Established in 2008 in memory of Heath Ledger, who served as an ambassador for AiF, the Scholarship is open to all young and emerging Australian actors 18-35 years old. To date, $230,000 in Scholarship prizes has been awarded to help the winners with career and educational opportunities in the U.S.
The judge’s mission is to select a recipient that exhibits distinctive potential – as expressed by AiF President Simonne Overend, “The judges will be looking for an extraordinary young Australian actor with raw talent and charisma – someone who has the potential for real career longevity in Hollywood, not just the ‘next big thing’.”
The recipient will obtain a USD$10,000 cash fund, a two year Scholarship at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre in Los Angeles, two flights on Virgin Australia, one to attend the announcement ceremony and a second flight when the winner is ready to transition their career to the United States, a 7-day Californian trip from Visit California, USD$5,000 worth of visa and immigration services from Raynor and Associates and $500 worth of Uber credit to get around LA. The Scholarship also includes mentorship from professionals in the industry.
Two runners up will receive a round-trip ticket to Los Angeles, where they can profile themselves in the US market, courtesy of Virgin Australia, and a Scholarship to attend Masterclasses at Screenwise Film & TV School for actors in Sydney.
Applications are now open and will close on the date of Heath Ledgers birthday, Monday, April 4th 2016, at 6:00 PM (PST).
Apply now for full application instructions.