Who can we help?
Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years experience as an adult
professional performer. “Professional” is defined as
someone who has worked subject to the terms and conditions approved
by the Independent Theatre Council (ITC) and/or under contracts
approved by Equity, or any other relevant trade organisation. All
applicants must provide a CV to indicate the professional work that
they have undertaken.
We can now consider those who merely wish to have a
second string whilst not performing.
We cannot help drama students, musicians or amateur
performers.
What courses can I apply for?
The Education bursaries are generally designed for those who no longer wish
to perform and are looking to retrain to pursue a new career. These
can still be connected with the arts e.g. drama teacher, voice coach,
etc, but can also be totally unconnected e.g. plumber, florist,
psychotherapist, etc. The course should lead to a recognised, valid
qualification. The college should be well established and recognised
by the relevant association as being appropriate for the skill you
wish to study.
Summer schools, “taster” weekends, etc. are not going
to be eligible and it is extremely unlikely that courses abroad
will be funded by this charity unless it can be proved that there
is no comparable course in this country.
How much will I get?
The Trustees need to consider the applicant’s whole situation
and therefore it is important that the applicant states their total
needs realistically, including living costs to complete the course.
The charity has to establish that you are in genuine need but having
savings does not preclude you from applying. On the contrary having
money saved towards a course of study shows commitment and also
means that you will be seeking less money from other sources.
There is no set amount awarded and each application is treated
individually on its merits. The awards can go towards the fees,
equipment, travel expenses, living costs, etc. An applicant may
receive all that they have asked for, some or none at all. If two
applicants happened to be on the same course at the same time it
does not necessarily mean that they will both be supported or if
they were they would not necessarily receive the same amount of
grant.
When do I apply?
Most applicants will start their course in September/October and
therefore it is advisable to apply between April and August. If
the course starts at a different time then it is advisable to speak
to the Secretary. Once the application form has been received then
this will be assessed by the Secretary who may wish to clarify some
points on the form and accompanying documentation with you on the
phone before placing it before the Trustees.
An application form can be obtained from the Secretary, Keith
Carter.
When will I hear the outcome?
There are normally three meetings each year to decide upon the
applications with the first one taking place normally around about
the middle of May. The Secretary will be able to give you an indication
when the next meeting will take place and you would be advised of
the decision, by post within 5 working days of that meeting. |
