The Marlowe Youth Theatre Announces New Bursary Fund

A NEW bursary fund has been set up to help young people in the district join The Marlowe Youth Theatre.

Anyone aged between eight and 21 who lives in Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay or surrounding villages and who finds themselves in financially-challenging circumstances, can apply to The Marlowe Theatre Development Trust. The Marlowe Youth Theatre Bursary Fund is administered by this UK-registered charity which supports creative projects and education work at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, through voluntary funds.

Andrew Dawson, The Marlowe Theatre's Acting Head Of Creative Projects, said: "I am delighted young aspiring actors now have the chance to take part in The Marlowe Youth Theatre despite challenging financial circumstances they might find themselves in at no fault of their own.

"There has always been a long history of patronage of the arts and I am most grateful to the donors who have supported The Marlowe Theatre Development Trust to help establish a bursary fund which will help break down financial barriers for our youth theatre members and encourage those who might think theatre is not for them."

"We hear it all the time from teachers and parents how positive the youth theatre experience is for children and young adults. It enables them to express themselves, boosts their confidence and raises their aspirations. It's great that children and young adults from all backgrounds will get this chance to shine."

Dawson added that although funds are limited for this first year, the hope is that through successful fundraising, the size of the fund will grow next year and young people outside the Canterbury district can apply.

Full details can be found at marlowetheatre.com. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or by calling 01227 862031. They must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 29 March.

If you wish to donate to this new fund, go to marlowetheatre.com/extra.