Overview
The Glorias Fellowships offer three individual grants of $22,000 to Australian actors and directors working in theatre, film, or television. Administered by NIDA on behalf of the Trustees of the Gloria Payten and Gloria Dawn Foundations, these prestigious annual Fellowships support international travel and professional development for experienced practitioners and graduates. Recipients are chosen by a panel of leading industry figures and Trustees representing both Foundations.
About the Glorias
Gloria Dawn
Gloria Dawn (1929–1978) was a celebrated Australian stage and screen actress, known for her versatility in musical theatre, vaudeville, and drama. Her legacy lives on through the Gloria Dawn Foundation, which supports emerging talent in the performing arts. The Foundation honours her vibrant career by investing in the future of Australian actors and directors.
Gloria Payten
Gloria Payten (1925–2004) was a pioneering theatrical agent and producer who championed Australian talent across stage and screen. She established the Gloria Payten Foundation to nurture professional development in the entertainment arts. Her Foundation continues to support artists with opportunities to train and collaborate internationally, reflecting her lifelong commitment to growing the Australian performing arts industry.
Purpose
Fellowships are intended for the purpose of international travel and study. The Fellow must agree to return to Australia within twelve months of the expiry of the Fellowship. On returning to Australia, the Fellow is expected to work, as far as possible, as an actor, director, teacher, or writer in the entertainment industry in Australia for a major part of the next three years.
Fellowships may be used to include such activities as:
- a formal course of study
- attachment to a school
- attachment to a theatre company
- attachment to film or television production companies
- attendance at an international festival
- visits to specific performances
- interviews or meetings with distinguished artists
Key Details
Open To: Australian Actors or Directors with at least 2 years of professional experience
Frequency: Annual
Funding: 3 x $22,000 per recipient
Applicants must:
1. Be a resident of Australia
2. Be a professional actor or director in theatre, film, or television, and either:
a. A graduate of a full-time acting or directing course at a recognised tertiary institution, or
b. Have worked substantially and professionally as an actor and/or director for at least two years
Applications must be submitted via the online form,
Applicants must also upload the following supporting material:
- A current CV (demonstrating at least 2 years of professional experience in the arts)
- A clear statement of use for the fellowship funds
- An estimated cost of the proposal
- Referees are advised to strengthen your application
For any enquiries, please email [email protected].
In accordance with the terms of the Bequest, the Trustees of the Foundations are:
· Brendon Lunney – Chair
· Rhoda Roberts AO – NIDA Representative (ex officio)
· Chris Mead – VCA Representative (ex officio)
· Kylie Mascord – Secretary
- Danny Ball (2016, Actor)
- Wendy Mocke (2017, Actor)
- Miranda Middleton (2020, Director)
- Mandy McElhinney
- Adolphus Waylee (2023, Actor)
- Nikki Shiels (2023, Actor)
- Zoë Hollyoak (2023, Director)
- Vaishnavi Suryaprakash (2022, Actor)
- Clemence Williams (2022, Director)
- Claudia Osborne (2022, Director)
- Chika Ikogwe (2022, Actor)
- Carissa Licciardello (2020, Director)
- Jenny Wu (2020, Actor)
- Jessica Arthur (2020, Director)
- Anthony Taufa (2019, Actor)
- Alistair Clark (2019, Director)
- Matt Levett (2019, Actor)
- Rob Collins (2018, Actor)
- Sara West (2018, Actor/Director)
- Harriet Gillies (2018, Actor/Director)
- Hannah Barlow (2017, Actor/Director)
- Libby Munro (2017, Actor)
- Ash Ricardo (2017, Actor)
- Scott Sheridan (2017, Actor)
- Briallen Clarke (2016, Actor)
- Elsie Edgerton-Till (2016, Director)
- Benjamin Schostakowski (2016, Director)
- Derek Walker (2016, Director)
- Constantine Costi (2015, Director)
- Joel Jackson (2015, Actor)
- Paige Rattray (2015, Director)
- Kip Williams (2015, Director)
- Matthew Backer (2014, Actor)
- Melissa Chambers (2014, Actor)
- Sarah Goodes (2014, Director)
- Eryn Jean Norville (2014, Actor)
- Imara Savage (2014, Director)
- Candy Bowers (2013, Actor)
- Sarah Giles (2013, Director)
- Shelly Lauman (2013, Actor)
- Tanya Goldberg (2012, Director)
- Naomi Edwards (2011, Director)
- Anna Houston (2010, Actor)
- Melanie Beddie (2008, Director/Dramaturg)
- Darren Gilshenan (2006, Actor)
- Ben Harkin (2004, Director/Producer)
- Saskia Smith (2004, Actor)
- Benjamin Winspear (2002, Actor/Director)
- Brendan Cowell and Anthony Hayes (2001, Actor/Director/Writer and joint fellows)
- Marty Dennis (2000, Director)
- Jacqueline Linke (2000, Actor/Writer)
- John Brumpton (1999, Actor/Director)
- Jennifer Hagan (1999, Actor/Director)
- Benedict Andrews (1998, Director)
- Rachael Swain (1998, Director)
- Helmut Bakaitis (1997, Actor/Director)
- Michelle Doake (1996, Actor)
- Sue Ingleton (1996, Actor/Writer)
- Christina Andreef (1995, Director)
- Kirsty Reilly (1995, Director)
- Steven Vidler (1995, Director)
- Nicholas Lathouris (1994, Actor)
How to apply
Application Form
Submit your application before Sunday 31 August 2025, 11:59pm (AEST).
“The fellowship has been instrumental in my growth as an artist, allowing me to learn from some of the most esteemed professionals in the industry. The experience has been truly enriching, not only for the exceptional training I received but also for the invaluable connections and networks I have built with extraordinary individuals. This journey and its successes would not be possible without the generous support of the Glorias Fellowship.”
— Adolphus Waylee (BFA Acting, 2021)