Young performers will take centre stage this August as Quota Beenleigh celebrates emerging talent.
The organisation will host the Cherish Drama Bursary on Wednesday August 26, followed by the inaugural Heather Christensen OAM Junior Ballet Bursary alongside the Moya McKeon OAM Ballet Bursary on Friday August 28.
Both events will be held at Crete Street Theatre and are open to the public.
Coordinator Karen Murphy said the Cherish Drama Bursary would showcase 12 performers competing across three genres: Australian poetry, improvisation and character performance, with prizes totalling $850.
“Our Cherish Drama Bursary night showcases great talent performing across three different genres of drama… It’s free to enter, so treat yourself to a fantastic night and come along,” Ms Murphy said.
Two days later, 27 young dancers will compete across the newly introduced Heather Christensen OAM Ballet Bursary and the long-running Moya McKeon OAM Ballet Bursary, with performers competing for prizes totalling $1375.
The new junior ballet bursary has been named in honour of Heather Christensen, recognising her 19 years as Quota Beenleigh’s Eisteddfod coordinator and her lifelong commitment to mentoring young people.
“Heather puts her heart and soul into shaping the lives of these young people, and this ballet bursary is aptly named for one who cares so deeply for the Arts and the future of our young performers,” Ms Murphy said.
The senior ballet bursary continues to honour the late Moya McKeon, whose decades of community service earned her an Order of Australia Medal in 2007 before she was posthumously inducted into the Logan City Council Wall of Acclaim in 2022.
Described as someone who “didn’t make them like this anymore,” Moya was renowned for her dedication to the Beenleigh community and her tireless support of local arts initiatives.
Ms Murphy said the ballet bursaries recognised two women who devoted countless hours to supporting young people and enriching the local community.
“Our ballet bursaries honour the two local ladies who put so much time and effort leading projects in the Beenleigh community, mentoring young teenagers, reading to local children, creating projects which encourage students to hone their skills in the arts and generally being a shining light in our local area,” Ms Murphy said.
Organisers hope both evenings celebrate the incredible talent of local performers and also continue the legacy of two women whose passion for the arts has inspired generations.
Community members are encouraged to attend the performances at Crete Street Theatre and support the next generation of performers as they take to the stage.
