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The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund is delighted to announce that this year’s Training in Musical Theatre scheme has awarded £150,000 to 30 aspiring musical theatre performers for help with their tuition fees.

For aspiring performers, financing their dreams can be an ordeal and one of the deciding factors in pursuing a career in the Arts. Many courses charge over £10,000 per academic year and with living expenses on top of this, embarking on a three-year training course can be not only daunting, but prohibitive.

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund Training in Musical Theatre scheme offers the most talented and motivated performers the chance to bridge that financial gap and aids individuals in receiving the education they need to become distinguished performers.

All applicants had to be able to demonstrate that being awarded a bursary would enable them to undergo training that they might not otherwise have been able to afford.

Potential candidates were asked to apply online, where their applications were assessed anonymously by a panel of industry judges. From a pool of 329 applicants, 117 applicants were shortlisted and invited to audition in London over three days. The PAF’s three judges heard each person sing and then gave second auditions to the most impressive performers.

The audition panel this year was made up of two judges and an MD pianist. The consistent judge was Stuart Barr. The other judges changed each day and were: Martin Lowe, Sam Kenyon and Gareth Valentine.

The PAF takes revenue from the profits of premium phone and text voting lines of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One entertainment programmes like Over The Rainbow and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria.

Miriam O'Keeffe, project manager of the Performing Arts Fund, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer so many talented and inspired performers the chance to advance with their education.

"The standard was exceptional this year and we are thrilled that with this training, these performers can now fulfil a lifetime ambition and will be able to see their hard work pay off.

"We hope that these bursaries will offer long-term opportunities and benefits to individuals who would have really struggled without the financial aid."

Notes to Editors

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund helps aspiring music-makers and performers looking for a way to get ahead. The Training in Musical Theatre scheme is designed for applicants with talent and motivation who really need our financial support to help pay their tuition fees whilst studying Musical Theatre.

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund is a registered charity, number 1101276. The charity was set up in 2003 within the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.

Meet some of the 2010 winners:

Aimee Lake
£4,000 awarded for course fees
Mountview

"Having had to defer my place at Mountview Academy last year due to lack of funding, undaunted I have spent the last 10 months fundraising which has proved rewarding and enjoyable. Being only days away from having to pay the course fees you can imagine how delighted I was to receive a phone call. I thank the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund wholeheartedly for all your support and kindness which has enabled me to start my training. Exciting times are ahead so thank you. Best wishes to all those starting September."

Cameron Sharp
£4,000 awarded for course fees
Mountview

"I really didn't expect to get anything from this, especially when I arrived on the day and saw how amazing everybody else was! I couldn't believe it when I answered the phone and was told I was successful! I was at work when the phone rang, so couldn't really celebrate as flamboyantly as I would have liked to... still – I am totally chuffed to have received much needed help from the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳, and cannot even find the words to express how grateful I am to you for the support. The money granted by the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has made it possible for me to embark on one of the top courses in the world, and given me the chance of a lifetime! I am going to Mountview Academy to begin the BA Hons in Musical Theatre, and this boost is exactly what I needed to top up my own fund raising efforts so far. I have worked full time for a year (as a receptionist in a high school) and am also putting on a production of Tick, Tick... Boom! in an attempt to raise more money. Thank you yet again for this – it has been that final push to really give me my dream!"

Mark Gee Finch
£4,000 awarded for course fees
Mountview

"I am beyond grateful to have received this assistance from the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund and was completely overwhelmed when I was told I had been chosen. Mountview is an incredible school and I am amazed at how much I have learnt and progressed over this past year, solely due to the exceptional teaching staff we are lucky enough to have. This bursary will contribute a lot towards my second year fees and I would like to thank both the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund and my amazing Mum and Dad for all their help and support."

Joanna Hyndman
£3,000 awarded for course fees
Mountview

"Once again, the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ has helped me more than can be imagined! This first year at Mountview has been the best of my life, surpassing all expectations... and could not have been possible without the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Performing Arts Fund's contribution. I am so grateful to be given this support and encouragement for a second year running and would therefore like to thank everyone involved in this amazing scheme. Bring on second year!!"

KT