Bursary & Scholarship Policy

At ReAct Theatre Co., we believe that access to high-quality, industry-led performing arts training should not be determined solely by financial circumstances.

We are committed to creating opportunities for individuals to develop their skills, confidence and professional potential. Through our Bursary and Scholarship Scheme, we aim to support those who may otherwise face financial barriers to training, while recognising individuals who demonstrate exceptional talent, commitment, progress and potential.

Our scheme offers two distinct forms of support: bursaries, which are awarded on the basis of financial need, and scholarships, which recognise talent and potential.

We welcome applications from individuals of all ages and levels of experience, including both new and existing ReAct students.

All awards are subject to individual assessment, available funding and the terms outlined in this policy.

The scheme primarily supports students attending regular, ongoing ReAct Theatre Co. classes. Applications may also be considered for one-to-one tuition and individual workshops.

Support is intended to reduce the cost of eligible ReAct tuition and workshop fees.

Our standard award levels are:

• 25% fee reduction
• 50% fee reduction

In exceptional circumstances, ReAct may consider a higher level of support, including up to 100% of eligible fees. Full-fee awards are discretionary, limited and dependent on individual circumstances and available funding. They are not guaranteed.

There is no fixed number of awards available in any given term or year. The number and value of awards will depend on funding, class capacity, demand and the applications received.

Bursaries are intended to support individuals who would find it difficult to access or continue ReAct training without financial assistance.

Applications are assessed through an individual means-testing process. There is no fixed household income threshold, as we recognise that financial circumstances can vary significantly between individuals and households.

When assessing an application, ReAct may consider:

• Household income and employment circumstances.
• Benefits or other relevant financial support.
• The number of dependants within the household.
• Essential living costs and wider financial commitments.
• The affordability of the relevant ReAct service.
• The difference financial assistance would make to the applicant's ability to participate.

Applicants will be asked to complete a confidential financial assessment and may be required to provide supporting evidence, such as proof of income or relevant financial documentation.

Where standard documentation is unavailable or unsuitable, ReAct may consider alternative evidence or a written explanation of the applicant's circumstances.

The level of support awarded will reflect the information provided, the applicant's individual circumstances and the funding available.

A bursary is not a measure of talent or ability. Applicants will not be required to demonstrate exceptional performance or previous professional experience to be considered for financial support.

Scholarships recognise individuals who demonstrate talent, commitment, enthusiasm, progress and potential within their performing arts training.

Scholarships are not means-tested. Applicants do not need to demonstrate financial hardship to be considered.

Applications will be assessed on a range of factors, which may include:

• Talent and ability relative to the applicant's age and experience.
• Potential for future development.
• Commitment, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
• Progress and engagement with their training.
• Suitability for the relevant class or programme.
• Ability to receive feedback constructively and engage positively with the training process.

All scholarship applicants must submit a supporting cover letter and participate in an audition or assessment arranged by ReAct.

The format of the audition or assessment will be determined by ReAct and may vary according to the applicant's age, experience and the nature of the class or service.

The cover letter should explain why the applicant wishes to train with ReAct, their interest in the relevant programme, and what they hope to achieve through the opportunity.

Scholarships are intended to encourage development and recognise potential, rather than reward technical accomplishment alone. Applicants will not be expected to demonstrate a particular professional standard to be considered.

To request an application form, please contact hello@reacttheatreco.com.

Applicants may request a bursary application, a scholarship application, or both.

Applications are welcomed from new and existing students. We encourage prospective students to enquire before committing to a class or programme if financial assistance would influence their decision to join.

Existing students may also apply during a term if their financial circumstances change or they wish to be considered for a scholarship.

Applications are encouraged ahead of a new term or course, although they may be submitted throughout the year. The timing of an application does not guarantee that funding will be available.

For applicants under 18, a parent or legal guardian will normally be required to assist with the application and provide relevant financial information for a bursary assessment. Appropriate parental or guardian consent will be obtained where necessary.

Applications will only be considered complete once the relevant form, supporting information and any requested evidence have been received.

ReAct aims to communicate decisions within 14 working days of receiving a completed application and all requested supporting information. Where further information or additional consideration is required, the process may take longer.

All applications are assessed individually by ReAct Theatre Co.'s founders or directors.

Bursary applications are assessed according to financial need and affordability. Scholarship applications are assessed according to the published talent, commitment, progress and potential criteria, alongside the audition or assessment and supporting cover letter.

Where an applicant applies for both forms of support, ReAct may award a bursary, a scholarship, a combination of the two, or the most appropriate form of assistance for the circumstances.

The decision will also take into account available funding, class capacity and the overall strength of the application against the relevant criteria.

