The Kenton launches bursary scheme to make theatre accessible for all

The Kenton Theatre has announced a new bursary scheme for Kenton Youth, ensuring that financial circumstances are never a barrier to taking part in its new theatre education programme.

Thanks to support from South Oxfordshire District Council, eight fully funded bursary places are available for young people aged 9 to 16 who would benefit from joining the programme but may need financial support.

Launching this September, Kenton Youth has been created to build confidence, develop creative skills and inspire the next generation through theatre. With just 16 places in each group, the programme offers a small, supportive environment where every child and young person is known, encouraged and given the opportunity to thrive.

Lottie Pheasant, Theatre Manager at The Kenton Theatre, said:

“We believe theatre should be accessible to everyone. Our bursary scheme is about opening doors and making sure that every young person has the opportunity to experience the confidence, creativity and sense of belonging that theatre can bring, regardless of their financial circumstances.

“Kenton Youth has been designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space where young people can discover new talents, build lasting friendships and develop skills that will stay with them long after they leave the theatre.”

As an official Arts Award Centre, accredited by Trinity College London, The Kenton will also offer participants the opportunity to work towards a nationally recognised creative qualification as part of the programme.

Young people will experience theatre in its broadest sense, exploring stage management, lighting and sound, storytelling, scriptwriting, props, scenery, make-up and costume design, alongside acting, singing and movement on the stage of a professional working theatre.

Sessions will be led by experienced practitioners and will also include a West End professional masterclass, opportunities to take part in community events including Kenton Carols, the Henley Youth Festival and the Henley Drama Festival, plus a summer showcase performance and awards ceremony.

Applications for bursary places are now open.

Families interested in applying can find out more and complete the bursary application form at:

https://thekenton.org.uk/kenton-youth-bursary-form/