A new charity has been launched to support young people from non-privileged backgrounds in performing arts training.
Patrons of The National Youth Arts Trust include Sir Derek Jacobi, Ewan McGregor, Hugh Bonneville, Adrian Lester, Christopher Eccleston, Arlene Phillips, Alistair McGowan and Grayson Perry.
Pilot schemes for 7- to 25-year-olds cover training bursaries, removing financial barriers from auditioning, support for training providers and an apprenticeship programme with charity, Drive Forward to help young people who leave care access careers in the performing arts.
Patron Ewan McGregor has said “If I were 18 today I doubt whether I would be able to afford to go to drama school. The National Youth Arts Trust has been started so that everyone, whatever their background or financial status, can have the chance for an education in the arts.
"Being skint shouldn't be a barrier to going to drama school for those talented enough to be accepted. I am proud to be a patron of this important new charity.”