The Equity Foundation is thrilled to announce that Queensland-based performer Stephen Anzo has been awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious Atlantic Acting School in New York City.
Stephen will attend the Spring Comprehensive program in New York City from May 20-June 28, 2024, with a cash prize of $AU10,000 to assist with his flights and accommodation.
Of Stephen’s selection from more than 120 applicants, the independent industry judging panel said: “The abundance of talent the finalists displayed made it an extremely tough decision for the judges but Stephen’s awe-inspiring work ethic, natural gifts and passion for storytelling were not only compelling, but utterly undeniable. His artistic instincts, skill and commitment to the craft are exemplary. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling left the judges moved, and likely will move many more. We are excited to see where this gifted artist’s journey leads and thrilled for his time at the Atlantic.”
Stephen says: “Receiving the 2024 Equity Atlantic Scholarship is an honour beyond words. I am forever grateful to the Equity Foundation, MEAA and the Atlantic Acting School for this opportunity and for trusting me with this award. I am eager to embark on a journey of growth and creativity in New York. I look forward to honing my craft alongside fellow passionate storytellers, guided by the mission of empowering simple and honest storytelling.”
The industry judging panel was so overwhelmed by the calibre of applicants they decided to award two scholarships instead of one. Performer Karl Richmond has been awarded a partial scholarship to the attend the Atlantic’s Summer Intensive program in New York City from July 1-August 9, 2024.
Of Karl’s selection, the judges said: “The number of truly gifted artists applying for the scholarship this year was staggering and made our job as judges – to pick ONE recipient – harder than ever! Thanks to the Atlantic’s generosity, we were able to offer a second scholarship to close runner-up, Karl Richmond. Karl’s audition work was deceptively simple, yet powerfully moving in the way he brought directness and natural spontaneity to a painful confession. Hearing him talk about his love of a rigorous process, the importance of listening, trust, shared goals, and deliberately cultivating a joyous work environment, all revealed a generosity of spirit that fits beautifully with Atlantic’s Ensemble aesthetic.”
Mary McCann, executive director of the Atlantic Acting School and founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company, said: “What an incredible year it has been! With an abundance of exceptional applicants, selecting just one scholarship recipient has been a challenging task. It is with great excitement that we extend invitations to Stephen Anzo for our Spring Comprehensive and Karl Richmond for our Summer Intensive for 2024. Their remarkable talent, unwavering determination, and their artistic commitment to creating their own work stood out. We have every confidence that Stephen and Karl will make significant contributions to our program ensembles and serve as outstanding ambassadors for Practical Aesthetics, embodying the essence of the Atlantic Technique within their communities.”
The Atlantic Acting School, founded in 1987 by playwright David Mamet and actor William H. Macy, operates as both a private conservatory and an undergraduate program in conjunction with the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. It has the only conservatory program in the world that offers in-depth training in Mamet and Macy’s unique and influential approach to acting: Practical Aesthetics, the Atlantic Technique.
The Equity Foundation thanks Atlantic Acting School and Showcast for their support of this scholarship program.
