'Next Step' Annual Scholarship available

Young performing artists have until 11 November 2011 to make an application for the Palmerston North Performing Arts Trust’s ‘Next Step’ annual scholarships.

Up to five scholarships are offered by the Trust to artists between the ages of 15 and 30 to assist them to take the next step in developing their skills or careers.

Performing arts cover a wide range of disciplines including drama, dance, singing and instrumental music.

Criteria for applicants include:

• Applicants will demonstrate from examination passes competition results and scholarships already received a high level of proficiency in their art form.

• Applicants will have New Zealand citizenship and a family/residential address within the Palmerston North City boundaries.

• Applicants will provide evidence of entry in the performing arts arena at a provincial, national or international level now or in the near future.

• Priority will be given to non-professional applicants.

The scholarships are an effective way of helping young people to reach the next step in their performing careers while raising the profile of performing arts in Palmerston North. The scholarships may be used towards seminars, master-classes, workshops, summer schools or full time or part time study.

Applications close at 4.00pm on Friday 11 November 2011 and the recipients will be announced in early December.

Young performers interested in applying for the ‘Next Step’ Scholarship can download an application form here or contact the Performing Arts Trust Secretary, Erin Rooney-Scotson on 06 356 8199 or email erin.rooney-scotson@pncc.govt.nz.