2024 Bursary

We are delighted to announce the 13 theatre makers awarded our eighth annual MGCfutures Bursary

They represent a wide range of disciplines including writers, theatre makers, a producer, a director, a video designer, a sound artist, a choreographer, as well as our first theatrical tailor and a new traineeship at Derby Theatre.

Cai Kennedy

Engagement Communications Producer (Derby Theatre Bursary Placement)

Xana

Sound Designer & Composer

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive an MGCfutures Bursary. We’ll be using it for some research and development towards a stage work, Something In Your Voice, and expanding our choreographic practice through a new collaboration with dance artists Hannah Parsons and Lorea Burge. We can’t wait to get cracking.” 

EMERGENCY CHORUS (BEN KULVICHIT AND CLARA POTTER-SWEET), TheATRE Makers

“The support of the MGCfutures Bursary will allow me to complete the first draft of a new political drama about the 1928 Achnacarry oil conference. Funds like MGCfutures celebrate the role of individual artists who often work unsalaried and outside of buildings. MGCfutures empower freelancers directly, giving us the support needed to make work.”

JACK MACGREGOR, WRITER

“I am thrilled to receive this support from MGCfutures. The bursary will unlock the training, time and equipment I need to elevate my theatre video design practice to the next level.” 

VIRGINIE TAYLOR, VIDEO DESIGNER

This year, MGCfutures has collaborated with Derby Theatre to create a 12-month placement as the venue’s first Engagement Communications Producer. The role has been filled by Cai Kennedy, who will work closely with theatre makers, artists, participants, and community members to diversify and extend the venue’s communications. This position will help tell the story of Derby Theatre as a Learning Theatre, activating Derby’s communities to feel a part of its work.

The eighth round also included The Stephanie Arditti Bursary, awarded in memory of the acclaimed Costume Supervisor. This year’s recipient, David Wood, will take a significant step in establishing his own costume-making and tailoring studio for theatre and performance. This award is generously supported by designer Christopher Oram.

We remain grateful to MGCfutures Patron Nicole Kidman for continuing her generous support. This year, her bursary—designed to support women in the theatre industry—has been awarded to Director Imy Wyatt Corner, who will develop a new play about the woman who infiltrated the all-male secret society of magicians, The Magic Circle.

Special thanks are also due to Lin and Ken Craig and The PwC Foundation for their generous support of this year’s bursaries.