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Not many people are aware of the hardships, the challenges and the obstacles that many theatre artists, technicians and crafts people face, particularly in the early stages of their careers or when taking a new direction. At MGCfutures, we are the only charity dedicated to supporting every aspect of theatre making, from the creative spark of directors or choreographers to the technical precision of lighting designers, stage managers or costume makers. Every role is vital, and so is our commitment to them.

Since Director Michael Grandage founded MGCfutures in 2013, we have been committed to ensuring that the future of theatre remains vibrant and diverse. To date, we have awarded 140 bursaries with a total of £500,000, providing vital support at pivotal moments in theatre makers’ careers. Previous bursary recipients include Rebecca Frecknall, Isley Lynn and Waleed Akhtar, but take a further look below to see how our bursaries can make a real difference.

“This has been life‑changing.”

Franny Anne Rafferty, Director and 2017 Bursary Recipient

Your donation will support our bursary programme as well as cover operational costs that allow us to maintain and expand our support for theatre professionals across the industry, including mentorship and networking opportunities.

If you would like to find out more about being a regular supporter of the programme, please contact MGCfutures Executive Director, Blayne George blayne@mgcfutures.com

“Now more than ever it’s essential to invest in the theatre makers of the future – not just to survive, but to thrive and create new and vital work.”

Michael Grandage

Look to the Future – Leave a Legacy

MGCfutures’ mission is informed by Michael Grandage’s experience as a young actor who wanted desperately to change his career path and become a theatre director.

Thanks to the support of friends and industry professionals, Michael was able to achieve his ambition. As a young man from Cornwall Michael had first hand knowledge of experiencing just how hard it can be to make a change or even get onto the ladder.

He set up MGCfutures to help others who might be facing similar challenges.

MGCfutures exists to nurture, support and guide the next generation of theatre makers. We believe passionately in the future of British theatre and we know that we need to invest now in order to ensure that the industry is able to thrive. It is the only charity supporting career development throughout the industry whether creative, administrative or technical providing not only financial help but also mentoring and career guidance.

An MGCfutures bursary can be life-changing for an aspiring writer, designer, director or technician.

Some general Information about leaving a gift in your will:

  • All legacy gifts to MGCfutures are administered by the Trustee.
  • MGCfutures is a registered charity (no. 1153534), which means that your legacy gift will be exempt from Inheritance Tax.
  • If you decide to leave at least 10% of your estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest of your estate may reduce from 40% to 36%.
  • We recommend that you seek advice from your financial or legal adviser. You can choose to leave either a share of the residue of your estate (a residuary bequest) or a fixed amount (a pecuniary bequest).
  • We request that you specify that your gift is an unrestricted donation.
  • We are happy to offer naming opportunities in memory of yourself or a loved one.
  • Your gift can be acknowledged on our website or you can choose to remain anonymous.
  • We are happy to discuss and consider any ideas or proposals that you may have and all conversations will be treated with utmost confidence.

“MGCfutures do so much for so many with no hoops or weird parameters. They’re all about art and artists.”

Isley Lynn, Writer and 2016 bursary recipient