Bradfield Year 12 student wins Queensland Theatre Young Playwright's Award

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Congratulations to our Year 12 Class of 2024 graduate Alexandro Gould-Arocha, who has been awarded the 2024 Queensland Theatre’s Young Playwright’s Award for their script The Interchange.

As part of the prize, Alexandro was awarded a Theatre Residency Week in the Queensland Theatre in September. He also received dramaturgy sessions with award-winning Playwright Wendy Locke to further develop The Interchange.

Additionally, there will be a public presentation of a rehearsed reading to The Interchange, directed by Associate Artistic Director of the Queensland Theatre Fiona MacDonald in the Bille Brown Theatre, Brisbane on Monday 9 December 2024, 6:30pm. This reading can be viewed online - RSVP here.  (Note: NSW time is 7:30pm)

Alexandro said of the Award: "I owe so much to the incredible team behind QT and everyone who's helped me with readings and providing feedback. I also owe a lot toeveryone who I've spent the past two years of school with. This play is almost a love letter to you all (and myself). What started as a reaction to getting ghosted for the first time, eventually spiralled into an authentic examination of queerness within the context of school, work, social, and family life. I am so proud of the works relevance and the authentic voice I have developed. I hope you are able to attend the reading either in person or online."

Alexandro said of the Theatre Residency Week in September: “Last term I was flown up to Brisbane to participate in Queensland Theatre’s Theatre Residency Week. This is a very unique and special program that involves many students interested in theatre and performance spending a week immersed in the artform. I was privileged enough to receive a scholarship for this amazing program which included flights to Brisbane.

“I spent the week in NJ Price’s core group where I extended and applied my stage combat skills. This culminated in a 20 minute showcase alongside groups in Musical Theatre, Hybrid Theatre, and Shakespeare. We also got to watch performances from amazing Queensland-based companies including Shake & Stir, Grin and Tonic, and Shock Therapy Arts. I also undertook workshops in Tech Theatre and Improv.

“It was so unique and special as I turned 18 on the first day of the residency and got to meet so many amazing people that I hope to work with one day. I want to thank the incredible Queensland Theatre Staff and Teaching Artists for making this all possible.”

Alexandro studied English Advanced, Design and Technology, Drama, Entertainment, Musical Theatre, Screen and Media and Multimedia, exiting the school with an ATAR and four VET Certificates. He was an Academic All-Rounder, and a valued student and collaborator in all of his work at the College, and we couldn’t be happier about his achievement.

The first graphic used for this story was created by @qld_theatre.