We are very pleased to announce that Mehmet Yakar from the BA in Professional Acting programme has been awarded a Laurence Olivier bursary, provided by The Behrens Foundation.
As part of its commitment to widening access to professional actor training, DSL is active in nominating actors for external bursaries. The Laurence Olivier bursary is awarded to trainee actors who demonstrate exceptional talent, in addition to taking into account any financial considerations.
DSL is enormously proud of Mehmet for achieving this commendation which will practically assist the further development of his talent and potential.
Nominees performed on a West-End stage to a panel of judges including Atri Banerjee, Jill Green, Isabella Odoffin and Sita McIntosh.
Previous recipients of these awards include Michael Sheen, Michaela Coel and Ewan McGregor.
“I was really happy to have been chosen to audition for the Laurence Olivier Bursary by DSL. I got the chance to perform on a West End stage in front of industry professionals who have worked with some of the biggest names in showbiz. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and people with similar backgrounds to me. I went into the room that day with no expectations so to be one of the lucky winners of the bursary meant the world to me and means that I can now focus on my upcoming last year at Drama Studio London. I really want to thank DSL for nominating me and for all its support.” Mehmet Yakar
“Mehmet is a hardworking, conscientious and innovative performer who is striving to push boundaries and challenge audiences. He is generous and bold on stage, Mehmet is working hard to raise funds, awareness and visibility for causes that desperately need them. Huge congratulations.” Victoria Bush, Subject Lead in Acting, Undergraduate
“The Laurence Olivier bursaries have proved invaluable to many actors over the years and DSL has been fortunate to have recipients for whom it has made a fundamental difference to their final year of training. We thank the Behrens Foundation and the panel for their dedication to help sustain the talent of the future.” Emma Lucia Hands, Director of DSL.