AFTRS Partners to Support Women in Sound

The Australian Film Television and Radio School launches a new scholarship to support underrepresented sound practitioners.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Scholarships

Bold vector editorial illustration of a studio microphone and geometric sound waves, representing a career scholarship for sound practitioners. — The Australian Film Television and Radio School has partnered with the Andrew Plain Memorial Fund to launch the Women in Sound Scholarship. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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AFTRS has partnered with the Andrew Plain Memorial Fund to establish the Women in Sound Scholarship and Graduate Prize. This initiative provides annual support for female and gender-diverse sound practitioners working in the screen industry.

Why it matters

The programme aims to increase representation for female and gender-diverse creatives within the screen sound industry. By providing dedicated funding, the partnership creates new pathways for talent in a traditionally male-dominated field.

The initiative consists of one annual scholarship for a final-year sound elective student and one annual graduate prize. The fund was established to honour the legacy of Andrew Plain, who lived from 1953 to 2013.

The players

AFTRS

The Australian Film Television and Radio School is a national institution dedicated to training professionals in the screen and broadcast industries.

Andrew Plain Memorial Fund

This fund is an organisation established to support the development of sound practitioners and preserve the legacy of Andrew Plain.

Adrienne Parr

She is the administrator responsible for managing the Andrew Plain Memorial Fund.

Australian Screen Sound Guild

This is a professional association that supports and advocates for sound professionals working within the Australian screen industry.

The details

Administered by Adrienne Parr, the fund was created with support from the Australian Screen Sound Guild to foster new talent. The awards specifically target female and gender-diverse sound practitioners to help them advance their careers.

Applications for the 2027 scholarship and prize open in November 2026.
Applications for the 2027 scholarship and prize close in December 2026.
The initial scholarship and prize distribution begins in 2027.

Culture Shift

This initiative aligns with the Australian Screen Sound Guild's industry standards by providing structured support for emerging professionals. It marks a broader cultural shift towards ensuring that sound departments reflect the diverse range of practitioners entering the workforce.

Eligible female and gender-diverse sound students and graduates can prepare their portfolios for the application window opening in November 2026. This funding serves to lower financial barriers for those seeking professional entry into the screen sound industry.

The takeaway

Aspiring sound practitioners should monitor the school's official announcements to ensure they meet the specific eligibility requirements for the 2027 awards. Early preparation of technical work samples is essential for applicants aiming to secure these new industry-supported opportunities.