Attention triple threats: 2012 Rob Guest Endowment applications close tomorrow

Rob Guest OBE, one of Australia’s leading Musical Theatre stars, passed away suddenly in October 2008 at the age of 58. In recognition of his achievements in the musical theatre industry, a memorial fund was established in his honour to help emerging young performers in musical theatre: The Rob Guest Endowment.

Now in its fourth year, the Rob Guest Endowment is intended to help a current musical theatre artist gain experience, media training and guidance in the industry.

Applications for the 2012 Rob Guest Endowment close tomorrow (Friday 13 July), and taped video audition auditions close on 30 July.

Six finalists will compete for the major prize package consisting of a $10,000 talent development grant as well as a new headshot package provided by Blueprint Studios. The winner will also perform at the Rob Guest Endowment concert in 2013.

This year, the Rob Guest Endowment will also be presenting an award from Melbourne’s famed The Production Company – The Production Company Artists Development Award –which includes a $5,000 cash prize as well as inclusion in A Production Company show in the 24 months following receiving the prize.

The four remaining finalists will each receive a $500 cash prize.

Blake Bowden, winner of last year’s Rob Guest Endowment says the opportunities which have been afforded to him after winning the competition have been invaluable.

“The ANZ Trustees Rob Guest Endowment was undoubtedly one of the greatest experiences of my life” he told AussieTheatre.

“Working with the very best of Australian Musical Theatre talent and then getting the opportunity to study in New York with the very best that Mecca of theatre has to offer, was an opportunity unparalleled in the Australian theatre community.”

To be eligible for the 2012 RGE, applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 on the 19 November 2012 and must be an Australian citizen.

All applicants will be given an opportunity to audition live in Sydney (6 August) or Melbourne (30 July) in the first heats.

Semi-Finals:

30 semi finalists will be selected from the heats to attend a live audition in Sydney on 17th September 2012. They will be required to take part in an open dance call and present two contrasting songs for the judges.

Finals:

The finals will take place at Her Majesty’s Theatre at a special Gala Concert on Monday 19 November 2012. Six finalists will be required to perform two songs mutually agreed upon between themselves and the judging panel. A professional orchestra will be provided to accompany performers and rehearsal time with a leading director and choreographer will be organised.

“The award and the experiences surrounding the award have changed my life”, said Bowden.

If you are an eligible musical theatre performer, be sure to send your HARD COPY applications in by tomorrow. Details and application information below. 

Download Application brief HERE