Toowoomba aspiring stars excelling in performing arts, granted 2022 Empire Theatre bursary

Whether they are excelling in music, dance, theatre or film, these are the region’s aspiring young talent to watch in 2023.

Toowoomba is full of inspiring young talent in the performing arts sector.

To celebrate their achievements and support them as they pursue their fields of choice, the Empire Theatre awarded 35 students with bursaries in late 2022.

Recipients from Toowoomba, Highfields, the Lockyer Valley, Dalby and Chinchilla shared a combined total of $26,000 to help fund programs designed to develop new skills within the creative industries.

It marks the highest number of recipients and bursaries awarded since the program commenced in 2010.

“It’s these very young people who are the future of arts in this country,” Empire Theatres Foundation chairwoman Janelle Fletcher said.

Whether they are excelling in music, dance, theatre or film, here is the region’s aspiring young talent to watch in 2023.

Eliza Kinniburgh. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Eliza Kinniburgh, 12

With a desire to follow in the footsteps of some of Hollywood’s biggest names, Eliza Kinniburgh, 12, has her eyes set on the stars.

The Fairholme College student has been putting on home-based performances for family and friends from the moment she could walk and talk.

“I love acting because it allows me to become another character and I feel like I’m heard when I act,” she said.

“When I perform I don’t feel alone or crowded … it feels like it’s just me and that I am capable of anything.

“Acting pulls me through when life or school gets hard and helps me achieve what I am striving for in life.”

Last year was a busy one for the talented performer who was not only awarded a bursary, but was also selected for the Empire Theatre’s Junior Impact Ensemble.

Now she plans to attend the Queensland Theatre’s Residency Week.

Inspired by acting royalty Zendaya, Gal Gadot and Scarlett Johansson, Eliza hopes to one day get an acting scholarship at the New York University.

Eliza’s mum Jo Kinniburgh said her daughter was born to perform and always loved entertaining others.

“For as long as we can remember she has set up shows at home and when on holidays, but it wasn’t until we moved to Toowoomba in 2021 that she really took on speech and drama” Ms Kinniburgh said.

“It’s all new and magical for Eliza, but my husband and I love watching her in her happy space.”

Ricky Stritzel. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ricky Stritzel, 17

Born to perform, Ricky Strizel, 17, has known since primary school he was destined for the stage.

Over the years, he has worked to branch out of his comfort zone, participating in several musicals at Dalby State High School, as well as Youth Arts programs.

“I fell in love with acting, the feeling of making people happy and that special moment where you get to connect with the audience … being on stage is where I want to be,” he said.

“Before I step out on stage, I have these moments where I get a little rush of nervousness and excitement, but then as soon as I get immersed into a character, everything just falls into place.”

The Dalby performer plans to use his bursary to attend the Queensland Theatre’s Residency Week this September.

“When my mum told me I got the bursary I heard her, but it didn’t really sink in,” he said.

“I know this opportunity will change my life.”

Ricky grew up watching the likes of Rowan Atkinson and Jim Carrey – a comedy duo he described as “chaotic yet focused” and often tries to incorporate their acting styles into his own performances.

Drawn to the theatre and absurdism genre, the 17-year-old said his favourite production is Paper Sky.

Ricky’s mother Maria Stritzel said she believed her son would excel in his field of choice, with the assistance of the bursary.

“I am really proud of what Ricky has achieved so far,” Ms Strizel said.

“Whenever he needs it, I am always here to support him.”

Danica McGrath. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Danica McGrath, 17

For Danice McGrath, 17, growing up in the rural town of Chinchilla meant opportunities in dance were scarce in comparison to Toowoomba.

So when the aspiring ballerina heard about the bursaries on offer through her school dance teacher, she jumped at the opportunity and was ultimately successful.

Dancing since the age of three, Danica took a short hiatus from her biggest passion after several ballet studios closed and teachers left the town.

But she couldn’t stay away for too long and after seeing the Queensland Ballet’s production of Dracula, realised she wanted to pursue the hobby professionally.

“I started later than most people because I wasn’t doing ballet the entire time,” she said.

“Seeing all the cool things they did (in Dracula) made me just want to get up and start dancing.”

Danica also completed a Queensland Ballet workshop in Dalby and performed at the 2022 Chinchilla Christmas concert, with about 3000 people in the audience.

Other than receiving the bursary, she said her biggest achievement has been nailing the front walkover, after months of practising.

“I’m usually really hard on myself, so I have to remember to give myself a bit more credit,” Danica said.

“It’s hard when I hear people say dancing isn’t a sport, because it’s actually harder than playing football.”

This month, Danica used her bursary to attend the Queensland Ballet Academy’s Summer School.

