The family of Maria Burgess is continuing her decades-long commitment to the arts through an annual award aimed at helping emerging musicians and theatre artists pursue post-secondary education
Applications for the Maria Burgess Memorial Music and Theatre Award are now open.
This award honours the life of Maria Burgess by providing $1,000 to a person in the community with a passion for music and/or theatre who is pursuing post-secondary education.
Burgess got involved in local theatre in the mid-70s and, for the next 40 years, she performed, produced, and directed countless productions.
Among her biggest passions were The Soo Sings for Kids and Theatre SMC at St. Mary’s College. She guided and mentored several young performers from Theatre SMC who went on to pursue professional careers in the arts.
“Supporting Maria’s love of music and theatre with this award brings our family great pride . . . it was music that united us at Brock University,” said Maria’s husband Steve.
Last year’s winner was Allison Lees.
“Thanks to this award I purchased a saxophone and everything I needed to learn it! I am now able to fulfill the requirements to apply to teacher’s college for music,” Lees said.
Eligible applicants who are accepted into or enrolled in a recognized post-secondary institution to study music and/or theatre are invited to apply with the deadline for applications getting extended to May 4.
Questions can be submitted by email.