Chalk Line Theatre Company is announced as the winner of the 2018 Creativity Award, at Epping Forest District Council’s annual Civic Awards, on Friday, 16 March.

The 2018 Winners

The theatre company is a new graduating duo from East 15 Acting School, made up of students Sam Edmunds and William Patrick Harrison.

The pair have received funding towards their first play ‘Testament’, which discusses young male suicide. Suicide is the most common cause of death for young men in the UK but is rarely spoken about.

Sam and William feel this needs to change and want to use their play to provoke an audience into an open discussion about it.

The award will support them in taking the production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2018. Alongside working with a local secondary school providing young people with a platform to express how they feel through a series of workshops, engaging them with theatre as a form of open expression.

It is their aim that Chalk Line continue to offer young people a voice by creating shows that challenge society and educate people on subjects that are ignored or dismissed.

About the awards

The Creativity Award is open to every young person from Epping Forest aged between 13 – 25 years. The award is designed to support and develop artistic and creative talent.  A single award of up to £1000 is available.

To be considered for a Creativity Award, applicants are required to demonstrate their commitment to their area of interest and explain how the award will help them develop their creative talent.

Applications for the 2019 award will open later this year. For more information visit www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/creativityawards