In the world of fine arts, nothing can compare with real, industry experiences. Whether you’re behind the cameras in technical production or acting in the spotlight, no simulated scenarios in a classroom can prepare you for when the film slate snaps down, and “action” gets called.
This was the view of Lynn Rainbow Reid AM, who saw an opportunity to bring highly skilled workers from industry to offer students unparalleled, real experiences in the arts. With her own initial investment, she started the Rainbow Reid endowment – a fund available to help bring best-in-class support to QUT’s fine arts students.
To honour her generosity and efforts to bring the Rainbow Reid program to life, we’ll look at how it all works, who has been brought in, and what it means for QUT students.
How does it all work?
Lynn Rainbow-Reid initially created the endowment with her own funding, but this has grown to receive funding from other parts of the community. This funding helps pay for industry experts across a variety of disciplines to come in and work directly with students, and pass on their unique experiences, insights and connections.
In 2023, TV director Mairi Cameron (pictured above) was invited to work with both directors and actors – helping students shoot scenes for film. Anna McGahan brought her experience as a playwright and actor to help students across both fields.
This program has helped bring masterclasses in fight choreography, physical comedy, accents – you name it. And the industry experts the Rainbow Reid endowment has helped facilitate include:
- John Bell (working on Shakespeare)
- Darren Gilshenan (comic genius)
- Bruce Shapiro (American accent dialogue coach)
- Many more.
Even dance students have had the opportunity to work with directors such as Daniel Evans, Matt Scholton, Bridget Boyle and Sanja Simic.
Confidence and connections
Aside from the experience and wisdom passed down by the artists in residence, students benefit from the added contact and connections with those working in industry. Ellen Hardisty, one of QUT’s acting students, commented on just how the Rainbow Reid program has helped her confidence.
“Meeting professionals with current real-world experience has opened doors for me in terms of personal confidence. It’s now much more likely that when attending auditions, I’ll have a clear idea of what is expected of me and that I’ll have met members of the team. This helps me feel at ease and do my best work out in the industry.”
Ellen Hardisty – Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
Plenty of ways to study the fine arts
The Rainbow Reid endowment has grown substantially over the past 12 years, and only continues to do so. No matter what you specialise in, you’ll be supported by the best of the best, and given the confidence to chase your dreams in the real world.