The Octagon Theatre

Our SHiNE Bursary Fund supports individuals of all ages to take part in creative art activities at The Octagon & Westlands, who might not be able to afford the opportunity otherwise.

We want to make sure that everyone in our community can access opportunities to be creative. That’s why we’ve created The SHiNE Bursary Fund, offering discounted or free places to attend a participation class or workshop being hosted by The Octagon & Westlands, Yeovil.

About the fund

If you, or the individual you care for, are unable to afford the costs of a participation class or workshop we’re hosting, you can apply to The SHiNE Bursary Fund for support.

The SHiNE Bursary will be awarded to anyone on low income, Free School Meals or Pupil Premium, looking to participate in classes and workshops hosted by The Octagon Theatre & Westlands Entertainment Venue. The SHiNE Bursary Fund can help to cover 50% or 100% of the cost of your class fees each term, depending on the level of help you require.

Those awarded a SHiNE Bursary will then be able to attend their chosen class at a discounted rate or for free for the duration of the term and will be notified of any other opportunities to take part in activities ranging from theatre making workshops for all ages to our week-long activity programmes for children and young people.

Individuals (or parents/guardians on the participants behalf if the individual is under 16) will need to apply to be considered for a SHiNE bursary place. Bursary places will be awarded on a discretionary basis and all applications dealt with in complete confidence. Individuals looking to apply can do so at any time, although please note the number of bursaries we can offer at any one time is funding dependant.

How to apply

You can apply to The SHiNE Bursary Fund at any time. Our team review applications each month and once we have received your application and supporting evidence, we will be in touch to let you know of the outcome. Bursary places will be awarded on a discretionary basis and all applications dealt with in complete confidence.

To apply we ask you to submit an online application. The form asks for participants details and confirmation that you (or your family) receive government benefits or are in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM) or Pupil Premium. If you are unable to provide evidence of low-income status, we are also able to accept a reference from your teacher, House Association Officer or social worker. Please see our eligibility guidance below.

When you apply there will also be the opportunity for you to tell us which participation activity or activities you are looking to attend, depending on capacity to that participation class we will then award the individual a bursary place which we will review termly.

We also ask applicants to confirm if you are able to make a financial contribution to attending and, if so, what amount could be afforded. We can help with a bursary to cover 50% or 100% of the cost of your class fees each term, depending on the level of help you require.

Participants will be awarded a bursary place for one term, places are to be reviewed termly and we reserve the right to withdraw bursaries on a case-by-case basis. If you have applied for a bursary to cover 50% of the class fees for the term, you will need to pay the remaining half of the fees before the term begins.

Support is discretionary, and all applications are dealt with in complete confidence.  Please note the number of bursaries we can offer at any one time is funding dependant.

APPLY HERE

Parents/guardians/carers must apply on behalf of any potential recipient aged under 16.

Please contact us on 01935 422884 or octagontheatre@somerset.gov.uk if you need the application form in a different format, or if you need assistance completing it online.

Eligibility

So this scheme can serve those who need it most, we are asking for proof of low-income status. We have listed which evidence will be accepted below, but we know that there may be occasions where you have alternative evidence to offer. All applications will be looked at on a case-by-case basis, but to apply you will need to provide one of the following:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit
• Council Tax Support
• Free School Meals / Pupil Premium
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carers Allowance
• Asylum Support

If you are unable to provide any of the above, we are also able to consider a reference from someone who can support your application. This might be a teacher, House Association Officer or a social worker who knows you, however it can’t be a family member. Ask your referee to write a reference for you to send to us with your application form, which tells us why they believe you are eligible and would benefit from being awarded a SHiNE Bursary.

• Applications for under 16’s must be made a parent/carer/guardian.
• If you are not eligible for this scheme, but become eligible, you can reapply at any time.
• If you are currently eligible, but your situation changes, please let us know.
• Recipients of bursaries must achieve a minimum attendance of 80% to receive future support.

If you have difficulty completing the application form or would like more information, please contact the Box Office on 01935 422884 or octagontheatre@somerset.gov.uk. A member of our team will be pleased to assist you.