CRESCENT BEACH - The Beach House Theatre Society is looking for the next Shakespeare, and they think he or she could still be in high school.
For the third year in a row, the theatre group is giving away a scholarship to a Grade 11 or 12 student currently attending high school in Surrey. The scholarship, increased this year to $500, is open to any junior or senior who is involved in performing arts at their school."We're not only passionate about theatre and our work in theatre, but also education," said BHTS artistic director Candace Radcliffe. "We just thought that it would be an excellent opportunity to use our project for mentorship."Actors aren't the only ones who are eligible - students with experience in stagecraft, directing or theatre technical support are suitable candidates.The $500 can be put toward any course, though preference will be given to high schoolers who are pursuing technical theatre. The winning student will also earn the opportunity to parcipate in a mentorship program with an industry leader during the society's run of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors, from Aug. 12 to 17."We want very much for the scholarship winner to be someone who will come and work with us and shadow the professionals that we have on our team in putting the show together," said Radcliffe.Radcliffe, who also runs the theatre department at Earl Marriott Secondary, said many of the previous scholarship winners have found careers in theatre, both onstage and behind the scenes."We're really proud of any hand that we've had in helping them along,"Radcliffe said.Interested students may fill out the application form at beachhousetheatre. org. Applicants are asked to outline their contributions to their school's drama programs, describe their post-secondary and career plans, and explain how they would benefit from the apprenticeship opportunity.In addition, students must supply a reference letter from a school staff member, which will assist the society in making its final decision.The deadline for scholarship applications is April 15 at 4 p.m. The scholarship will be awarded during the run of The Comedy of Errors.The society is also looking for interns who "are good communicators and excited about performing arts and customer service." The application is available on the BHTS's website, www.beachhousetheatre.org, and the deadline is May 15.jzinn@thenownewspaper.com