The FinTrU Theatre Bursary has been running since 2018, supporting former members of the Lyric Drama Studio, the theatre’s award-winning actor training programme, who are studying at Drama School.
Students from Lyric Drama Studio have been consistently successful in gaining places at Drama Schools across Ireland, UK and beyond. Since 2013, 75 Drama Studio participants have gone on to train at Drama School.
In 2020, a record 15 students secured places to train at institutions like the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Leeds Conservatoire, Mountview, East 15, LAMDA, The Lir, Arts Educational and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Shannen Lofthouse (above image) was one of these 15 students supported by the FinTrU Theare Bursary whilst she trained at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in their MFA Acting programme.
Commenting on the benefits of the FinTrU Theatre Bursary, Shannen Lofthouse said: “The FinTrU Theatre Bursary took the pressure off paying rent, books and general living expenses while studying away from home. Many bursaries are very restrictive by age or location, meaning Northern Irish post-graduate students are not able to apply. Because of this, I was especially grateful to be supported by FinTrU through the Lyric. It felt very special that a theatre I trained through were partnering with a N.I. based Business to support young people aspiring to pursue a career in theatre.”
Erin Hoey, Acting Head of Creative Learning at the Lyric Theatre said on the partnership: “We’re delighted to be partnering with FinTrU to help support our Drama Studio Alumni. With the current cost of living crisis, students are struggling more than ever to make ends meet. Any small contribution we can give to help ease any financial burdens is so important and can make such a difference to their actor training experience.”
Darragh McCarthy, FinTrU Founder & CEO, added: “FinTrU has been a proud partner to the Lyric Theatre since 2018 and we are delighted to do our part in supporting those who are embarking on their careers in the arts. The ethos behind the FinTrU Theatre Bursary has always been about achieving your ambition, therefore, we take great pride in seeing the recipients go on to have successful careers – both on and off stage.”
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