Youth theatre cash grants on offer

4:53pm Friday 16th May 2008

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Young people looking to put on their first theatrical productions are being offered the chance to get cash to make their dreams become a reality.

The Pegasus Theatre, in Magdalen Road, Oxford, is one of four venues in the South East taking part in the pilot No Strings Attached scheme.

A total of 13 groups and individuals, aged 18-24, will be at the theatre on Monday to bid for a share of a £4,500 pot of cash to help them create their own drama.

Pegasus head of arts education Yasmin Sidhwa will be on the panel deciding which project gets money to take its ideas further.

She said: "It is the first time it has been so easy for young people to talk to someone about their idea and apply for funding.

"Often these schemes put young people off because it seems there is so much bureaucracy to get through."

Ms Sidhwa said: "We are not saying it has to be a piece of theatre, it could be someone who wants to take a puppet theatre group out or somebody who wants to develop their own dance act.

"I am looking for the ones where I get a sense of passion coming from the young people and a sense that this is possible. It has also got to be something that is going to develop that young person as an artist."

Grants of between £500 and £1,000 are available, and applicants have to demonstrate they have a new idea for a piece of theatre.

Money cannot be used to pay the applicant, but can go towards rehearsal space, materials, the cost of editing or professional help.

Winners will get a mentor based at the theatre to help them realise the project.