The Norm Usiskin Bursary for Young Performers

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The Norm Usiskin Bursary for Young Performers, developed in honour of the memory of our beloved friend of the theatre, is to support young performers in the development of their theatre craft through the arts. The Bursary will be awarded each summer to the successful recipient(s).
​Past recipients where able to participate in Artstrek, Music classes, Dance classes, Vocal lessons,
Foote Theatre Summer Intensive Program.

As a long time member of the Horizon Players, Norm wore many hats: President, Director, Actor, Set Builder and the most important role of all - friend and mentor. His passion for community theatre and kids is what launched the Youth Productions that we continue to put on to this day. Norm believed in the power of theatre to provide lasting positive experiences for youth and always welcomed everyone to come be part of the show. As a director, Norm made the impossible a reality, from coordinating a cast of over 100 kids in 101 Dalmatians, to making the carpet 'fly' in Aladdin; whatever the show, he was always able to get the cast to execute his vision. Norm will always be missed, but through this bursary program he will continue to help develop and grow our young performers.
APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 29, 2025 @ 11:59pm MDT
Bursary Guidelines
  • Up to two (2) $200 and two (2) $100 bursaries awarded each year.
  • One (1) $200 and One (1) $100 bursary for Elementary School-aged children (Grades K - 6), and
  • One  (1) $200 and One (1) $100 bursary for Junior/High School-aged children (Grades 7-12).
  • Awarded to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Part 1.
  • The bursary will be awarded based on points determined in the selection criteria in Part 2.
  • In the event there is a tie for more than two eligible applicants, the Horizon Players Board will determine whether the additional bursary is to be paid, or if applicants will be interviewed to break the tie.
  • If there are no eligible applicants in a given year, then no bursary money will be awarded and funds will be held until the following year.

Part 1 - Eligibility Criteria
A candidate must pass each of these 5 items before being considered for application.
  1. Must be aged 17 or younger during the application year.
  2. Have been a cast member in a minimum of one (1) Horizon Players' youth production.
  3. Be enrolled in theatre/drama or other theatre/drama-related Program (see list in Part 2: Selection Criteria for details).
  4. Have not received the bursary in the previous year.
  5. Provide proof of enrollment in a program/class completed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 (If the cost of the class is less than the awarded bursary, then the amount of the bursary will be adjusted to cover only the cost of the class.)

Part 2 - Selection Criteria
If eligibility criteria are met, each eligible applicant will be scored on the following criteria:
  • Type of Program enrolled in:
    **Primary Program (list as follows) = 100 points
              Drama, musical theatre, Artstrek, technical theatre (includes anything related to stage management, costuming, lighting, sound,                set design), and vocal lessons.
    **Secondary Program (list as follows) = 75 points
              Dance other than musical theatre (includes ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, ballroom), public speaking.
    **Tertiary Program (list as follows) = 50 points
              Musical instrument, script or screenplay writing, film or film study.
  • Horizon Players' Youth Production - Participated as cast or crew member = 10 points (per show)
  • A current resident of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, or Parkland County = 50 points

Future Work - A rating scale to be determined prior to a youth production.
  • The following rating scale will be completed by primary crew members of productions the applicant has participated in, including but not limited to, Director, Choreographer, and Musical Director. All rating scales will be averaged to come up with a point total for each applicant.
Notes
  • The Board has the right to consider extenuating circumstances that do not fall within these criteria on a 'without prejudice' basis.
  • Board members who have a child applying for a bursary will not take part in the selection process, in any form, including completing the rating scale.

Application Requirements
  • The completed application form must be submitted by the deadline date. No additional supporting documents will be accepted.
  • Successful applicants are required to provide proof of program registration prior to receiving funding.
  • Applications will be available on the Horizon Players website and will be accepted electronically only.

For information/questions please e-mail:  horizonplayers@live.com

Applications for the 2024 Bursary submissions are now open!

Deadline for applying is JUNE 29, 2025 at 11:59pm MDT
**Note, any applications received after 11:59pm MDT will not be accepted**

APPLICATION FORM