An amateur dramatics society is looking for students it can help.

Douglas Choral Union - the society that brought Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Sister Act, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Producers and 9 to 5 The Musical to the Isle of Man - is once again inviting applications for a DCU bursary to support the development of students pursuing further education in drama, dance, music and theatre.

The bursary is intended to help in funding for local students planning to study any aspect of theatre at college or university, either on-stage or off.

The bursary is available for anyone up to the age of 25 and applicants don’t have to be a member of the society.

However, the society would be keen to see bursary recipients participating in school visits and workshops with a view to passing down their newly acquired skills, experience and knowledge. Tony Jones, chairman of the Douglas Choral Union, explained where the bursary began.

’The DCU has received such fantastic support from the Isle of Man public over the last few years that we find ourselves in a position where we can help directly to improve the standard of theatre and arts on the island,’ he said.

’By helping students to complete studies we hope their knowledge and skills will filter back to the island and keep Manx theatre at the highest standard, the standard the Manx public expect today.

’I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our title sponsors, DQ Advocates, without whom we wouldn’t be able to provide such exciting opportunities for the island’s talented individuals.’

Last year’s recipients of the DCU bursary were Laura Pigott (three-year degree in musical theatre) and Bethany Magee (one-year master’s degree in directing). They are both studying at Guildford School of Acting in Surrey.

Bethany said: ’With the help and backing of the DCU, I have been able to enjoy the amazing facilities and opportunities at Guildford School of Acting during my master’s degree in directing.

’During the second semester, I get to partake in a professional placement within the industry. However, travel and accommodation must be self-funded. Therefore, without the DCU, I wouldn’t have been able to have this fantastic opportunity.

’The DCU is very supportive of those interested in theatre production or becoming a creative and I would highly recommend the DCU bursary to anyone interested in studying any aspect of theatre.

’Thank you to the DCU for helping my dream of going to drama school become a reality and enabling me to be one step closer to a career in directing.’

Laura said: ’The DCU have helped me in so many ways. Receiving the help from their fantastic bursary scheme has helped me purchase the appropriate dance attire, books, sheet music and attend extra dance classes in a variety of different styles.

’Their support has been great, and they are always so welcoming when I am back in the holidays.

’To be able move away and to train at the Guildford School of Acting on a three-year degree programme has been an absolute dream come true and the DCU are to thank for that!

’The hours and work required is so tough but 100% worth it, and all the better knowing the island is behind you too.

’I cannot thank the DCU enough and if anyone wants to go across and train in any part of the arts, I highly recommend applying for the DCU bursary.’

If you think you would benefit from the bursary, email DCU committee member, Charlotte Faragher, at [email protected].

Each applicant will be asked to complete an application form before a shortlist of applicants are invited to meet with the committee who will assess the applicants’ future plans. The closing date for the committee to consider applications is July 20 for courses starting in September 2018.

The DCU is now working on a production of Monty Python’s Spamalot, which will hit the Gaiety stage in May 2019.

The DCU will be welcoming back their director, Tony Finnegan, for this production.

Tony has starred in and directed many productions and recently directed the DCU’s highly-acclaimed 9 to 5 The Musical.

He said: ’I am delighted to be back on the island with the fabulous DCU to direct a show I’ve been wanting to work on for some time.

’Spamalot is a zany romp and requires madness, spontaneity and flair - with a layer of discipline on top.

’Without wishing to insult anyone, I think the ingredients are there quite naturally. I’m very happy to return to my friends within the DCU...and, with them, help create another top-drawer production for the Manx audiences.’

Auditions for Spamalot will be taking place over the last weekend of September 2018.

More information and audition pieces will be posted on www.douglaschoralunion.im.

The DCU also wants to hear from anyone interested in working with them back stage. Email Charlotte Faragher on [email protected] for more information.