WIMMERA performers hoping to boost their careers in the arts are being encouraged to apply for a brand new scholarship.
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The Richard Morris Memorial Concert and Scholarship have celebrated the Wimmera's best musical talents for the past 15 years.
Now people also have the chance to apply for the Alex Rathgeber Performing Artist Scholarship, named after former Horsham resident and musical theatre performer Alex Rathgeber.
Mr Rathgeber said he'd wanted to be involved with the Richard Morris Memorial Concert - recently renamed the RM Showcase - for a long time.
"All my first opportunities to perform were in Horsham and given to me by people like Richard and Jan Morris, and the Horsham Arts Council," he said.
"I wanted to find a way to give back to Horsham and pay it forward. This scholarship was something Jan and I discussed as a way to expand on the already successful concert and existing scholarship.
"We wanted to find a way to encourage more young people to engage with performing arts."
Although he is unable to attend the showcase, Mr Rathgeber will help judge the scholarship applicants alongside the RM Showcase committee.
Applicants are asked to submit a short video of them performing a song of their choice and answering a series of questions.
"We'll be looking for people with a lot of talent and flair, and someone who has a passion for theatre. I'm really excited to see the range of artists and styles," he said.
"The whole idea behind the scholarship is to not only give people who are already interested in performing arts a boost, but also encourage others who have always been interested in the arts to have a go. It's open to anyone."
RM Showcase lead organiser Jan Morris said people interested in expanding their passion in the arts could apply for one or both of the scholarships.
"Just because someone has won the Richard Morris Memorial Scholarship before doesn't mean they can't apply for this new one too. In fact, we're encouraging that," she said.
She said Horsham was lucky to claim Mr Rathgeber as its own.
"He's a homegrown boy and a real professional; he knows what it takes to get there," she said.
The value of the Richard Morris Memorial Scholarship has increased from $1000 to $2000, while the value of the Alex Rathgeber Performing Artist Scholarship is $1000.
Scholarship winners will be announced at the RM Showcase on November 16 at the Horsham Town Hall.
The application deadline for both scholarships is October 25.
Mrs Morris said people could apply for the scholarships at the Horsham Town Hall's website.
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