Inspired by professional dancers Mia Heathcote and Patricio Reve, the young Chinchilla woman hopes to one day follow in their footsteps and work at Queensland Ballet.

Describing her daughter as humble and kind, Audrey McGrath said Danica was a great role model for younger children, especially her two sisters.

“The biggest challenge has been lack of consistency with dance schools and ability to do classical ballet in Chinchilla,” Ms McGrath said.

“She has danced with about five different dance schools since she was three … in saying that, there we have had some fabulous dance teachers in Chinchilla.

“I love watching her dance and improving every year, but I’m more proud in who she is, than what she’ll achieve in life.”

Zoe (left) and Lily Pietsch. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Lily Pietsch, 13 and Zoe Pietsch, 13

When it comes to twin sisters Lily and Zoe Pietsch, talent in the performing arts is something they share.

While Lily’s bursary helped her to attend the Queensland Ballet’s Summer Camp this month, Zoe used hers to play the trumpet and piano at a two-week workshop at the Cuskelly College of Music.

Dancing since she was four, Lily enjoys all genres but particularly ballet for its classical nature and technical nature.

Meanwhile Zoe has been playing the piano for eight years and trumpet for four years.

“Becoming a professional musician is definitely on my radar, but regardless of what I pursue I will definitely continue my involvement in the arts,” Zoe said.

“After months of hard work and practise, it’s such an exhilarating feeling to show up at a performance to showcase what you love.

“I think Lily just enjoys performing and bringing a smile to the people watching.”

Dad David Pietsch said he was grateful to the Empire Theatre for supporting the performing arts locally, with a lot of opportunities only offered interstate otherwise.

“These skills certainly aren’t from me, but their mum is a musician so the house has always been full of the arts and we’ve always encouraged that in our family,” he said.

“Their mum has been a great example when it comes to the importance of working hard and the kids really look up to her.”

Ben Rosenberg. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ben Rosenberg, 17

Making a difference was at the forefront of Ben Rosenberg’s mind when he embarked on a self-devised filmmaking project.

The 17-year-old created a short film featuring his schoolmate who was diagnosed with a rare condition which will cause him to lose his sight by the time he’s in his 20s.

Offering an insight into the day in the life of his friend, who has asked to remain anonymous, the inspiring concept came about after the pair were introduced by their drama teacher.

“We developed a genuine friendship and I was so inspired by him not letting his situation confine or limit him,” Ben said.

“The focus is on his abilities … he loves rugby, singing, acting – he does it all.”

With the assistance of the bursary, Ben will purchase equipment to assist with the creation of the project including microphones, camera displays and light stands.

In turn, this will enable to aspiring film maker to produce a higher standard of work, which he plans to enter into Focus On Ability – a film festival which raises awareness about people living with disabilities.

The Toowoomba Grammar School student has performed in productions both in and outside of school, but prefers to work behind the scenes and has completed freelance work in the past for companies including the Toowoomba Choral Society.

He said his interest for film making started when he was about 11 and watched how the film Lord of the Rings was made on the DVD’s special features.

Since this initial introduction, his work has featured in the UniSQ’s art gallery and he went on to enter and win the Nextway Film Festival in Coffs Harbour in 2020 and 2021.

“I love the process of writing, sourcing actors, shooting and editing – the final product is just the cherry on top of the cake,” Ben said.

While he’s most inspired by famous directors Paul Thomas Anderson and Martin Scorsese, Ben said La La Land is his favourite film for the impact it leaves on the audience.

Parents Craig and Rebecca Rosenberg said their son always worked hard and spent hours tirelessly working on his film projects.

“Ben has done exceptionally well in the performing arts both on stage and behind the camera,” Mr Rosenberg said.

“Words cannot really describe how proud we are of Ben – it’s not only Ben’s commitment to his craft but most importantly his humility amid his achievements and his willingness to share what he has learnt with his peers.”

Grace Murphy. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Grace Murphy, 17

It was a case of wrong place, wrong time for Grace Murphy, 17, who did not receive the exciting bursary news straight away.

The recipient who loves to act and sing, was enjoying a roadtrip through rural Western Australia with little to no reception at the time of the announcement.

“I checked my emails as soon as I got home and I was so excited,” she said.

Singing and acting since she was about four, Grace said she loves the rush of adrenaline she feels when she’s performing and using the two outlets as a form of self-expression.

“My favourite genre is slam-poetry with political undertones,” she said.

“I want to create performances that make the audience think, want to take action or make a difference.”

Over the years Grace has performed in several productions with the Empire Theatre’s Junior Impact Ensemble, as well as in the Voices of Angels’ Gondwana Choir.

This September, the 17-year-old will use her bursary to attend the Queensland Theatre’s Residency Week.

