The Stage

BBC launches third year of musical theatre bursary

Published Thursday 9 April 2009 at 13:42 by Matthew Hemley

The BBC is offering musical theatre students grants of up to £8,000 to help cover the costs of college tuition fees.

A total of £150,000 is available as part of The Training in Musical Theatre scheme, which was formerly known as the Musical Theatre Bursary and is now in its third year.

Funded by the BBC Performing Arts Fund, which receives revenue from voting on shows such as I’d Do Anything, the scheme is open to students aged 17 or over on or before April 6 this year, and who are either about to start or are part way through a course.

Endorsing the scheme, John Barrowman, who was a judge on Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything, said: “The BBC Performing Arts Fund is an incredibly valuable asset to the BBC. It’s great to know the money raised on the shows I am involved with goes to help further music education for young people throughout the UK. Any charity that promotes music education and helps with the fees for those less fortunate will always get my support.”

The grants are for a contribution to college tuition fees and any additional tuition, such as extra lessons, but do not cover travel costs, headshots, equipment, books, magazines or living expenses.

The deadline for applications is May 18 this year, following which auditions will take place, where applicants will perform to a panel of three people who work in the musical theatre business.

If they pass the audition, and the panel are satisfied that the student’s financial circumstances make it difficult for them to take up their college place, applicants will be invited to an interview to discuss their application further.

More information can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/performingartsfund.