Over £20,000 Raised for Bursaries for Central’s Youth Theatre Programme

Central is excited to announce that it has reached its target of raising more than £20,000 for bursaries for its Youth Theatre programme. 

The target was met thanks to the kindness of Central’s supporters who took part in a matched-funding appeal on The Big Give’s website between 14 – 21 June.  All donations made online during this period were matched by The Childhood Trust and Ros and Alan Haigh whose generosity made the appeal possible. 

Central extends its thanks to local businesses the Best Western Swiss Cottage Hotel and Heywoods Estate Agents whose early support and enthusiasm accelerated the appeal. 

The Youth Theatre bursaries will be available for children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18 who live in London and are from underrepresented groups as a part of Central’s mission to embed diversity and inclusion across its curriculum at all levels.  This includes young people from households earning below £25k; those who are registered disabled, care-experienced, or have caring responsibilities; and young people from Black and Global Majority backgrounds.   

Training will be delivered by the School’s specialist teaching staff and will include two hours per week in one of Central’s rehearsal rooms learning skills including improvisation, voice, movement, and working with text.   

Alongside their classes, the young people will receive dedicated pastoral support from student ambassadors, teachers and the administrative team to ensure that they are well supported and are able to progress through the programme.  

As a part of recruitment for the Youth Theatre bursaries, Central’s team will run a series of workshops and taster sessions in local schools and with community groups. Whether through workshops, taster sessions or participation in the year-long Youth Theatre programme, participants will benefit from the experience of arts education which has been shown to improve educational fulfilment, reduce attainment gaps and positively impact on mental health. 

Of the appeal Central’s Head of Individual Giving Meg Ryan said: 

“The kindness and compassion shown by all those who chose to give to enable young Londoners to access drama classes and all its associated benefits is staggering.  Their belief in the value of good arts education and their desire to help young people in London will make a huge difference to all those attending Central’s Youth Theatre.” 

Speaking about the Youth Theatre Programme Mairi Hayes, Central’s Head of Short Courses, said: 

“Taking parts in the arts is transformative and needs to be available to all children and young people. I am thrilled that thanks to the generosity of those who were able to give and the support of The Childhood Trust we can now offer more places. This will make a real difference.”   

Central’s upcoming Youth Theatre autumn term begins on 24 September and runs for 10 weeks.