Awards totalling £10,000 are being given to help Merseyside’s aspiring stars of stage and screen realise their dreams.
The inaugural Terry Smith Awards will help talented young performers who have passed through the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre’s renowned programmes. The awards honour the late businessman and journalist, who founded Radio City and became a Director of Liverpool Football Club, succeeding the legendary Bob Paisley on the Anfield board.
Terry, who lived with his wife Pam in Hoylake, Wirral, died a year ago. The 87-year-old was a former journalist at The Sunday Express and Granada TV, before launching independent news and picture agency, Mercury Press in the early 70s.
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Terry founded Radio City in 1974 and was the station's Managing Director for 17 years, during which time the station won more than 40 national and international awards for news, sport and community services. Five young people now embarking upon further education theatre studies at colleges around the country, all with a view to performing arts careers, will benefit from the £2,000 bursaries in Terry's name.
Empire Theatre Trust Chairman David Morgan said: "The Trustees believe supporting our young adults who have studied and performed with the Empire Youth Theatre and taken part in the Creative Learning programmes which the Trust supports, is a fitting way to honour Terry’s memory.
“He was so passionate about Liverpool, the Empire and the arts in general. And he worked tirelessly hard behind the scenes. From the applications received, we saw just how much acting, singing and dancing talent there is out there in this region - and just how much hard work at the theatre goes into developing that talent.
“We are also pleased to announce the Terry Smith awards will continue on an annual basis.”
Natalie Flynn, Senior Creative Learning Manager at the Empire and who runs the Youth Theatre, welcomed the inauguration.
She said: “These generous awards in memory of Terry Smith recognise the exceptional talent within the Liverpool Empire’s Youth Theatre.
“It strengthens our commitment to supporting our members beyond their time here as well as providing additional financial support towards the winners’ future studies amid the rising cost of living.
“Every single applicant demonstrated incredible passion and a strong commitment to maintain a connection with the Youth Theatre and its future members. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”
Terry's widow Pam Smith said: "I was delighted when the Trust proposed these awards.. Terry loved the city of Liverpool and cherished the Empire Theatre. I know he would have felt honoured to have his name associated with the awards.
“It is so important to support these young people, all potential stars of tomorrow, especially in such tough financial times for them right now.
“It was clear from the entries there is some incredible talent coming through the Empire Youth Theatre and it richly deserves this backing.”
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