This annual opportunity is open to musical theatre artists under 30 years of age who are under-exposed in Toronto and its surrounding areas.
Through an open audition process, two artists are selected and receive a cash prize, mentorship throughout the season, a showcase cabaret and an opportunity to perform in The Musical Stage Company’s season.
The Syd & Shirley Banks Prize for Emerging Musical Theatre Artists generously provides two musical theatre artists the opportunity to advance their careers through financial assistance, mentorship and increased exposure.
The 2018-19 Banks Prize winners:
The Cabaret
Like to Be You – A Banks Prize Cabaret
March 3-4, 2019 7:00pm
Jazz Bistro, 251 Victoria Street
$10 + fees* – Click here to buy tickets
The Musical Stage Company is thrilled to present the 2018-19 Syd & Shirley Banks Prize winners, Brandon Antonio & Michelle Bouey, in a special cabaret concert at the Jazz Bistro.
“Like to Be You” explores the role that music has played at the various stages of both Michelle and Brandon’s lives thus far. Watch as these two emerging artists share their own stories about how life really is better with music.
Starring: Brandon Antonio & Michelle Bouey
Musical Direction by: Adam White
Staging by: Sabryn Rock
Artist & Production Management by: Andrea Pestana
* Donors who have made a gift of $750+ (Lead Players, Virtuosos, Crescendo Club, Leading Lights) receive complimentary tickets. Please contact
alethea@
The Prize
The Prize
Two emerging artists are awarded the prize through an annual open audition process, each winner receiving:
1. A $1,000 cash prize;
2. A cabaret created by and starring both winners;
3. An opportunity to perform alongside leading professional artists as a part of The Musical Stage Company’s 2018-19 season; and
4. Mentorship with industry experts throughout the 2018-19 season.
Eligibility
Who is Eligible?
All musical theatre artists are eligible if they meet the following criteria:
- They are under 30 years of age
- They reside in Ontario
- They are under-exposed in theatre in Toronto & GTA
We are actively seeking submissions from actors of all backgrounds, abilities, and ethnicities and we are committed to diversity and inclusion within this submission process.
Both Equity and non-equity individuals are eligible to submit.
Submissions
Submissions
Submissions for the 2019-20 Syd & Shirley Banks Prize for Emerging Musical Theatre Artists are will be open in Spring 2019.
Past Recipients
Past Recipients
2017-18: George Krissa & Celine Tsai
2016-17: Jahlen Barnes & Arinea Hermans
2015-16: Brittany Banks & Colin Simmons
2014-15: Alessia Lupiano & Graham Scott Fleming
2013-14: Dana Jean Phoenix & Jordan Till
2012-13: Alexis Gordon & Andres Sierra
Leading Lights
The Banks Family