Charitable Activities
Theatre Development Trust (TDT)
Through the Theatre Development Trust, SOLT offers grants to support its aims of championing a wide variety of initiatives that strengthen the future of the industry, thereby promoting and advancing the dramatic and other performing arts, for the benefit of the public.
Current focus areas
- Audience Development – including encouraging younger theatre goers and increasing diversity and access for new theatre goers across all sectors of society.
- Workforce Training and Career Development – including addressing skills shortages, entry routes, in career training and inclusivity.
- Access Requirements – exploring sustainable models for all aspects of Access performances.
The Trustees of TDT are: Kash Bennett, Tom Bird, Andrew Collier, Alan Finch, Henny Finch, Rupert Gavin, Patrick Gracey, Nia Janis, Eleanor Lloyd, Patrick Murphy, Mark Rubinstein, Tali Pelman, Rebecca Quigley, Edward Snape, Rosemary Squire, Anna Williams, Griselda Yorke.
How to apply
Applications for the Theatre Development Trust (TDT) are currently closed.
Below is a list of some of the organisations and projects to receive grants via the Theatre Development Trust.
Stage One – Theatre Investment Fund Ltd
Stage One is a registered charity that supports new commercial UK theatre producers and productions. It’s committed to securing the future of commercial theatre through educational and investment schemes.
If you’re an aspiring theatre producer, Stage One can help get you on the first rung of your career ladder by turning your entrepreneurial ideas and ambitions into reality.
For further information, please visit the Stage One website or email enquiries@stageone.uk.com
Theatre Artists Fund
Between July 2020 and March 2022, Theatre Artists Fund realised emergency funds for theatre freelancers across the UK in need of critical financial aid, due to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the theatre sector. £9.9 million, including £1.9m from Department for Culture, Media and Sport through Arts Council England, was raised to distribute 9,964 emergency grants, towards living costs such as rent, food, and electricity, alongside signposting to mental-health support. We remain tremendously grateful to everyone who donated their time, creativity, and money for this major and necessary campaign. Thank you. For more information on Theatre Artists Fund current focus, please click here.
Lawrence Olivier Bursary
We established the Laurence Olivier Bursary in 1987 to commemorate the 80th Birthday of the great British actor Laurence Olivier.
Olivier was passionate about helping young actors with the potential to make a major contribution to British theatre, and the Laurence Olivier Bursary seeks to do this by assisting talented drama students facing financial difficulties during their studies. The demands of their final year makes part-time jobs almost impossible, which is why the bursary can make such a huge difference.
Each year principals from drama schools across the UK submit nominations for the bursary scheme. Nominees should be approaching their final year and fulfil the dual criteria of financial need and potential talent. About 40 students are entered each June and appear before a panel of theatre industry professionals – usually producers and casting directors – where they give a 10-minute audition and an interview.
For further information, please contact enquiries@soltukt.co.uk.
Go Live Theatre Projects
Go Live Theatre Projects is a theatre education charity dedicated to bringing the magic of theatre into the lives of young people. For more information visit the website.
SOLT & UK Theatre – Industry Training & Events
The programme of training courses, conferences and events offered by SOLT & UK Theatre supports the professional development of individuals working in the theatre industry by providing valuable learning, best practice and networking opportunities. Click here for more information.