Ashley Harding Photography

A graduate of Grenfell's BFA theatre program is continuing her innovative studies at Memorial this fall thanks to securing a prestigious award.

Sharon King-Campbell, who graduated from Grenfell's theatre program in 2007, is one of three Memorial University recipients of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, valued at $50,000 per year for three years. The scholarship aims to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain outstanding doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning.

Multi-hyphenate artist Sharon King-Campbell can add "English PhD student at Memorial University" to her long list of descriptors, which already includes actor, writer, director, producer and storyteller.

Her artistic career provides a solid background for her upcoming academic research. She was the founding artistic director of the World's End Theatre Company in Fogo Island-Change Islands and is the current artistic director of skc originals. She has international touring and storytelling experience and released a new book of poetry with Breakwater Books in March.

For her PhD research, she is studying the impact of COVID-19 safety protocols on the performer-spectator relationship in live theatre. Receiving the Vanier scholarship is "game-changing on every level" for that work, she says.

"The Vanier gives me the opportunity to really focus on my studies, to dig right in," said Ms. King-Campbell. "I have always had work contracts while in school to make ends meet."

Dr. Neil Bose, vice-president (research), says the work of the Vanier scholars will help strengthen Memorial's reputation for cutting-edge research.

"Securing Vanier scholarships is no easy feat, so well done to these deserving recipients," he said.

"Through the support of the Government of Canada, these emerging scholars will have the opportunity to lead creative studies and make discoveries about our ever-changing world. I wish all three continued success in their research careers."

Original story by Jeff Green, Terri Coles and Kelly Foss.