Old Brentwood wins The Cymbeline Bursary

We are proud to share that William Johnson OB has won The Cymbeline Bursary, Summer Internship at the O’Neill, which he has gained through the Drama Department at Exeter University where he is currently studying English and Drama.

The prestigious Cymbeline Bursary, made possible by a donation from a benefactor of Exeter University, is awarded to a Year 2 or 3 undergraduate student on any Drama programme that demonstrates "commitment, determination, and service to the Drama Department" to undertake a Summer Internship at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Centre in Waterford, Connecticut.

Founded in 1964, the O'Neill is dedicated to the development of new works and new voices for the stage, committed to diversifying the future of American theatre through the stories they tell and the people they hire.

Among the hundreds of plays and musicals developed and premiered at the O'Neill are notable works including John Guare's The House Of Blue Leaves; Brian Crawley and Jeanine Tesori's Violet; Wendy Wasserstein's Uncommon Women and Others; August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Fences, and The Piano Lesson; Lee Blessing's A Walk In The Woods; Nine by Arthur Kopit, Mario Fratti, and Maury Yeston; Avenue Q by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx, and Jeff Whitty; In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes; and Jennifer Haley's The Nether. The O'Neill also manages and operates the Monte Cristo Cottage, O'Neill's childhood home located in neighbouring New London.

As an intern during the 13 week summer season, William will work intensively alongside staff members and industry professionals, helping them to make a season of new plays, musicals, cabaret acts, and puppet theatre. During the internship he will rotate through various departments such as Company Management, Production, Business, Marketing and Development and will be given hands-on experience and insight into how professional theatre is created. He will also have free admission to over 20 shows; and workshops and learning experiences with top industry professionals.

William had to write a 750-word statement that outlined why he would be suited for The Cymbeline Bursary, what he would hope to achieve, and how it might help him in his studies and/or in his career. The selecting committee also considered his academic record and contribution to the life of the Drama Department, which has been extensive over the last two years.

Whilst at Brentwood School, William was involved in every aspect of the Performing Arts Department, with memorable highlights including playing Marius in Les Misérables and being a part of a plethora of choir and musical ensembles.