Sydney-based stage designer Charles Davis has been selected as the recipient of this year’s esteemed Kristian Fredrikson Scholarship for Design in the Performing Arts.
The scholarship, which bestows Davis with a generous grant of $12,000, aims to support his international pursuits in the realm of theatre and opera design. Davis intends to utilize this financial backing to embark on a transformative journey to Europe, where he plans to participate in renowned events such as Theatretreffen in Berlin. Additionally, he seeks to engage in various workshops and creative laboratories hosted by the esteemed Theatretreffen International Forum. Furthermore, Davis will undertake an observation attachment with a prominent European designer, enriching his artistic insight and expertise.
A distinguished alumnus of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Davis has garnered acclaim for his exceptional contributions to the stage design landscape. His accolades include the prestigious Sydney Theatre Award in 2021 for his remarkable stage design for Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days,” produced by Red Line Productions. Currently, audiences can marvel at Davis’s craftsmanship in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of “No Pay, No Way!” showcased at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
In addition to his ongoing projects, Davis is slated to lend his creative vision to The Australian Ballet’s upcoming production “Circle Electric,” choreographed by the acclaimed Stephanie Lake. Collaborating with fellow artist Paula Levis, a recipient of the 2022 Fredrikson Scholarship, Davis will craft the set design for this highly anticipated ballet performance.
Davis’s portfolio extends beyond the confines of Sydney, encompassing notable collaborations with esteemed institutions such as the West Australian Opera, Opera Queensland, Pinchgut Opera, and Sydney Chamber Opera, where his talent has left an indelible mark on productions spanning opera, ballet, and contemporary dance.
The Kristian Fredrikson Scholarship, established in 2008, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the late performing arts designer Kristian Fredrikson, whose illustrious career spanned four decades. Awarded biennially, this scholarship celebrates the artistic contributions of Australian performing arts designers and makers, empowering individuals like Charles Davis to pursue their creative aspirations on a global stage.
