting talent through their scholarship programme. JAM was named as one of the New Diorama Theatre’s Emerging Companies for 2019/2020.
Angela Thomas
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