The Grace Kelly Scholarship, awarded in collaboration with the Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) and the Princess Grace Foundation, aims to empower students to pursue their dreams with financial support for continuing education and mentorship by a Princess Grace winner. Named for the late Princess Grace of Monaco, the scholarship honors young artists who demonstrate exceptional talent and a commitment to artistic and social impact.
The 2024 recipient, Liam Redford, embodies that mission, blending his unique talents with a focus on accessibility and advocacy. Currently a student at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, ETF spoke with him to learn more about his artistic journey, aspirations, and the impact of the Grace Kelly Scholarship.
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A Passion for Dance and Theatre
Redford’s introduction to performance began at an early age thanks in large part to his family. While his parents put him in gymnastics, his love for movement and his older sister’s involvement in the arts piqued his interest. By age nine, he was hooked and found success early.
After doing theatre programs for kids, he landed his “big break,” at the age of 11 with a professional role in Billy Elliot. After a casting call went out for a “young, boy dancer,” he saw there was an opportunity. “It’s a role not many people can play because [you] have to sing, dance and act,” he said. After landing that role at a small regional theatre, he saw more audition notices all over the country and continued applying. “I’d send a video or show up to a casting call in New York….those two to three years of my life were the craziest ever.”
When it came time for high school, Redford opted for a small but highly focused theatre and dance program at his local county tech school, where he benefited from close, one-on-one mentorship, something he’s excited about as part of the Grace Kelly Scholarship.
“I’m thrilled for it to be a previous winner. They only honor the best of the best, so that’s already such a helpful resource to have because it’s someone who has done or is doing what I want to pursue,” he said. “The industry can be scary…it’s not like a regular career where you get this degree and then you’re set. It’s something that ebbs and flows, so to have kind of like a guiding light through that over these next four years is incredibly comforting.”
The Thespian Experience
Despite his extensive experience in performing and high school theatre, where he led as the president of his Thespian troupe, Redford didn’t attend the International Thespian Festival (ITF) until his senior year. When he finally did, it was an unforgettable experience.
At ITF, Redford returned to his early performing days with his rendition of Electricity from Billy Elliot, earning a superior rating and selection to perform in the Thespy showcase during closing ceremonies.
“It was just wild to be around so many different people that had such a passion for literally the same exact thing,” he said. “Often the theatre kid is the one left out in a typical high school environment. To be gathered around all that energy for an entire week was the most exhilarating and validating experience ever.”
Merging Art and Advocacy
Beyond the stage, Redford also sees his craft as a means for advocacy and inclusion. For the past four years, he’s volunteered at Camp Fatima of New Jersey, a program focused on creating enriching experiences for people with disabilities.
“Dance is a way for people to communicate…it becomes our own language, even if it’s just hand movement and gestural,” he said. “I found my love for these two things doesn’t have to be diverted; it can come together to create greater good.”
In addition to his BFA in dance, Redford is now pursuing a double major in social and cultural analysis as well as a minor in American Sign Language. “The social cultural analysis is super helpful in realizing the world that happens around you, not just from your perspective,” he said. “What are you creating through dance? I want to create dance to advocate and to change, and without a knowledge of what goes on around you and what is happening in the world. I feel like it’s harder to do that.”
That change in perspective has also allowed him to help create new programming at Camp Fatima, including a weekend musical program for those with diverse ranges of mobility and learning needs.
“A lot of people think they have to do the biggest thing and that it doesn’t have an effect unless it’s the greatest thing to happen,” he said. “As a society we just need to take a step back and learn even if you’re taking small steps in the right direction, you’re creating change.”
Looking Ahead
As Redford continues his studies at NYU, his long-term goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring. In the next 10 years, he hopes to perform on Broadway, choreograph for regional theatres, and ultimately open a dance studio specifically designed for people with disabilities.
For now, he remains grateful for the support of the Princess Grace Foundation and ETF. “Beyond the monetary aspects, that validation is so helpful in daily life and when you doubt yourself…that little bit of ‘oh someone believes in me and I can do this,’ is so helpful and comforting,” he said. “My Instagram bio says, ‘We can all kick ball change the world,’ and I just think we can keep pushing forward with that absolutely.”