Ben McGuinness awarded a Laurence Olivier Bursary 2023

04.07.23

Congratulations to 2nd Year BA Hons Musical Theatre Student, Ben McGuinness, who has been awarded a Laurence Olivier Bursary 2023.

The bursaries were established by SOLT in 1987 to mark Laurence Olivier’s 80th birthday to support exceptional students entering their final year of drama school, who are facing financial difficulties that might jeopardise their studies.

“I have just graduated from Liverpool Theatre School with a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. I wanted to do the BA Hons (Top Up) in Professional Arts Practice course to further develop my skills for the industry. It is the perfect balance between academic writing and creativity. I already have seen improvements, both in my academic and performing work, and I now really value the ability to critically reflect on past experiences in order to improve my current skills.”
- Sarah Collinge – Musical Theatre Performer Current Student, Class of July 2024
“I have found that my first term at Italia Conti has been better than I could’ve imagined. I am working with driven, passionate, likeminded people within all different realms of the performing arts industry. I find that the course is very tailored to each individual and the content is broad enough to apply to everyone but specific enough to challenge each person within their abilities. I find the course to be a place where I can collaborate and interact with people who I’d never had met otherwise. I only look forward to what the next few months of the course bring and feel more motivated than ever.”
- Kate Drummond – Actor Current Student, Class of July 2024
Current Student, Class of July 2024
“The course is allowing me to reflect on my past practice, current position, and future endeavours. I really enjoy how flexible the course is, with regards to being able to tailor my studies to my own practice, enabling me to maximise the benefits of this on my future career. I expect my professional development to be impacted exponentially and I am excited to continue!”
- Amy-Jo Sumner – Musical Theatre Performer
“Italia Conti’s BA Top up course was the one for me! Creating a business in under 9 months has been a massive accomplishment! The course really helps shape your future, enables you to meet professional contacts to support your research, and gives you lots of time to understand the area of the industry you want to specialise in.”
- Rachel Ward – Performing Arts Tutor Graduate, BA Top up Class of Sept 2022
I’m a professional dancer but have taught only ballet. These classes are EXACTLY what I was looking for to show some basics of contemp for my students !! Absolutely love every single Video
- @ginamusaelyan2307 – Italia Conti Virtual
I’ve watched a lot of your videos and I love every single one that she teaches. THANK YOU. Gorgeous movement.
- @debbied3464 – Italia Conti Virtual
Amazing class, one of the best I’ve ever done. So easy to follow, thank you!
- @yellowbeachgirl – Italia Conti Virtual
I’m a dancer in LA and can’t keep up with my peers on how often they take dance classes. This channel has been so helpful for me to keep up my training. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I feel like we are all dancing together even though we are all doing this at different times and in different spaces. 🖤
- @SarahPaceSings – Italia Conti Virtual
Best ballet teacher on the internet❤ Great explanation, enthusiasm and commentary throughout the exercise!
- @annajones6805 – Italia Conti Virtual