Portora student Brandon Power has been awarded a Joan Trimble Bursary. The Performing Arts AS level student will use his grant to attend the National Youth Theatre summer school master class in Acting for Screen.

This exclusive premier NYT master class, based in London this August, will be led by top industry professionals and is aimed at students wishing to gain more skills and knowledge in performing on TV and in film. Brandon will have the opportunity to totally immerse himself into the world of acting, supported at every stage by professionals, performing a screen test and taking part in TV and film scenes.

Brandon has been passionate about acting since taking to the stage during his primary school years. With a Youth Theatre group he was able to study acting on a weekly basis culminating in many performances at the Ardhowen Theatre in front of friends and family. He is now studying for his Performing Arts AS level leading to A level next year and ultimately to Drama College where his goal is become a professional actor.

Brandon said: “I’m very much looking forward to attending the summer master class thanks to the support from the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards. It will be challenging but ultimately it will be an incredibly worthwhile opportunity for me to develop my performance skills whilst enjoying a richly rewarding and unforgettable experience. It is so important for young people like me to have a scheme like the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards as performing arts; music and culture must be supported and encouraged, especially at a local level.” Caroline Gant, Chair of the Bursary Awards said: “Brandon has the ambition and drive to consider acting as a professional career. I’m confident his participation on this course will develop the skills he needs and help him move forward as he works towards auditioning for Drama School. I’m delighted the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards is able to help Brandon participate in this summer master class and we wish him every success for the future.” Established by her family, the Awards recognise Joan’s lifelong commitment to County Fermanagh and their purpose is to encourage the involvement of young people in creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture. Areas of support for individuals up to and including 25 years of age include: specialist education training sessions and courses; international cultural programmes; participation in master classes and summer schools. Through the encouragement of young people to participate in, be inspired by and to enjoy a rich diversity of cultural activities, Joan’s vision of wider opportunity and access to the arts for new generations is being perpetuated.

For more information on the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards visit www.fermanaghtrust.org