Genesis Foundation announces new awards at the Young Vic and LAMDA

Thursday, 18 September 2014

The Genesis Foundation continues its vision to nurture and develop outstanding young artists by supporting two new theatrical talents. Finn Beames, 27, becomes this year’s second recipient of the Genesis Future Directors Award at the Young Vic, while the new academic year at LAMDA marks the arrival of 19 year-old Lewis Bruniges as a Genesis LAMDA Scholar.

Commenting on these two awards, John Studzinski, Founder and Chairman of the Genesis Foundation said:

“In making this commitment to supporting Finn and Lewis, the Genesis Foundation is both continuing to nurture outstanding artistic talent and to deepen its relationship with two of this country’s most dynamic and imaginative arts organisations. I look forward to watching Finn and Lewis excel in their careers in the years ahead.”

Finn Beams was chosen from more than 400 applicants and is the second young director to receive one of these awards at the Young Vic this year, following Tinuke Craig whose production of debbie tucker green’s dirty butterfly opens at the Young Vic on 1 October.

Established in 2012, the Genesis Future Directors Award was created to nurture emerging young directors by providing them with an opportunity to explore and develop their craft while creating their first fully resourced production at the Young Vic, recognised as a major theatre for young directors who are developing and practising their art. Finn was selected as the Genesis Future Director from an extremely strong crop of candidates and the award will provide support and mentorship from the theatre’s unique creative network, which includes Artistic Director David Lan and current Genesis Fellow Natalie Abrahami, former Director of the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill. Further details of Finn’s debut production at the Young Vic will be announced later this year.

19 year-old Lewis was selected unanimously by a scholarship panel chaired by actress, director and LAMDA Vice-President, Dame Janet Suzman, and by LAMDA trustee and Olivier Award-winning actress Patricia Hodge.

Genesis LAMDA Scholars’ tuition is entirely funded by the Genesis Foundation over three years of study and they also receive a substantial contribution towards their living expenses. Former LAMDA scholars, such as Tom Riley and Samuel Barnett, have gone on to enjoy diverse and critically-acclaimed careers on the stage and screen.

To read the full press release click here.