Owen Sound Little Theatre is pleased to again be offering The David Leslie Award, a bursary awarded once per year to a deserving student who plans on pursuing a career in professional theatre.
David Leslie, in whose memory and honour this award is given, was a loyal member of the Owen Sound Little Theatre for many years. Trained as a classical actor in Scotland, David emigrated to Canada as a young man, and followed his love of theatre as an actor and director in the Toronto area. With a wife and young family, he eventually settled in Southampton and became aware of a community theatre nearby, the Owen Sound Little Theatre. His discovery became OSLT’s immense gain as he brought a wealth of experience and professionalism to an enthusiastic group ready to embrace it.
Besides acting iconic roles in both musicals and drama/comedy, he directed many memorable plays and musicals, and as a result, won many provincial awards both personally and for Owen Sound Little Theatre through the Western Ontario Drama League. Probably one of his greatest contributions was the modest example he set in the process, teaching and fostering excellence among his co-thespians. He is remembered fondly and with great respect; he would be very pleased to know that in his name, Owen Sound Little Theatre will encourage a young person to pursue the profession he loved so dearly.
This award is available to any student currently residing in Grey or Bruce counties and is awarded annually in July.
Criteria:
- The Applicant must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary theatre program. The focus of the program can be acting/performance, theatre technology, theatre administration, stage management, and drama therapy. Related fields involving theatre in some capacity may be considered.
- In their response, the Applicant must include a description of past involvement in theatre, reasons for seeking a career in theatre, and a brief statement about why they love theatre.
- The applicant must include two letters of reference from teachers or theatre practitioners with whom they have worked with in the past.
Candidates should email their complete package (Criteria #2 and #3) to Marcia Cunningham, Executive Director, at roxytheatre@roxytheatre.ca
The jury reviewing the applications will be comprised of members of David Leslie’s family, as well as representatives from the OSLT Board of Directors and its Membership.