Foundation Impact Stories: 2024 Nathaniel O’Brien Class of Cabaret Scholarship Recipient

Feature image by Paul McCormick

Waikerie High School student Ellen Kroehn has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Nathaniel O'Brien Class of Cabaret Scholarship .

Funded by Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation, the scholarship provides regional students with the opportunity to participate in Adelaide Cabaret Festival's highly sought after Class of Cabaret program, designed to nurture young performing arts talent. 

Expand

Valued at up to $6,000, the scholarship covers Ellen's travel, accommodation, and vocal tuition throughout the program. In addition, Adelaide Festival Centre's centrED program will provide a SACE teacher to guide Ellen through assessments, supporting her to earn accreditation towards her South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).  

Ellen says that the Class of Cabaret program has provided her with valuable insights into the world of performing arts, “This is such a great opportunity to pursue music at a high level, to be treated like an artist and get an insight into the music industry. Being from a small country town, we don’t get the chance to study musical theatre at school - this scholarship has enabled me to pursue my passion.” 

The scholarship is a tribute to the memory of Nathaniel O'Brien, a talented young musician from regional South Australia who passed away in 2015. O'Brien was a participant in the Class of Cabaret program in 2013, and his passion for music continues to inspire the next generation of cabaret performers. 

Each year, the Class of Cabaret program brings together the best and brightest performing arts students from South Australian high schools, shining a spotlight on the stars of tomorrow.  

Expand

After months of inspiring creative development under cabaret mentors Mark Oates and Millicent Sarre, the rising stars culminate their journey on the Adelaide Cabaret Festival stage in a captivating showcase of fresh musical storytelling, where unique and powerful young voices take centre stage. 

“I’m very excited, we’re going to have a cool show! It’s great to see everyone’s work come together and to see the differences in our work. We all share a passion for music, and we’ve all got something special to bring to the table.”