We have some incredible news...

Thank you, you did it. We have reached 50 bursaries and your generosity has meant that more freelancers have been supported during this time.

The Helping Hand Appeal is now closed but if you would still like to support creative freelancers, Karen is taking on a fantastic challenge by walking up Moel Famau everyday in November. Find out how you can support her here.

Give a helping hand to creative industry freelancers.

Freelancers are vital to the creative industries. Every year we work with 300 freelance theatre workers - from our rock and roll pantomime’s musical director to every actor who appears on our stages. When theatres closed, the income of these freelancers disappeared. Busy diaries were suddenly empty.

We created 50 micro-bursaries for theatre freelancers around Wales and the UK who need extra support during this time. We were inundated with applications and heartbroken at the huge number of talented people considering leaving the profession because they didn’t have hope for the future.

The micro-bursaries are £560 each but for successful applicants they’re worth even more - they include access to our resources, skills and experience - whether that’s space in a rehearsal room, time developing ideas with our Artistic Director, or even help getting their next show ready to tour.

We need your support to help freelancers do what they do best - make the theatre you love and adore.

Are you able to help give more people hope and support during this difficult period?

For writer Rhian* the situation has been tough. Both her and her partner, who also works in the industry, saw future work cancelled overnight, and with it their livelihoods.

In March they contracted Covid, leading to a long, slow recovery. Shielding to protect their vulnerable family, so unable to get additional work, the emotional, physical and financial cost has taken its toll.

When Rhian received her micro bursary she told us:

“it arrived just in time for our family – the money will help take the pressure off, give us a moment to breathe, re-think and re-adjust and, hopefully, take those first steps towards making theatre again.”

Thank you

A huge thank you to The Carne Trust for their support and ensuring that we are able to offer more micro bursaries to those who need them at this time.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.