Media releases

Federation University Australia is celebrating its Arts Academy alumni nominated in the prestigious 2017 Helpmann Awards.

The nominees are:

The maverick satirical comedy sensations Aunty Donna, Arts Academy alumni Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, for their critically acclaimed Melbourne International Comedy Festival season.  

Music theatre actor Bert LaBonte for his standout and celebrated performance in The Book of Mormon.

Writer and actor Sarah Hamilton for the national regional tour They Saw a Thylacine, a thoughtful and poetic work from Sarah’s company Human Animal Exchange. 

The Helpmann Awards are the premier celebration of Australia’s vibrant live performance industry and recognise distinguished achievement and excellence in Australia’s live performance sectors. The winners of the 2017 Helpmann Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Monday 24 July at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney.

“We feel rightfully proud of our alumni being acknowledged alongside such prestigious company,” Federation University Australia’s Arts Academy Director Bryce Ives,” said.

“Generations of artists have studied in Ballarat. Camp Street is a hot house of creative training, with a reputation for being a friendly and stimulating place that encourages all students to be resourceful, to test big new ideas and to be proud in their artistic practice. Our alumni embody our ethos and way of working,” he said.

 “Our history, our inspiring teachers, and our unique artistic community enables graduates equipped to tell the important stories that will define the future of Australian film, television, theatre, cabaret, and music theatre,” Professor John McDonald, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Arts said.

On Sunday 27 August, the FedUni Arts Academy will host an Open Day for perspective students in performing arts, visual arts and communications design. Open classes and workshops will allow the community to experience the Camp Street Arts Academy Campus.

For more information, call the FedUni Arts Academy on 03 5327 8600.