We are proud to announce this year's winner of the Lesley Hall Scholarship is Sophie Smyth! a neurodivergent singer, actor, writer, and sometimes dancer based in Naarm.
Sophie Smyth received her award at this year’s TOFF Red Carpet. Sophie told us
“I’m honoured to join a long, distinguished line of disability leaders and it’s a responsibility I do not take lightly. I heard recently that being an artist is about being in conversation with all the artists who came before you, and I think that’s even more true about being a disabled artist, and advocate, and human. I am only here because others made space for me. I stand on their shoulders and hope to do them proud in our continued fight through my art and advocacy.”
Sophie Smyth creates mostly autobiographical work. Her work balances precariously on the knife-edge of comedy and tragedy, where light and dark are codependent. She welds that knife to challenge assumptions and confront ableism, and is not afraid to. She is passionate about disability access and inclusion, authentic representation, and making you laugh.
Sophie’s current work includes:
Sophie’s past works and awards include:
We can’t wait to continue following Sophie’s career!