Top honour for drama graduate

A former Busselton resident has been recognised as a stand-out performer after her graduation from WA’s biggest performing arts university.

Kylie Bywaters graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts last month and was awarded “performer extraordinaire”.

Bywaters, who was previously involved with the Weld Theatre and at Acting Up, said the accolade was unexpected.

Rather than moving interstate or overseas, the actor told the Times she intended to stay in WA and look for theatre work here. “Following graduation, everyone tends to go across to the Eastern States because of the opportunities there and not many people stay,” she said.

“I think we should be encouraging people to stay and help create opportunities that will allow people to stay.”