The Trust Company

Supporting design education for dramatic art

The Thelma Afford Theatre, Stage, TV or Film Costume Design Award is a biennial award to enhance education and training in the visual arts and in theatre, film or TV costume design (including the history of period costumes).

Recipients may use the prize money to attend any school, college, university or other institution (including NIDA) as long as it offers appropriate courses, or to study with an appropriate mentor or enter a mentorship program.

The visual arts may include theatre, operas, ballets, musicals, pageants, film, television drama or any other form of visual dramatic media.

The award was established as an initiative of the late Thelma Afford to provide young designers with a cash prize to further their education.

Are you eligible?
To be eligible for this award, you must be an Australian citizen aged 17-30 at the closing date of entries.

The award’s value
As a guide, the recipient of the 2008 Thelma Afford Theatre, Stage, TV or Film Costume Design Award received $7,500.

How to apply
The 2010 application form is available to download here or by emailing awards@thetrustcompany.com.au.

The Thelma Afford Theatre, Stage, TV or Film Costume Design Award 2010 Key Dates 

Closing date for entries is 3 September 2010.
The winner will be announced in late 2010.

All application forms and fees must be submitted to the The Trust Company no later than 5.30pm on the closing date.

Previous Winners
Congratulations to Ms Paula Levis who won the Thelma Afford Theatre, Stage, TV or Film Costume Design Award in 2008. Commenting on her submission, the Judging Panel wrote:

"Ms Levis's proposal was strong with clear aims and realistic and achievable objectives that complimented her experience at this stage in her career. The Judging Panel was also impressed by her portfolio which clearly set out examples of her work and showed a range of styles with a great sense of theatre."

Ms Natalie Beak was the winner for the 2006 Award. Natalie used her funds to participate in a number of programs at the St Martin's School, London. 

Further information
The Trust Company is the trustee for the Thelma Afford Theatre, Stage, TV or Film Costume Design Award.