Thomas Jack Licence wins Hazel Sharples Memorial Prize

The Hazel Sharples Memorial Prize for 2023 was awarded to Thomas Jack Licence who has just completed the BA in Production Arts (Stage Management pathway) programme.

The prize was set up in 1999 in memory of Hazel Sharples, a Stage Manager and Arts Officer who passed away suddenly in 1995. During her career, Hazel worked for the Royal Opera House and the National Theatre, chaired the board of the Warehouse Theatre, Croydon and was a local government Arts Officer for several Boroughs.

Each year her friends and former colleagues contribute towards an endowed prize fund which provides for an annual award to an outstanding Guildhall School third-year Production Arts student, voted for by their peers.

On his win, Tom said: "In my final year as a Stage Management student at Guildhall I have been Deputy Stage Manager and Stage Manager for two operas and Costume Supervisor for a drama. Guildhall has allowed me to build additional skills in costume making and supervising and for my Graduation Project I designed and made a Cinderella peasant to princess costume reveal, where the performer pulls a cord and changes complete costume in 3 seconds.

"My work placement on Hamilton was incredible and I joined the company of Newsies for my final work placement. After I graduate I am open to trying out different jobs similar to the roles I have undertaken during my time at Guildhall. My dream job in a few years is to be a Deputy Stage Manager on a West End or Broadway Musical."