Blair graduated as a Bachelor of Arts (Communication
–Theatre/Media) at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst with Distinction in
2003. The Blair Milan Fund seeks to pass on Blair’s
enthusiasm for the arts to future Theatre/Media students. The two inaugural awards have now been made:
The
Blair Milan Scholarship
About: A scholarship of $3000 will be awarded annually to
one second year Theatre/Media student who exemplifies the generous artistic
spirit and attitude of Blair. The student will be carefully selected by the
academic staff of the Theatre/Media course with input from Blair’s family and
peers. Selection will based on the student’s community involvement, academic
and on stage performance as well as goals and motivation. The scholarship aims
to encourage students studying Theatre/Media to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm
and a passion for their chosen field.
Recipient: Angus
Wilkinson received this scholarship in May last year. We were impressed with his written submission and
even more impressed when we met him in person. He reminded me of Blair and gave a magnificent
thank you speech on behalf of all the award winners. We have stayed in touch and he thoughtfully
posted a photo of himself in his cap and gown, with his degree and wearing his
“Good times” badge at his graduation. The “Good Times” badges were made for
Blair’s funeral by his friends from CSU and their parents. I gave Angus one at
the awards ceremony. He is doing well as he has got straight into the directing
course at NIDA.
The
Blair Milan Touring Fund
About: A $7,000 fund provides financial support for the
presentation of work of final year theatre/Media students before metropolitan
and/or regional communities. The
recipients will be selected by academic staff of the course with input from
Blair’s peers and the Milan family. Profits realised from this presentation
will be returned to the Blair Milan Touring Fund.
Recipient: The group performing Sticky Feet are the
deserved winner. They were unanimously
chosen by the CSU staff, including one who is an alumnus from Blair’s year. The
team will take the show to ‘Higher Ground Inc’ at the Adelaide Fringe Festival
from 27 February to 4 March 2013. This enterprising group have also secured a
residency with Tamarama Rock Surfers (TRS) from 4 to 8 February. The residency includes a performance at Bondi
Pavilion which they are making a fund raiser for The Blair Milan Fund. They
have asked me to speak, especially as entry is FOC but they ask for donations.
I am so gratified they want to give back to the fund – reassures me they are
the very best of winners. There are no allocated tickets so it’s first in best
dressed for the 230 seats.
The
details
7:30pm on Friday 8 FebruaryBondi Pavilion Theatre
Bondi Beach
No booking required
Donation entry
All proceeds go towards the Blair Milan Touring Fund
About Sticky Feet
Have you ever found yourself in an
awkward social situation? Gone in for a handshake when someone else goes in for
a hug? Waved at someone who wasn’t looking or even called someone by the wrong
name? We know you have. We all have. ‘Sticky Feet’ is the brainchild of a group of like-minded and often socially awkward young Sydney-based theatre makers. The show, two years in the making, is a short 30-minute physical comedy jam packed with cringe-worthy, bladder-pushing, side-splitting moments that will leave you wanting more.
‘Sticky Feet’ debuted at Charles Sturt University’s annual creative arts
festival, ‘Sprung Festival’ in September 2012. It was awarded the inaugural
Blair Milan Touring Fund, which is enabling the team to take the show to
‘Higher Ground Inc’ for Adelaide Fringe Festival from the 27th
February to the 4th March 2013. Sticky
Feet Productions is privileged to receive such a prestigious award and would
like to kindly thank the Milan family for their support. The generous touring fund will
ensure Blair’s legacy continues forever through the work and creativity of new
Australian artists.
‘Sticky Feet’ came to life through
an 8-week devising process, involving students from all three years of the
Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) course at Charles Sturt University,
Bathurst. The story follows three unique strangers; Mel, Phil and Geoff, and
their journey towards overcoming communication faux pas, fears of being judged
and accepting that everyone has a little weirdo inside them.
In preparation for Adelaide Fringe Festival, ‘Sticky Feet’ are undertaking a second development of the show with Tamarama Rock Surfers who have offered the company a residency. The residency will culminate in a public showing in the iconic Bondi Pavilion Theatre on Friday 8th February 2013 at 7:30pm. All proceeds from the showing will go back into the Blair Milan Touring Fund.
‘Sticky Feet’ has something for
everyone and is great for all ages, young and old. The set beckons you, framed
in a 3x4 metre box that makes you feel like you are peeping into a wacky and
wondrous offbeat world. The colours and crazy faces keep you glued to your
seat. The supreme awkwardness drags you to the edge and then throws you back
again with cathartic laughter.
More information
Visit their website, facebook page or send an email.
