The Equity Foundation is thrilled to announce that Sydney-based performer Tamara Lee Bailey has been awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious Atlantic Acting School in New York City. Tamara will attend the Spring Comprehensive program in New York City from May 18-June 26, 2026, with a cash prize of $AU10,000 to assist with her flights and accommodation.
Of Tamara’s selection from more than 115 applicants, the independent industry judging panel said: “The judges were all very impressed with Tamara’s skill, passion, and outstanding work ethic. Tamara has already proven her value to the industry through significant roles, and we believe this opportunity will further develop her skills to take her career to the next level. Tamara showed a deep respect for the craft of acting and will no doubt share her experience with whoever she works with.”
In addition, the judges noted, “Tamara demonstrated a palpable dexterity, commitment, and maturity in her craft, alongside a deep passion in pursuit of her artistic dreams. She is a truly deserving recipient, and we are excited to see how she takes this opportunity and runs with it.”
Tamara added, “I’m incredibly honoured to be the 2026 recipient of the Equity Foundation Atlantic Scholarship. I’m deeply dedicated to my craft and am ready to deepen my practice, challenge myself and bring what I learn in New York back to the Australian industry. Congratulations to the other finalists as well, they are such remarkable artists and part of the rich, multifaceted talent we have here in Australia. I’m so proud to represent Australia and grateful for this opportunity to continue evolving and push my work to new levels.”
The industry judging panel was so overwhelmed by the calibre of applicants they decided to award two scholarships instead of one. Shehryar Hussain has been awarded a partial scholarship to attend the Atlantic’s Summer Intensive program in New York City from June 29-August 7, 2026.
Of Shehryar’s selection, the judges said: “Shehryar’s passion for storytelling and his multidisciplinary edge have all of us excited about this promising artist, who feels poised to change hearts and minds through his work.” They also added, “Shehryar was such a unique applicant. A true self-starter who has developed his own career as a filmmaker and actor. We were impressed by Shehryar’s vibrant energy and unwavering commitment. We believed it was important to support his journey through this scholarship to assist him in realising his dreams.”
Mary McCann, executive director of the Atlantic Acting School and founding member of the Atlantic Theater Company, said: “Each year we are reminded just how inspiring it is to see the next generation of artists stepping forward with such passion and commitment. The talent, curiosity, and dedication we saw in this year’s applicants made the selection process both thrilling and incredibly difficult. We are excited to welcome Tamara Lee Bailey into our Spring Comprehensive and Shehryar Hussain to our Summer Intensive programs. Their drive to grow, collaborate, and fully engage with the work reflects exactly what the Atlantic community is about. We congratulate them and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in our classrooms, on our stages, and beyond as they carry the principles of Practical Aesthetics into their artistic lives.”
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.
