Does anyone know where my 15yr old niece could get a scholarship for acting. She lives in the Bedfordshire are

Question

This is a serious enquiry, please, no silly answers, (there's a time and a place for them and i'm all for them in them places.) Thank you.

If a scholarship is not an option then any suggestions for alternatives - Greatly appreciated

Answer 1

You could apply for a dance and drama award - see http://www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/dancedrama/index.cfm?fuseaction=home (though this is for student 16+ so let her do her GCSEs first!!).

Many drama schools offer their own scholarships, so you should check with the schools she is applying for. There are usually different deadlines for applying for funding, so contact them as soon as possible.

If your niece really is talented, perhaps it might be an idea to try to raise sponsorship from local businesses - try asking your local newspaper to run a story about how talented she is, about how she's going to drama school but is looking for sponsors. Then any local businesses can contact you through the newspaper if they are able to help.

Fundraising is also a good idea. Perhaps a concert/play/dance show, etc where half the money from tickets goes to charity and the other half to your niece's tuition? Sponsor bungee jumps, shaving your head, anything a bit unusual is bound to bring in some extra cash!

If all else fails, perhaps waiting until she is a little older (say 18) might be better - that gives you an extra 3 years to save up, she can do some A-Levels or BTEC qualification to have something to fall back on when she is out of work (I don't mean that as an insult, I mean that she will more than likely be 'between jobs' at some point in her professional acting career!), and then if she studies a Bachelors degree in performing arts/acting, etc at a reputable drama school, then she can apply for government funding (ie student loans, etc).

Answer 2

Some drama schools offer scolarships but at 15 she is too young to apply to any of them just yet.

Try looking in The Stage as they advertise most drama schools and sometimes have details on courses/scholarships etc.

But don't let her get her hopes up/get all starry eyed, success isn't gaurenteed and this is a very tough business!

Answer 3

She's still too young, but for the future look at the websites of the Conference of Drama Schools in the UK at http://www.drama.ac.uk/ and click on "Look for Funding" in the left-hand menu.

Answer 4

Sorry M you can't get acting scholarships in the uk

thats why im taking my classes in la guardia
(or applying should i say)

Your friend and mine
me

Answer 5

No I don't Sorry
God bless you