National Youth Arts Trust – access and opportunity in the arts

NURTURING FUTURE TALENT

Our bursaries, youth theatres and mentorships help talented students from the UK’s most disadvantaged backgrounds train in dance, music and drama.

The performing arts should represent their audience and be created by all of society, not just by the few. The National Youth Arts Trust aims to eradicate the inequality in the performing arts industry and to ensure a career in the Arts is accessible to all.

We are financed by your generous donations. Could you chip in now, or something each month, to give young people vital access to music, arts and drama?

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Apply for funding

The deadline to apply for the next round of bursaries is 3 June 2026.

“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.”

Ewan McGregor OBE
Actor and NYAT Patron

Stories

“I had the time of my life”

Keeley was offered a place to join the National Youth Choir of Northern Ireland on their summer residential – a place she could not accept due to financial constraints. Until NYAT joined the picture!

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"My training has been the greatest gift"

Francesca is a dynamic performer who, as well as working as a professional actor, wants to promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Thanks to her NYAT bursary she is able to continue her three year training programme at Guildhall.

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“It has changed my life”

We asked some of our drama school students, supported by NYAT, what a typical day at drama school is like – and particularly what student life is like during a pandemic!

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All stories