Alumni-created bursary helps Sheridan students shine on stage and off

For EJ Candelaria, musical theatre was a passion worth moving across the country for. Born in the Philippines and raised in Calgary, he first found his passion for theatre in grade 7 when he made his theatrical debut in Fiddler on the Roof. He quickly realized he wanted to pursue a career in the arts and took it upon himself to see and perform in as many stage productions as he could before taking the leap and coming to Sheridan.

Now in his third year of the Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program, Candelaria continues to explore his fascination with acting and singing on stage, both on campus and off. This is thanks in part to the Class of ‘95 Bursary, of which Candelaria was the first-ever recipient.

“I think it’s so cool how (the donors) were in the exact same program that I'm in now, and that they're making a difference. And maybe someday I can do the same.”

“I think it’s so cool how (the donors) were in the exact same program that I'm in now, and that they're making a difference. I'm just full of gratitude that they're willing to do that. And maybe someday I can do the same.”

The bursary is the brainchild of alumna Stephanie Graham (Music Theatre Performance ’95 and Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance ‘21), and a group of her classmates who wanted to find a meaningful way to respond in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in 2020.  They, with the support of many Sheridan graduates and industry members, decided to raise funds to support young artists from Black, Indigenous, and racialized groups who were following in their footsteps as Sheridan students in the performing arts program cluster.

In 2022, they reached their fundraising goal and Candelaria was selected as the first recipient of the Class of ‘95 Bursary. Receiving annual support through the bursary has not only relieved Candelaria from financial worry surrounding tuition, but it also allows him to learn more about his craft by attending professional live theatre performances within the GTA.

“When I made the move (to Sheridan), I felt that the learning couldn’t be contained within campus alone. I wanted to learn more about the craft itself through watching others perform,” he says. “(Leaving Calgary,) I was very, very curious about what was happening in Toronto and the surrounding areas. So, in that way, the funds really helped me reach out and see shows. I treat them as an extension to my learning in this program.”

You can support students like Candelaria by attending the Saturday, February 8 Theatre Sheridan performance of Armchair Confidential, the proceeds of which will directly benefit the Class of '95 Bursary. Get your tickets and give back.