How Gifts Make a Difference at Central
We firmly believe that theatre and the arts make the world a better, more colourful place.
At Central, we inspire, educate and train the performers, practitioners and change-makers of tomorrow, and they go on to shape the future of theatre and the performing arts; Central was ranked 2nd for Arts, Drama & Music in the Complete University Guide in 2024, confirming our industry-leading position.
We do not do this alone: a whole family of alumni, friends, philanthropists, charitable trusts and donors of technology and in-kind support enables this work. Funds donated to Scholarships and Bursaries have doubled in the last three years and have eased the financial burden for many students studying at Central. Our generous donors’ support has never been so important.
Quotation
“Every day it is possible to witness what has been enabled by donations: the student able to take up a place thanks to a Scholarship; the placement in a professional setting with costs covered by a grant; mentorships for our Emerging Graduates; free places for local children on our Saturday Youth Theatre; the beautiful studios of the North Block.
I hope that our supporters feel joy from knowing that they are making this difference, and pride in what our students achieve.”
Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE
Principal and CEO
Thanks to your support
Thanks to your support
Without your support, many of our goals and dreams could never become reality. You have helped and continue to help ensure that emerging, exceptionally talented artists from all corners of the world and society can access world-class performing arts training and explore their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors:
95 Students were awarded a scholarship or bursary in the year 2023/24 ranging from £1,000 to £10,000.
So far, 174 individuals chose to support Central in 2023/24.
Over £285,000 of donated funds was given to students in Scholarships and Bursaries.
Annual Thank You Event
As a donor to Central, you will be thanked with an invitation to our Annual Thank you Event which takes place at the BA (Hons) Theatre Practice Exhibition and provided a termly supporter newsletter so you can keep up to date with Central.
Saturday Youth Theatre
Saturday Youth Theatre
Our Saturday Youth Theatre for 6-17-year-olds allows young people to explore different drama techniques including improvisation, voice, and movement, devising and working with scripts. It contributes to nurturing the next generation of drama and theatre-loving individuals who might later consider an education in the performing arts and at Central.
In their feedback, students say that they felt the Youth Theatre had helped develop their confidence, creativity, problem solving and self-worth, that it had helped them make friends, develop team-working, performance skills and devising skills. But, most importantly, they had fun!
Thanks to your support, each year, more and more young people can benefit from a free place at Central’s Saturday Youth Theatre.
Help Students Succeed
Help Students Succeed
Previous Scholarship and Bursary recipients have gone on to work as successful actors on the West End, direct productions at the Shakespeare Globe, design lighting at the Royal Opera House, and work as stage managers, producers, costume and set designers across the industry.
This gives a real sense of the rich diversity of activity which goes on across our community. Much of this work might never have happened without your generous support.
Student Blogs
What students say
Read blogs from recipients of scholarships or bursaries to learn how financial aid helped them
Sule Thelwell is a student on Central's Acting, BA course. He spoke with us about how receiving a Scholarship made a significant difference to his experience at Central.
Molly Thorne is a student on Central's Acting Collaborative and Devised Theatre, BA course. They spoke with us about how a Bursary at Central has made it possible for them to pursue their dream of being an actor.
Abi Rutter chose to study at Central because of her passion for using applied theatre to support young people's well-being, and spoke with us the transformative impact of Scholarships in providing opportunities for students in the early stages of their careers.
