Acting, Singing and Dance: Scholarships and Bursaries for Children and Young People
Families may be able to find free or reduced-cost performing-arts training through a provider bursary, a specialist scheme or local help. Eligibility and what is covered vary, so check the current rules before applying.
Being a single parent does not guarantee funding
A scheme may look at household income, the child or young person’s age, talent or potential, where they live, the course they want to join and whether that activity is covered. Some awards are competitive or available only when funds remain.
Always read the current eligibility and application information. Do not pay a fee or accept a place on the assumption that bursary support will follow.
Local classes and specialist training are different
Entry-level local classes include community dance, youth theatre, choir, singing lessons and beginner music groups. Ask the organiser, school, local council, music service or youth theatre whether it offers concessions, fee remission, payment plans, loaned equipment or its own bursary.
Specialist training is usually more selective. It may involve an audition, assessment, a particular age range, an approved school or centre, or a course named by the scheme. The national routes below do not fund every ordinary local class.
Funding routes to check
National Youth Theatre bursaries
Support may be available for qualifying National Youth Theatre activities, including acting and theatre participation. Check the current bursary policy, the activity covered and how to apply before making plans.
Young Sounds UK Thrive Awards
Thrive Awards support young musicians from lower-income families. This may be relevant to singing or music where the current programme rules allow it. Check eligibility and whether applications are currently open.
Music and Dance Scheme
This government scheme helps with fees at eligible specialist music and dance schools and Centres for Advanced Training. The application guidance is for England. It is not general funding for ordinary local classes, and eligibility depends on the current rules and an eligible course or provider.
Dance and Drama Awards
These awards are for eligible students aged 16 to 23 at participating dance and drama schools. Eligibility and the award depend on the current rules, the school and the course. They are not a general bursary for children’s local classes.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Music and Dance Scheme application guidance linked above is for England. Families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should ask their local council, school or music service, youth theatre, dance school or training provider about local funding and the rules that apply where they live.
Check the full cost and safeguarding
- Ask what the award pays for, what the family must pay and whether support can change later.
- Include registration, tuition, exams, performances and residential costs in the full total.
- Check travel, accommodation and food costs, including journeys to auditions or performances.
- Ask about required clothing, costumes, shoes, instruments, equipment and replacements.
- Check payment dates, refund terms and what happens if the young person leaves the course.
- Ask for the safeguarding policy, named safeguarding lead, supervision arrangements and rules for photographs, travel and collection.
A short bursary enquiry for a parent
You can copy this and change the details in square brackets:
Finding local performing-arts activities
The wider Sixpence Support UK guide explains how to find local acting, dance and creative groups, ask about accessibility and check safeguarding before enrolling.
Arts, Crafts, Drama and Dance →- [1] National Youth Theatre. Bursaries · 2026
- [2] Young Sounds UK. Thrive Awards · 2026
- [3] GOV.UK. Music and Dance Scheme · 2026
- [4] GOV.UK. Music and Dance Scheme: apply for funding · 2026
- [5] GOV.UK. Dance and Drama Awards · 2026
Information and links checked: September 2026.