2019 Awardee: Calum Moore

"The Dewar Award has allowed me to grant my degree the time and dedication it requires without having to worry about finding funds for living costs. For this, I am incredibly grateful."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2019
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Calum is a writer-director who applied to the Dewar Arts Awards whilst living and studying in Glasgow.

In 2018, Calum gained a first class degree in English Literature from Stirling University, specialising in Creative Writing.  As part of his dissertation at Stirling University he was able to write his first play, ‘The King’s Child’, and chose to present this in full iambic pentameter.

Through this process, Calum discovered his desire to create a series of Verse Dramas, using the same poetic imagery and witticisms as traditional Shakespearean verse but with modernised language, references and relationship dynamics (a sub-genre of ‘New Verse’). From here, Calum spent six months working to achieve an ATCL in Directing at Acting Out Drama School in Edinburgh, for which he gained a Distinction. This proved extremely helpful in achieving a place to study on the Masters in Classic & Contemporary Text at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Calum has worked alongside Scottish Youth Theatre’s National Ensemble Project, has been an Assistant Director with Fizzgig Theatre, an ensemble member of the Dundee Troupe in the National Theatre of Scotland’s FUTUREPROOF Project, and a Free Fringe Performer with Some Kind of Theatre.  He has also served as a Theatre Teacher at the International Summer School for Teens.

How the Award Helped

Calum’s Award enable him to accept his place to study on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s MA Classic & Contemporary Text Programme (MACCT) as one of only four directing students.

Since the Award

Update January 2020:

Calum writes “the course has gifted me knowledge in Acting/Directing Technique, as well as lessons in Movement, Voice and Textual Analysis. It has granted insight into my personal strengths as an artist and given me the confidence in my craft to some day join the theatre directing industry professionally. Additionally, the MAACT programme grants its directing students the chance to lead their own creative projects – including a Movement-based Ensemble Project, a Realism Unit focussing on Chekhov’s Writing, the chance to direct a full modern Contemporary Production along with the opportunity to Assistant Direct for Professionals in the field.

Significantly for my own practice and artistic aspirations, our cohort will be spending a month residency at the Globe Theatre (January 2020). This grants us the chance to learn from professionals specialising in Shakespeare and Verse Drama and is thus an opportunity of a lifetime.

My course is a full-time project, with classes and creative research tasks keeping me busy 7 days a week, and thus one I could not balance alongside extended working hours. The Dewar Award has allowed me to grant my degree the time and dedication it requires without having to worry about finding funds for living costs.
For this, I am incredibly grateful.”

Some Kind of Theatre Production of The Steampunk Tempest (2017)

Graduate in Directing from Acting Out Drama School (2019)

National Ensemble with Scottish Youth Theatre (2019)

SYT’s ‘Act of Repair’ (2019)

Futureproof | Radial (2018) from National Theatre of Scotland

Teaching with ISSFT

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"The Dewar Award has allowed me to grant my degree the time and dedication it requires without having to worry about finding funds for living costs. For this, I am incredibly grateful."

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2017 Awardee: Jack Nurse

"I am delighted and honoured to receive this award...allowing me to put this learning into practice and develop my individual director’s craft."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2017
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://www.jacknurse.com/
EMAIL:jack@wonderfools.org
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/jackfnurse

Biography

Jack Nurse is a talented, creative and hard working director and theatre maker.

Brought up in Dumfries & Galloway, Jack studied Contemporary Performance Practice at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before going on to co-found the Glasgow theatre company Wonder Fools.

Wonder Fools create new work based on current and historical real-life stories, which Jack directs. Their varied and dynamic programme explores different forms – verbatim theatre, historical theatre, participatory performance, performance installations – in tandem with wide-ranging subject matter.

The company quickly became one of six Graduate Emerging Companies on attachment at the New Diorama Theatre, London, and Jack gained membership of the Almeida Theatre’s Resident Director Network as one of ten emerging directors.

The company’s work has been performed across the country, in venues including Tron, Traverse Theatre, Macrobert Arts Centre, New Wolsey Theatre, Camden People’s Theatre, New Diorama, and Citizens Theatre.

As an assistant director, Jack’s credits include This Restless House (Citizens Theatre/National Theatre of Scotland), Blackbird (Citizens Theatre), The Winter’s Tale (Royal Lyceum), Hay Fever (Royal Lyceum/Citizens Theatre) and The Broons (Selladoor) for which he was also Staff Director on its Scottish tour.

How the Award Helped

Jack’s Award gave him the invaluable opportunity to direct a professional production at the Citizens Theatre; the culmination of his training there as an assistant director.

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"I am delighted and honoured to receive this award...allowing me to put this learning into practice and develop my individual director’s craft."

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2016 Awardee: David Wood

"This scholarship opened the door to tuition that has fundamentally changed my practice as a director for the better."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: ,
 
EMAIL:david.wood4@outlook.com
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/david_wood4

Biography

Hailing from a small community in Kilmarnock, David’s love for theatre and directing originated at a young age thanks to his tremendously supportive teachers.