All decisions will be communicated privately, normally by email. Successful applicants will receive written confirmation setting out the level of support, the eligible service, the award period and any applicable conditions.

Decisions are final. Applicants may request clarification about an outcome, but ReAct does not operate a formal appeals process. Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to apply again in a future application period.

Awards are normally granted for an agreed period, with support for ongoing classes generally beginning with an initial term.

Different arrangements may be agreed for one-to-one tuition, workshops or other eligible services.

Renewals and repeat awards may be considered, but are not automatic. Each renewal will be assessed individually and remains subject to the relevant criteria and available funding.

For bursaries, a renewal may involve reassessing the applicant's financial circumstances. Recipients must notify ReAct of significant changes in circumstances where these are relevant to their award.

For scholarships, renewal may take account of attendance, commitment, engagement, progress and continued participation in training.

Previous awards do not guarantee future support, and there is no limit on the number of times an individual may apply.

Recipients are expected to:

• Attend classes or sessions regularly and communicate any absences in accordance with ReAct's usual procedures.
• Demonstrate commitment and engage positively with their training.
• Treat tutors, staff and fellow students respectfully.
• Receive feedback constructively and make a genuine effort to develop.
• Comply with ReAct's usual policies, class expectations and codes of conduct.
• Provide accurate information throughout the application and award period.

Bursary recipients must also notify ReAct of significant changes to their financial circumstances where these may affect their continued eligibility.

ReAct recognises that illness, disability, caring responsibilities and other personal circumstances may affect participation. Any concerns will be considered fairly and in context before a decision is made to amend or withdraw an award.

Where an award is no longer appropriate, ReAct may review, amend or withdraw future support in accordance with this policy and the terms of the individual award.

Awards are applied as a direct reduction to the eligible fees owed to ReAct. They are not cash payments and cannot be exchanged for cash or paid out to the recipient.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing:

• Awards apply only to the eligible tuition or workshop fees specified in the award confirmation.
• Materials, registration fees, third-party expenses and other additional costs are excluded.
• Awards do not apply retrospectively to fees already paid.
• Awards cannot be transferred to another person, class, workshop, service or period.
• Unused support has no cash value and is not refundable.

If a recipient wishes to move to a different class or service, the existing award will not transfer. A new application will be required if financial support is sought for the alternative service.

Bursaries and scholarships cannot automatically be combined with other discounts, offers or promotions. Any exception must be approved by ReAct in writing.

Where a student withdraws from a class or service, the award will cease in accordance with the agreed award period and ReAct's applicable cancellation terms. Discounts already received in good faith will not automatically result in repayment obligations.

The scheme may be funded through a combination of ReAct's own resources, sponsored places, donations and external funding.

Awards are made at ReAct's discretion and are subject to the funding available at the time of assessment. ReAct cannot guarantee that every eligible applicant will receive support or that a particular level of funding will be available.

ReAct reserves the right to limit the number or value of awards according to funding, class capacity and demand.

We also reserve the right to amend, pause or close the scheme for future applications where necessary. Existing awards confirmed in writing will normally be honoured for their agreed duration, subject to the award conditions and any exceptional circumstances requiring a review.

We understand that applying for financial assistance can be a personal matter. ReAct is committed to treating all applicants with dignity, discretion and respect.

Application information will be handled confidentially and accessed only by those who reasonably need it to assess, administer or review an award.

Financial information will not be shared with other students, and recipients will not be publicly identified as bursary or scholarship recipients without their consent.

Where ReAct wishes to celebrate a scholarship recipient's achievement in its marketing or communications, permission will be requested separately. Participation in publicity is entirely optional and will not affect the award.

Personal information, including financial evidence, will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection requirements and ReAct's Privacy Policy. Information will only be retained for as long as necessary for the relevant purposes and in accordance with applicable retention requirements.

The scheme is open to applicants under 18 as well as adults.

A parent or legal guardian will normally assist with bursary applications involving household financial information and will provide any necessary consent for the application and processing of personal information.

Scholarship auditions and assessments will be adapted appropriately to the applicant's age, experience and the relevant programme. Under-18 applicants remain subject to the same broad scholarship criteria, assessed fairly in the context of their development.

Age alone will not disadvantage an applicant.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that the scheme remains fair, sustainable and appropriate to ReAct Theatre Co.'s services and available funding.

Effective date: 27 October 2026 Next scheduled review: 27 October 2027

For all enquiries about the Bursary and Scholarship Scheme, including requests for application forms, please contact:

hello@reacttheatreco.com

ReAct Theatre Co. reserves the right to interpret and administer this policy in accordance with its stated principles, applicable requirements and the circumstances of each application.