The fund will support the next generation of theatre makers.
In response to the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on the UK’s arts landscape, the Evening Standard ‘Future theatre fund’ will play a role in supporting a sector that makes a vital contribution to the social and cultural fabric of the nation.
The Evening Standard Theatre Awards, the oldest theatrical awards in the UK, are not taking place this year due to the pandemic, this new fund will help kick-start the careers of 12 emerging theatre talents across different disciplines, representing the very best of future British theatre makers.
Each recipient will receive £10,000 from the fund, which will be managed by Act IV, as well as mentoring to progress their careers in the theatre.
The fund will be awarded to ten recent graduates from the UK’s top drama schools and nominees from theatre programmes working across different disciplines. Two promising candidates will also be selected for the TikTok Breakout Award – the first of its kind to award funding to those who may not have received formal training in drama to begin their career in theatre.
Candidates for the TikTok Breakout Award will be able to submit their nominations on TikTok through a hashtag challenge #TikTokBreakoutStar that goes live on 26th November. People will be able to nominate themselves by creating a TikTok video that brings to life their passion for the industry and showcases the unique creative talent they can offer.
Each recipient of the fund will undergo a rigorous selection process, led by a panel of experts including icons of British theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Helen McCrory and Kwame Kwei-Armah alongside Nancy Durrant, arts editor of the Evening Standard, Rich Waterworth, general manager of TikTok UK and Paul Roseby, artistic director of the National Youth Theatre, who will chair the panel.
On the launch of the fund, Deborah Rosenegk, chief client officer, Evening Standard, commented: “We are delighted to be in a position to support the theatre industry at such a crucial time with the launch of our Evening Standard theatre fund in association with our partner TikTok. The Evening Standard has huge legacy in supporting theatre and we are thrilled to be partnering with TikTok who have confirmed their commitment to nurturing and promoting creative talent in the UK. Together we have created a multi-platform content partnership providing a much-needed showcase for emerging future theatre makers and their work.”