Having completed a HNC and HND in Acting and Performance at West College Scotland, he became the first person to graduate with a first class honours in Drama, in partnership with the University of Sunderland. David was subsequently awarded the Ede & Ravenscroft “Ones to Watch” prize.

David completed a one month residency at Shakespeare’s Globe where he directed scenes from Shakespeare’s contemporaries on the main stage. He went on to direct productions at prestigious venues in Scotland.

David is passionate about making theatre widely accessible, entertaining and emotionally resonant. He intends to work in a multitude of styles with those values in mind.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award allowed David to undertake his MA in Classical and Contemporary Text (directing) at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Glory on Earth
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"This scholarship opened the door to tuition that has fundamentally changed my practice as a director for the better."

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2016 Awardee: Ben Hunter

"Without the assistance from the Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to accept my place on the course. Their belief in me has pushed me to be the best I can be."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2016
AGE AT AWARD: 22
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
 
 

Biography

Ben Hunter is a Scottish filmmaker, born and educated in Perth. He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as a recipient of the Perth Festival of the Arts Award, and went on to study an MA in Directing Fiction at the National Film & Television School in Beaconsfield.  He was the only Scottish student with 7 other internationals.

The NFTS is one of the world’s most highly regarded film schools, and the MA is unique and specialist masters course, allowing students to develop their creative voices as directors in an intense and practical environment.

In 2017, Ben’s films Tibet (2015) and Greylag (2016) were screened at the Glasgow Short Film Festival and the Royal Television Society Awards.

Although Ben gathers his influences from around the world, he is very interested in assimilating these to tell stories of his own culture, background and experiences growing up in central Scotland.

How the Award Helped

Ben’s Dewar Arts Award enabled him to accept his place to study at the NFTS.

Glory on Earth
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"Without the assistance from the Dewar Arts Award, I would not have been able to accept my place on the course. Their belief in me has pushed me to be the best I can be."

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2015 Awardee: Thomas Henderson

The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2015
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: , ,
 
EMAIL:director@magneticopera.co.uk
 

Biography

Thomas is young Scottish opera stage director based in Edinburgh. He studied at St Mary’s Music School, and went on to find his inspiration for the art-form whilst directing for the Aberdeen University Opera as an undergraduate. He continued to develop his craft by studying at the Accedemia Europea di Firenze in Italy, focusing on Italian opera.

Thomas is a trained musician, singer and English teacher, who speaks Italian and French.  This rounded background provides the perfect combination of qualities for his chosen career.  He has a flair for communicating, and is able to elicit natural and fluent performances from his cast.

Thomas has directed productions for the Edinburgh Studio Opera and Magnetic Opera, and has showcased work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2012, Alongside this he has gained professional experience including a two month ‘observership’ with the Scottish Opera, and has ambitions to write and produce his own material.

How the Award Helped

Thomas’ Award enabled him to study a course in Opera Directing with Rudolfo Tomasi at the Accedemia Europea in Florence.

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The support of the Dewar Arts Award allowed me to complete the necessary study to take my career to the next level. I have returned from it a more confident and prepared professional.

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2014 Awardee: Jamie O’Rourke

"The Dewar Arts Award has helped me with financial constraints which otherwise may have prevented me from entering into study and enjoying all the benefits that entails."

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: , ,
WEBSITE:https://www.jamieorourke.net/
EMAIL:jamieorourke@live.co.uk
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/jamieborourke

Biography

Born in Falkirk, Jamie took an interest in theatre and performing arts from a young age.   He began in amateur theatre and moved up the ranks to assistant director before working with local companies.  At the age of 18 he founded his own company, Project Theatre, and took on the roles of Artistic Director, Producer and Productions Director.

Jamie has acted as Secretary of the Falkirk District Arts and Civic Council and has won a number of awards for services to drama and young people, including the Young Scot Award, Falkirk Civic Award and the Young Personality of the Year Award.  He has worked as a voluntary manager of local heritage ghost walks and is a founder of Scottish Community Arts – an organisation that works to promote and provide publicity for amateur and community organisations across Scotland.

In 2014, Jamie was accepted onto the BA Contemporary Performance Practice course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.  This enabled him to continue his studies and develop the skills necessary to achieve his ambitions as an arts professional.

How the Award Helped

Jamie received a Dewar Arts Award to support his studies at the RCS.

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"The Dewar Arts Award has helped me with financial constraints which otherwise may have prevented me from entering into study and enjoying all the benefits that entails."

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2014 Awardee: Rory Alexander Stewart

The Dewar Arts Award has given me the chance to pursue my passion of directing film and TV at one of the best institutions in the world, allowing me the chance to work with great new talent in all roles of filmmaking as well as to develop my own talent further.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2014
AGE AT AWARD: 25
ARTFORMS: ,
WEBSITE:https://rorystewartfilms.co.uk/
 
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/roryastewart

Biography

Rory Alexander Stewart is an award-winning writer and film director. Born and raised in Scotland, his visual flair, calm and focused approach, and passion for storytelling allow him to excel in his chosen field.

