Grandage opens applications for arts bursaries

Theatre director and producer Michael Grandage has announced that arts practitioners can apply for bursaries of up to £5,000 to support them at pivotal stages in their careers.

Grandage’s company MGC established MGCfutures in 2013. It is a charitable organisation committed to supporting the next generation of theatre-makers. It set up a bursary programme in 2016, which has awarded more than £500,000 to 141 theatre-makers.

The latest bursary programme is now open. MGCfutures is also offering a 12-month placement at Derby Theatre as the venue’s engagement communication producer and the Stephanie Arditti bursary to support those who want to pursue a career in any aspect of costuming in theatre. It was created in memory of costume supervisor Arditti who died in 2018.

Grandage said, “as we enter our eighth year, it feels as though our bursaries are needed more than ever before. It’s very easy when we go to the theatre to take everything for granted; audiences don’t realise how difficult it is for people behind many of the jobs that keep the theatre running smoothly.

“MGCfutures gives visibility to many of those behind-the-scenes heroes of the industry and provides vital support at key stages in their career.”

Applications for bursaries should be submitted at the MGCfutures web site before 12PM on Thursday 5 December.