Bursaries offered for new master's course in collaborative theatre making

Coventry University is offering bursaries of £3,000 to students joining a new postgraduate course being delivered with internationally renowned theatre company Frantic Assembly.

Run by the University's performing arts department and Frantic Assembly, the Collaborative Theatre Making MA starts in January 2016 and brings together practical modules, a performance project led by Frantic Assembly, research events and online learning.

The course will give aspiring theatre, dance and music professionals a unique opportunity to hone their skills alongside Frantic Assembly's specialist practitioners, providing valuable industry experience.

Students from the UK and overseas are invited to apply for bursaries for the course – which take the form of a fee waiver – and will be chosen based on their ability to demonstrate excellence in their academic achievements and performance practice.

The Collaborative Theatre Making MA is also eligible for the Postgraduate Scholarship Support Scheme – a HEFCE-funded initiative designed to encourage students from under-represented groups to progress to master's-level study.

Dr Natalie Garrett, principal lecturer in dance and course director for the Collaborative Theatre Making MA at Coventry University, said:

For aspiring practitioners to be able to work with one of the most exciting and dynamic contemporary theatre companies in the business through our MA is a tremendous opportunity. We're thrilled to be offering students from a diverse range of backgrounds the chance to receive a bursary to take up the course.

Scott Graham, artistic director of Frantic Assembly, said:

For 21 years Frantic Assembly has been committed to creating pathways into the industry for a wide variety of individuals. We want to diversify the pool of talent working in theatre and the arts today and welcome applications from all backgrounds. In Coventry University we have an academic partner who also seeks to remove barriers to participation and it is a pleasure to announce these bursaries for our course.