A local charity has awarded $5,000 bursaries to six Bermudians who are pursuing film or performing arts.

A statement said Zion Mills, Ailie Waddington, Stephanie Hardy, Ava-Joy Moreno, Skye Minors and Gianna Luparelli all received a bursary from the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society Charitable Trust this year.

Most of the funds for the trust — created 25 years ago in memory of BMDS member Kate Huntington — are raised through the annual Famous for 15 Minutes playwriting festival.

Mr Mills is pursuing a degree in acting (musical theatre) at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, Mr Waddington is earning a Bachelor’s in performing arts at Dalhousie University, Ms Hardy is working towards a Bachelor’s with Honours in film from the University of Westminster and Ms Moreno is studying modern dance at Marymount Manhattan College.

Ms Minors is working towards a Masters in performing arts from Leeds Beckett University and Ms Minors in pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in directing from the University of Ottawa.

The statement added: “In addition to these awards, the Trust was able to was able to continue to support the Bermuda School of Music Bursary programme with a contribution of $4,500.”