The Neil Curnow Award is made possible through the generous bequest of the late Neil Curnow, an extraordinary man of the theatre based in Adelaide. Following his impressive career as an actor, director, teacher and voice coach, Neil made a bequest through the Independent Arts Foundation to support emerging South Australian theatre people through this prestigious award. We are honoured to continue his legacy today.
The Neil Curnow Award is for final-year students and graduates aged between 18 and 30. It is designed to support an emerging artist with further study or career development in acting/theatre performance or directing.
Valued at up to $7,000 for graduates wishing to undertake interstate study and up to $10,000 for graduates wishing to undertake international study, the award supports the recipient to undertake further study or an internship at a recognised institution.
In May 2025, Julia Vosnakis – Neil Curnow Award 2025 recipient – travelled to Los Angeles, the heart of the film industry, for a month-long, self-directed training and networking program. Her primary focus was refining her skills in comedy, storytelling, and film acting/producing by learning directly from industry experts and top training institutions. Her overseas learning journey included The Groundlings Theatre & School and an intensive program at Ivana Chubbuck Studio.
“Receiving the Neil Curnow Award, facilitated by the Helpmann Academy on behalf of the Independent Arts Foundation, is an incredible honour. Not only is this award a meaningful validation of my progress and promise as an emerging artist, but it also represents a pivotal step towards becoming the successful actor, writer, and producer I aspire to be. It enables me to refine my skills in comedy, storytelling, and screen acting at world-class institutions in Los Angeles. I’m deeply grateful for this chance to grow as an artist within the film industry and bring these new skills back to Kaurna Land, fostering collaboration on my upcoming film and comedy projects.”
Julia Vosnakis, Neil Curnow Award 2025 recipient
The Neil Curnow Award is facilitated by the Helpmann Academy on behalf of the Independent Arts Foundation.
KEY DATES
Applications open on Monday 15 September 2025
Applications close on Sunday 2 November 2025 at 11:59pm
For activity occurring between 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Interested applicants are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how we can help with your application. Please contact the Helpmann team via info@helpmannacademy.com.au, or call us on (08) 7089 0720.
AWARD PARTNER
Images: Julia Vosnakis in Di and Viv and Rose, Photography by HJKB Photography.