Performing is my greatest passion and the only thing I can see myself doing for a career. I am so lucky and forever grateful to be able to pursue this dream with the help of AVCAT.
By Lucy Bancroft
I began studying musical theatre full-time at Queensland College of Dance in 2021. I have always had a massive passion for performing throughout high school. My afternoons were taken up with dance classes, rehearsals, and teaching.
After high school, I moved into the city to study. I have been living here for almost two years. I was fortunate to have the support of my parents throughout the move, but there’s no denying it was financially difficult as a student fresh out of high school.
Performing is my greatest passion and the only thing I can see myself doing for a career. It is incredibly time-consuming studying full-time (8 am-4 pm every weekday). It leaves minimal time to work. I am so lucky and forever grateful to be able to pursue this dream with the help of the Long Tan Bursary and AVCAT.
Being an AVCAT scholar is incredibly refreshing, as I can now work one less night per week. It might not seem like much, but any extra free time is incredibly helpful. It takes the pressure off a little bit, allowing me to either rest or use this time to be productive.
There are only four universities in the whole of Australia offering a degree in musical theatre or acting. It is competitive to be accepted into one of these degrees, sometimes there are more than 600 applicants for 18 places.
The course I’m doing now, Advanced Diploma of Musical Theatre is essentially a bridging course to give me experience before auditioning for these major bachelor’s degrees. In this course, I have learned many valuable lessons that I’m glad I experienced before entering the real world or one of these bachelor courses.
I feel that I have grown not only as a performer but, I would argue even more, as a person. This is because the full-time schedule, heavy workload and little free time makes you consider your priorities.
This year, I was fortunate to play a lead role in our musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Being the lead pushed me in terms of self-confidence, professionalism, and dedication.
Every show I have done has been immensely challenging in the rehearsal process. The opportunity to perform in such a high-quality production and the growth that comes from this challenging time is always 110% worth it.
These past two years at the Queensland College of Dance (QCD) have been very intense mentally, physically, and financially. Now that I am nearing the end of my course, I feel confident I am in a good position to gain entry to one of the major degrees.
Two years ago, when I entered QCD, I had my mind set solely on musical theatre. However, spending every day studying this art form has helped me realise I have a passion for acting in addition to musical theatre. I am excited about all the possibilities in the industry and the spontaneity of where my career could go.
Wherever I do end up within the performing arts industry, I am incredibly grateful to AVCAT and the Long Tan Bursary for supporting me in following my dreams. I hope to one day give this generosity back.
Lucy was awarded the Long Tan Bursary in 2022.