In 2013 Rory won a BAFTA New Talent Writer Award for ‘Liar’; a film developed with Rankin Film Productions and The
Bureau’s Collabor8te scheme. In 2014 he was awarded the doc prizes at the Smalls Film Festival and London Short Film Festival for ‘The Port’. The same year saw him premiere his film ‘WYLD’ at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, as well as delivering nineteen shorts in collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland and winning The Skinny/Innis & Gunn Short Film Competition for his no-budget short ‘Good Girl’.

In 2015 he completed ‘Misery Guts’, a short improvised comedy, which was nominated for the Channel 4 Award for Innovation in Storytelling. He then gained a place to study on a Directing Fiction course at the prestigious National Film and Television School, offering the perfect opportunity to progress his career on a full-time basis.

How the Award Helped

Rory’s Dewar Arts Award supported his studies at the National Film and Television School, enabling him to fully develop his burgeoning career.

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The Dewar Arts Award has given me the chance to pursue my passion of directing film and TV at one of the best institutions in the world, allowing me the chance to work with great new talent in all roles of filmmaking as well as to develop my own talent further.

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2013 Awardee: Paul Brotherston

Without this award I would not be able to train as a theatre-maker. Simple as that. It really has made all the difference.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2013
AGE AT AWARD: 24
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Originally from Kelso in the Scottish Borders, Paul studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh and gained a first class honours degree.

During his time as a student, Paul directed a number of critically-acclaimed theatre productions with the Edinburgh University Theatre Company (EUTC) and the Edinburgh University Shakespeare Company (EUSC). Through this experience he proved himself to be a passionate and driven director, demonstrating a desire and ability to push boundaries along with a clear and detailed vision for his work.

Paul has since directed productions for the Tron Theatre, The Arches and The Traverse Theatre, as well as working as an assistant director at Oran Mor and in physical theatre with the Company of Wolves.

How the Award Helped

The award allowed Paul to take up a place on the Classic and Contemporary Text masters course for directors at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as well as completing a month long residency at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

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Without this award I would not be able to train as a theatre-maker. Simple as that. It really has made all the difference.

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2011 Awardee: Jordan Blackwood

I would like to send a deep thank you to the trustees...your support is deeply valued and I cannot thank you enough for it.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 18
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Renfrewshire born and bred Jordan was a pupil at Johnstone High School. At an early age he joined the Paisley-based PACE Youth Theatre, where for many years he was an enthusiastic member, rising through the ranks to become a Drama Worker during his Gap year. During that time he also trained in acting and voice at the Spires Theatre School, the training wing of PACE Youth Theatre. It was here that he was introduced to theatre directing.

Over the years, Jordan has developed a broad knowledge of theatre and arts and is considered to be a young Scottish theatre director of great potential. As well as directing the classics, he has written and produced much of his own work.

Jordan is considered both talented and creatively inspiring and has strong foundations to become an exciting theatre director and practitioner. He will add an exciting new voice to Scottish theatre.

Jordan has been accepted to study theatre practice: performance arts at Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He writes that he is “very passionate ….about the theatre/arts [and] ..very excited about beginning my studies at one of the best drama schools in the UK.” His aim is to become a theatre director of note.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will help with the first year of his studies at CSSD.

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I would like to send a deep thank you to the trustees...your support is deeply valued and I cannot thank you enough for it.

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2011 Awardee: Natalie Ibu

[While in New York] I will take every opportunity to fully immerse myself in the sector including seeing work, attending classes, talks and seminars, meeting artists and exploring opportunities for future professional engagement.

YEAR OF AWARD: 2011
AGE AT AWARD: 27
ARTFORMS: ,
 
 
 

Biography

Edinburgh born and raised, Natalie graduated from De Montfort University in 2004 with a first-class degree in theatre with arts management. From there she went on to New Perspectives as a trainee director for a year, supported by an Arts Council, East Midlands bursary. After a spell at Contact Theatre, Manchester, Natalie went on to win a Resident Traineeship at the Royal Court Theatre against considerable competition (which is the most sought-after traineeship in the UK), supported by an ITV Directors Scheme bursary. Later she did directors’ traineeships the Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Since graduation, Natalie has worked as Assistant Director with such diverse theatre companies as (amongst others): New Perspectives Theatre, Citizen’s Theatre and the Royal Court, and later, as Director with Old Vic New Voices/Waterloo East, Young Vic, Traverse, Royal Lyceum (Youth Theatre), Jersey Arts Centre and Vineyard Theatre, NYC. In 2010/11 she was the inaugural Associate Director (Warehouse) for HighTide.

Currently Natalie is Artistic Director of her own company We Were Here, a creative ensemble for emerging practitioners seeking to develop their craft through experimentation and exploration.

Natalie was offered a 3-month artist residency by the prestigious New York Theatre Workshop. She writes of this opportunity: “I will join their Emerging Artist of Colour Fellowship Programme [which] will allow me access to resources, professional development opportunities and mentorship. Being based in New York … will provide me with a currency to make relationships with other venues and practitioners.”

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Awards will help finance this exciting opportunity for Natalie.

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[While in New York] I will take every opportunity to fully immerse myself in the sector including seeing work, attending classes, talks and seminars, meeting artists and exploring opportunities for future professional engagement.

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