The Theatre New Brunswick Foundation have announced the winners of its annual scholarship prizes.

PrintThe TNB Foundation has announced the winners of its annual scholarship prizes awarded each summer to students pursuing a career in theatre.

The Stephen Graham Bird Award is open to students enrolled in full time study and is designed to recognize and encourage New Brunswick students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and potential, and who are pursuing a career in the theatre in the areas of acting, directing or playwriting. This year’s winner is Jesse LaPointe from Fredericton who is currently studying acting at the National Theatre School.

LaPointe received formidable training at the TNB Theatre School and has worked with Theatre Free Radical, Bard in the Barracks and NotaBle Acts Theatre Festival.

It is an empowering feeling for a young artist to know that there is a company like Theatre New Brunswick in our home province that is able to support young local artists achieve their goals,” said LaPointe. “I am honoured to share so many of my experiences with this wonderful community that is New Brunswick theatre. This province is blessed to have the enthusiasm of a small community that knows the strength of its stories outweighs the size of its population.”

The second annual award administered by the TNB Foundation is the J. Patrick Clark Award designed for students enrolled in full-time study in pursuit of a career in the theatre in the areas of design, stage management or technical production.

This year’s winner of the J. Patrick Clark Award is Matthew Blackwood of Saint John.

“I am so honoured to be presented with the J. Patrick Clark Award,” said Blackwood. “Technical Production is my passion and I am super excited to start my career after I finish my last year of schooling at Sheridan College. I am glad we have the support here in New Brunswick to help out young aspiring artist to go and pursue their craft. I hope the world of theatre continues to grow and flourish in New Brunswick and I can’t wait to see what that future has in store.”

Both students received $3000 awards in support of their continued education.

The TNB Foundation Awards have been supporting New Brunswick students since 2009.

Applications for the 2018 awards will be posted HERE in early spring.