Assisted places are now available at Guildford Youth Theatre by referral from GBC Family Support Service and Mayor's Local Distress Fund, enabling anyone who requires financial assistance to apply for full- or part-funding for a place in Open Stage theatre classes.
The scheme supports children who may have confidence issues at school or may be in need of some time away from a difficult family situation and show a keen interest in drama. Two places in every Open Stage class have now been made available for referral by the Family Support Service.
Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith has also pledged to support the scheme through the Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund, saying, "as Mayor, I will support the theatre's Assisted Places scheme, which makes this opportunity available to all local children, regardless of a family's financial situation, by making local charities aware and recommending the scheme, where appropriate, to applicants for the Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund."
Head of Youth, Education and Community Liaison, Nick White said, "we pride ourselves on ensuring that as many young people as possible have access to our youth theatre.
"To have the support of the GBC Family Support Service and Mayor of Guildford's Local Distress Fund in raising awareness of this scheme is a brilliant development and we hope this will enable us to welcome new members to our youth theatre who may not have otherwise benefitted from our services."