Our Story
Actors’ Trust has been supporting actors and stage management since 1882. Every year, we spend over a million pounds helping industry professionals working across sound, stage and screen. When times are tough, we offer a lifeline for actors and those in stage management who are experiencing difficulties.
The charity (which used to be known as the Actors’ Benevolent Fund) was founded by a theatrical luminary called Sir Henry Irving who deplored the shocking treatment of actors and those in stage management at a time when there was no welfare state. He passionately believed the industry needed to do more to help its most vulnerable members, and Sir Henry became the first actor to receive a knighthood.
Support UsWe’re Here to Help
Today, if you’re an industry professional that needs career or wellbeing support, we’re here to help. And if you can’t work for reasons beyond your control, you may be entitled to receive financial support, providing you:
Have at least two professional credits
Are over the age of 18 and based in the UK
Have no more than £16,000 in household savings (or £23,250 if you have long-term health challenges or are of state pension age)
Are experiencing health challenges or major life events which affect your ability to work, or you're experiencing financial hardship later in life
We are a Membership Organisation
As a membership organisation, we’re building a diverse community. Actors’ Trust members get the opportunity to:
Support those in the industry who fall on hard times, through their membership subscription
Connect with their professional network
Attend exclusive industry events and awards
Vote at our AGM and have their say
Access industry news, information and insight
Download education and training materials
Our People
Actors’ Trust is supported by our Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III
We’re also proud to be working with…
- Our ambassadors: Paul Chahidi, Christopher Eccleston, Celia Imrie, Ruth Jones, Maxine Peake and Danny Sapani
- Our trustees, including Simon Callow (CBE), Lesley Joseph, Alex Macqueen and Rob Rinder (MBE), who are generously giving their time to raise awareness of Actors’ Trust and shape our charity to have the greatest possible impact.
Together, we’re bringing the spirit of ensemble work to life, and helping thousands of actors and those in stage management in good times and bad.
Meet our People
Our People
From our Royal Patron, His Majesty King Charles III, to our brilliant trustees and ambassadors, discover the passionate individuals who make our work possible.
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Our History
Over 140 years of supporting our industry through thick and thin. Discover our rich heritage and the legendary actors and those in stage management who have helped build the charity we are today.
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Our impact
Real stories, and real lives changed - see how our support has helped actors and those in stage management get back on their feet and continue doing what they love.
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Work for us
Join us on our mission. Browse current opportunities to be part of a team that's making a real difference to the lives of industry professionals.
Find out moreContact us
Sometimes, a friendly voice or a quick email is all it takes to get things moving. Whether you’re an actor or in stage management and just looking for support, interested in joining our community, or simply have a question, we’re here for you!
Reach out and let's connect!