Hoping to keep singing and acting as extra curricular activities, Grace said she does not want to take the fun out of them by pursuing either professionally.

After her gap year when she intends to travel around England with her partner, Grace plans to pursue a career involving science or animals, while continuing her two treasured hobbies.

Amelie Phillips. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Amelie Phillips, 17

Pleasantly surprised is the best way to describe the feeling Amelie Phillips, 17, had when she discovered she was a 2022 bursary recipient.

Despite performing in eisteddfods during her early years, it wasn’t until Amelie began auditioning for productions at her high school Highfields State Secondary College, that her passion was reignited.

Naturally drawn to theatre, the bursary recipient said she chose to attend a short on-screen acting course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), to push herself out of her comfort zone.

“I wasn’t expecting to get the bursary as I don’t have much experience, but I’ve always been passionate about it and I think the judging panel saw that during my interview,” Amelie said.

“NIDA is such a prestigious and well-known acting school and it’s helped a lot of Australians to go far.”

While a lot of hard work has contributed to her successes, Amelie said it was a joint effort and something she could not pursue without her support network.

“I’ve always enjoyed performing, but it was my friends and family who made me realise that it came so naturally to me,” she said.

Amelie plans to study a degree in journalism or the arts at The University of Queensland or Griffith University, while continuing to actively participate in the performing arts.

She will attend the NIDA course in August.

Ewan Mortimer. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ewan Mortimer, 13

Perfecting the art of balance has been Ewan Mortimer’s biggest obstacle to date.

The 13-year-old who has aspired to be an actor or filmmaker since he was eight, but decided to take a short break in 2020, to focus solely on school work.

Unable to stay away from the stage for too long, Ewan returned to his weekly acting classes the following year.

“(I’m inspired by) Keanu Reeves because he’s a good actor, has diverse roles, but he is also just a nice person in general,” he said.

“Favourite movie is a hard one because there’s so many to choose from, but I prefer sci-fi and comedies.”

With plenty of experience from performances and eisteddfods under his belt, Ewan struggled to pick his favourite onstage moments.

He narrowed it down to The Toowoomba Repertory Theatre’s Magic Pudding, where he was otherwise joined by an all-adults cast and the Mt Lofty School’s production of Annie where he played the principal.

Set to attend the Empire Theatre’s Youth Arts program this year, Ewan said he hoped it would “enlighten me with new skills and expand on what I already have to take me forward.”

The young teen is confident he will find opportunities in Australian films, but said he would consider travelling overseas too.

Ewan’s mum Cynthia Mortimer said her son was a remarkable young man, who she felt proud of every day.

“He’s been acting since he was in grade three, so when he went into high school and took a break, it’s like he lost a part of himself, so we’re glad he’s got his spark back now,” she said.

“You know you’re on the right track anytime you see your child light up doing what they love.

“Once he sets his mind to something he will accomplish it and whether he’s behind-the-scenes or centre stage, I know this will take him places and be part of his life forever.”

Isabelle Stibbard. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Isabelle Stibbard, 16

She’s performed at Disneyland, Universal Studios and Hollywood and now Isabelle Stibbard, 16, is set to leave another mark on her list of dancing accolades.

Trained in tap, lyrical, ballet, contemporary and commercial jazz, Isabelle has been attending the Dance Force studios in Gatton and Toowoomba since the age of two.

But her real passion has always been tap – a genre she loves because she gets to create different rhythms and beats with her feet.

Using her bursary to attend the Brent Street’s Summer School program in January, Isabelle said being taught by industry leaders would assist in her growth as a dancer.

“This experience will assist me in choosing where I want to dance full time after graduating school and will open my eyes to new and different style of choreography,” she said.

“Being on stage makes me feel free from the outside world and has always been a way to express myself without any words.”

Inspired by her older sister Alicia Stibbard, Isabelle said she remembers watching her sibling dance and always wanted to grow up to be just like her.

In addition to performing all around the globe, the 16-year-old has also been selected for several major roles in Toowoomba Ballet Theatre productions.

This includes the lead role of Rapunzel, Ursula in The Little Mermaid and Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty.

Grateful for the opportunities received so far, the Lockyer District High School student said she is excited to extend her industry knowledge further.

She also hopes to become a professional showgirl and perform overseas.

Gemma Smith. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Gemma Smith, 13

She may only be 13-years-old, but Gemma Smith has already made an impact in several local theatre communities.

From starring in the Downlands College production of The Addams Family to starring in the Toowoomba Choral Society’s production of School Of Rock.

Last year, the theatre enthusiast was also selected to attend the Queensland State Honours Ensemble.

The Toowoomba student will use her bursary to attend the Queensland Theatre’s Residency Week later this year.