ITV has revealed that the fourth recipient of the Tony Warren Drama Student Bursary is Johnathan Georgiou from Liverpool.
Georgiou, who began training on the BA (Hons) in Professional Acting at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) this month, said: “‘I’m over the moon. I can’t explain, seeing the email not long after coming off stage back home in Liverpool was such a surreal moment. I’m completely honoured to have so much financial support put into me and my craft. It’s taken so much weight off my shoulders.”
Launched in 2018, the ITV Tony Warren Bursary chooses a student from the North West each year and supports them throughout their drama training. The award is made in honour of Coronation Street creator Tony Warren, himself an actor early in his career and aware of the challenges facing disadvantaged Northerners when it comes to accessing drama schools.
Shortly before his death in 2016, Warren discussed his wish for Coronation Street and ITV to establish a bursary that would support local actors from disadvantaged backgrounds into training at drama school.
After extensive research ITV announced the bursary, working alongside the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) and Manchester School of Theatre, part of Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
ITV casting director, Gennie Radcliffe, who was part of the audition process for the bursary said: “Jonathan has such a captivating naturalness and intimacy to his acting, making you feel as though you are the only one in the room and the only one he is talking to. Tony was so passionate about wanting to help young actors in financial need and would have absolutely loved Jonathan. We’re very proud to be carrying on his legacy through such exciting talent.”
