Theatre student wins Arts Council scholarship
University of Southern Queensland (USQ) theatre student Belinda Raisin has been awarded a special $1000 Queensland Arts Council (QAC) Performing Arts Scholarship.
The third year Bachelor of Theatre Arts (Acting) student was one of four students from across the state awarded a scholarship in the 2008 round.
Aside from being an honour, the scholarship will ease financial pressure and allow Bel to concentrate on her studies, she said.
'It was fabulous. It's really helpful,' Bel said.
'I'd rather spend my time on my uni work so the most I can commit to a job is seven hours so this is topping me up every week.
'Because we have so many contact hours a job would be taking my time away from uni. This alleviates some of the stress.'
A former dancer with the Christine Walsh Dance Centre in Melbourne Bel made the decision to concentrate on acting and came to USQ.
'I tried to ignore the need to perform but couldn't and decided to focus on it completely so came to USQ,' she said.
'I chose USQ because it is very focused and has a highly recommended acting course. It has a very good name.
'The course has been rewarding and challenging, and that's all you can ask for. It is nice to be surrounded by likeminded people equally as focussed.'
Senior Lecturer in Acting, Robert Ketton said Bel was a worthy scholarship recipient.
'We look for someone who is going to succeed over the three years and beyond,' Mr Ketton said.
'They need to be committed to the industry and someone who is in need and deserving of help.
'Bel had demonstrated a commitment to the course. She worked hard and consistently which is really important.'
The QAC is Australia's largest regional arts network which promotes the value of the Arts in regional communities across the state.
'The theatre department has had a long and close relationship with the Queensland Arts Council and we are grateful for their continued interest and support,' Mr Ketton said.
Media contact: Jane Urquhart, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559