Career & Development

Our industry is constantly evolving. If you’re thinking about how to keep up with the changes or want to take the next step in your career, we hope you’ll find our information and resources helpful.

Keep an eye on this page for updates on how Actors’ Trust can help you to achieve a long and sustainable career.

 

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Two Actors on Stage with Director

How We Can Help

Actors’ Trust Retraining Grant

We aim to help actors and stage management get back to work if a health issue or life event is getting in the way, but we know from experience that it’s not always possible. If you are unable to continue working as an actor or in stage management due to a long-term health issue (such as cancer, degenerative illness, or physical trauma), we may be able to support you with a grant to help you get started in another profession. Enquire through the link below, or call us at 0303 223 1110.

Enquire Now

 

Resources:

 

Career Development and Support for Actors and Stage Management

 

Equity

Equity Members get free training via the Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU Training).

Find out more

 

Skills Centre | National Theatre

Workplace-delivered placement, training, and apprenticeship opportunities.

Find out more

 

The Caldicot Stage Management Training Bursary

Kindly funded by Jonathan Caldicot and designed to support members of the Stage Management community with their continuing professional development, The Theatrical Guild will work in partnership with The Stage Management Association to offer hardship grant funding for a range of up-skills training opportunities. Please contact the SMA for course details & eligibility criteria: T&Cs Apply.

Find out more

 

Grants for Actors to Retrain

 

Equity Charitable Trust (ECT)

Provides education grants for applicants with 10 years of professional work.

Find out more

 

Grants for Stage Management to Upskill or Retrain

 

Backup Tech
Stage Management Association
The Theatrical Guild

Creative Grants for Development Within the Industry

 

Arts Council England

Project funding.

Find out more

 

Help Musicians

Career development support.

Find out more

 

Keep it Fringe Fund

Funding for artists at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Find out more

 

PRS Foundation

Funding for industry professionals.

Find out more

 

Royal Theatrical Support Trust

Charity promoting theatre, supporting emerging talent and regional companies.

Find out more

 

Non-theatrical Retraining Grants

 

Adult Learning Grant (DWP)
The King's Trust

Funding for 16–30-year-olds looking to learn new skills.

Find out more

 

Headshot Michael Curran Dorsano
But most of us live secret lives of great hardship and uncertainty, and to be held and cared for in such a critical time...has been life changing.”
Michael Curran-Dorsano Actor
Read Michael's Story

Try our Benefit Calculator

Enter your details, and you will receive an estimate of your entitlement to benefits. 

You may find it helpful to collect information about your income, savings, pensions and any existing benefits you are entitled to. If you have a partner, you may wish to do this for them too, before using the calculator. 

See how to use the calculator for more tips.

 

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