Central takes part in the Big Give's 2021 Christmas Challenge
Central is excited to announce that it has once again been selected to take part in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. Between 30 November – 7 December, the School will be raising funds for Scholarships and Bursaries to support the next generation of Central students.
The Big Give is the UK’s leading online matched-funding platform, founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Alec Reed CBE. Since its launch in 2008, the Christmas Challenge has raised millions of pounds for thousands of charity projects. This year, 924 charities are taking part in the Christmas Challenge of which Central is one. During the seven days of the challenge, and as a result of generous support from the Reed Foundation and our pledgers Gareth Neame and Alison Love, all donations made to Central’s Scholarship and Bursary fund via the Big Give will be doubled, enabling the School to help twice as many students.
As a training institution, Central has a responsibility to act as a pipeline to the creative industries and Scholarships and Bursaries are a key way of ensuring that the School trains students who are representative of the range of lived experiences in society.
These young people are the future of the sector, and it is imperative that their stories are represented.
Speaking about the positive impact of Scholarships and Bursaries, Central student and alumni recipients said:
“In most cases, a Scholarship or Bursary is the deciding factor for a talented student in making the choice between studying at Central, or a different school… or studying at all. They can really make a significant impact on a young person’s life, and career prospects.” Callum Tilbury (AKA Lady Aria Grey), MA/MFA Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media graduate
“The more people that donate, the more opportunities there will be, the more voices heard, the more positive change. The industry is powerful, but there are important voices that are buried under the rubble of disadvantage. You have the power to lift them up, one donation at a time.” Felisha-Grace Kiarango, first year BA (Hons) Acting Collaborative and Devised Theatre student
“Helping to fund students at Central is an investment not only into the future of theatre, but all the communities and people we may touch someday. Every individual has so much to give the world and a great passion that has brought them here.” Melody Fritz, first year BA Stage Management and Technical Theatre student
“It honestly makes the world of difference to me, not just financially, but motivationally. The feeling of someone outside of your own family choosing to support your journey drives you to work harder, as someone out there believes in you enough to help you out. I work so hard every day to make sure I make the most of it.” Cordelia Lightfoot-Jennings, first year BA (Hons) Drama, Applied Theatre and Education student
“Without my scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to go to Central. Your donations help people who have a lot to offer the industry, but might not have access to the funds.” Kaysha Woollery, MA Acting Classical graduate
“It goes without saying, but I think Scholarships and Bursaries are so needed. Anyone who gives at any amount is making a transformational difference to people. Central drives the industry, so by giving you are making a direct impact on the industry.” Conor Gormley, second year BA (Hons) Acting Musical Theatre student
Find out more about Central’s Big Give Christmas Challenge and the positive impact that Scholarships and Bursaries have on our students by visiting the Big Give Christmas Challenge webpage, or explore our range of available Scholarships and Bursaries. You can also share your story of support on social media by tagging #CSSDGive.
To make a donation between 12pm on 30 November, 2021 and 12pm on 7 December, 2021 please visit Central’s page on The Big Give.
Find out more about Central’s range of Scholarships and Bursaries.