The Theatre Artists Fund has been set up to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers across the UK. It is for theatre professionals who are in need of urgent and critical financial support due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the theatre sector.
If eligible, you can be considered for an emergency grant of ÂŁ1,000.
Please note: Being a previous recipient does not guarantee that you will be successful as all applications will be assessed on the basis of hardship and the information you supply.
Applications are now open until 12noon on Monday 10th January 2022. They will not consider applications submitted after the deadline.
Access requirements
If you have access requirements and this form is difficult for you to understand or complete, then get in touch at theatreartistsfund@soltukt.co.uk so you can discuss a different format, or some appropriate support to enable you to apply. Please include a phone number if you would like a call back.
Eligibility criteria for D/deaf and/or Disabled applicants
They will require you to have worked a minimum of 5 weeks as a self-employed theatre professional to be considered for a grant. Please fill in the application form as instructed and list any eligible work in the appropriate section.
Once this round of applications has closed, they will aim to inform you (via email) of the outcome of your application in approximately 4 weeks after the closing date. If successful, they will be in touch via email to request your bank details so that we can make a direct payment into your bank account. Please check your junk email folders.
Mental health and well-being
Theatre Artists Fund understands that people are facing a very difficult time and may need more then just financial support. Please visit theUK Theatre’s dedicated web-page about well-being here which includes a range of resources and helplines.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
When is the fund open to applications?
Applications are now open and will close at 12noon on Monday 10 January 2022. Late applications will not be accepted.
I have previously received a grant/s from the Theatre Artists Fund, can I re-apply?
All previous recipients of a grant/s (regardless of the amount), were eligible to apply in the current round. Please note that being a previous recipient does not guarantee you will be successful as all applications will be assessed on the basis of hardship and the information you supply.
How much support can I apply for?
You can apply for a grant of ÂŁ1,000.
How do I apply?
To apply you must be 18 or over. You can apply via an online form accessible through this website. Please read through the eligibility criteria to see if you are eligible for this round.
My access requirements mean I will find the online form difficult to understand or complete. How can I apply?
Please get in touch with us via theatreartistsfund@soltukt.co.uk so that we can discuss a different format, or some appropriate support to enable you to apply.  Please include a phone number and make it clear if you would like us to call.
Deafinitely Theatre are supporting deaf access needs for any deaf applicants wanting to apply. If you would like BSL translation, advice or help to apply please contact Deafinitely Theatre directly by sending an email or BSL video to info@deafinitelytheatre.co.uk. Please see a BSL video about the application process on this page.
When will I be informed about the outcome of my application?
Once applications close they will need to be assessed. The time this takes can vary depending on the amount of applications. We will email all applicants with an outcome as soon as possible after the deadline. However, this may take up to 4 weeks.  Please check your junk mail before emailing theatreartistsfund@soltukt.co.uk if you haven’t received an email by March 2022.
If I am successful, how will I receive the grant?
You will be contacted via email by a member of the Theatre Artists Fund team to request your bank details. The grant will be paid in one instalment directly into your bank account.
If I don’t receive a grant will there be an opportunity to apply again?
The fund is entirely dependent on donations and the effect of the pandemic on theatre freelancers as a whole. Our hope is that the fund will increase with donations from individuals and organisations, leading to further round of applications as necessary. If you were unsuccessful in previous rounds you are able to reapply without prejudice.
Is the grant subject to Income Tax?
It is your responsibility to deal with any Income Tax liability arising from the grant.
How will you be verifying information?
We will ask you to supply a name and contact information of a theatre professional whom (between January 2019 and January 2022) you have worked with to verify and support your application. We may also contact you to provide us with evidence or supporting documents about the answers you provide on the application form.
Which roles are eligible to apply?
The full list of roles can be found here. Whilst we understand the current crisis has affected everyone across the entire theatre ecology, this fund has been set up specifically to support freelancers whose professional theatre role has a direct influence on what is seen on stage.
You may be eligible for support from other theatrical charities. Please visit https://theatresupport.info/ for more information.
If my role is eligible, am I guaranteed to receive a grant?
Sadly, due to the scale of the crisis, we are unlikely to be able to give a grant to every applicant.
How will you decide who receives the grants?
Applications will be decided on a points based system where hardship and need are assessed first, followed by applicants from underrepresented groups disproportionally effected by the crisis.
Where can I find the eligibility criteria?
Please read the information on this page carefully before applying. The grants are awarded subject to available funds and meeting all the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will be awarded a grant. All grants are assessed on the basis of hardship.
Why have you included Section 9 and 10 on the application form and if I do not fill it in will my application be affected?
Some of the questions in section 9 and 10 are optional but if required we may use some of the information in this section to help us evaluate those most in need. The questions in this section will also be used by Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre to assess the demographics of people who are applying for this fund in order that we can use this information in our broader remit of supporting the sector and lobbying the government and statutory bodies.
Will the information in this survey be shared with anyone?
All identifiable information in this survey will solely be used to assess your application. Anonymised diversity statistics may be used by Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre for broader theatre sector activity at a later date.
How have you decided the criteria for underrepresented groups?
We have been working in consultation with freelance groups, charities, campaigners and experts to ensure our criteria fulfil the aims of this fund. Our aim is to reach those most in financial need hardship and also the underrepresented groups disproportionately affected by the crisis.
Why do you need documentation as proof?
Whilst we operate the fund on a trust basis (i.e. we believe what you tell us) it is useful for us to receive one item of proof across all the essential criteria to ensure multiple applications are not being made.
I am a recent drama school graduate. Am I eligible?
You are eligible to apply if you have worked professionally for 8 weeks since graduating. Please see the note regarding D/deaf and disabled applicants on this page.
Is this a hardship grant or an arts grant?
The Theatre Artists Fund is a hardship grant to provide emergency support and short term relief for freelance theatre workers across the UK. Â The fund is not for arts projects and equally any funding you may have received or may receive in the future for arts projects does not apply when applying for this fund. Please note the ACE Project Grant does not count as an emergency grant in this context.
I have another question, how can you help?
If you have a question that is not listed here, please send an email to theatreartistsfund@soltukt.co.uk