Constellation Creatives Drama Student Bursary 2026

Provided by Orion Lee Awarded by New Earth Theatre.

DEADLINE 10 AM 27th APRIL 2026 - AUDITIONS THURSDAY 11 JUNE 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the Constellation Creatives Drama Student

Bursary 2026. In its fourteenth year, the bursary seeks to encourage and promote greater participation and representation of British East and Southeast Asian actors on stage and screen. It aims to ease the pathway from graduating student to professional actor by providing £1,000 towards additional expenses incurred in that transitional period; a FREE Standard Headshot Package provided by Jeremy Ang Photography; a FREE set of casting workshops with The Acting Habit; as well as a FREE year’s subscription to Spotlight.

The bursary is awarded to a drama school student of East Asian/Southeast Asian descent* who, in the opinion of the judging panel, has best demonstrated that they have the talent, skills and commitment to succeed as a professional actor. The panel will include casting directors from the National Theatre, RSC and BBC.

To be eligible, students must be in their final year of a BA, MA or MFA Acting, Theatre, Film/TV or Musical Theatre course at any drama school in the UK. Students are asked to submit a self-tape of two contrasting audition pieces, of no longer than 3 minutes each. These can be from their final year showcase. Selected students will then be asked to attend an in-person interview in London where they will be asked to present a monologue of their choice and sight read a short scene. They will not be required to sing.

To apply, please fill out the form here.

The completed application form must be submitted to New Earth by 10am Monday 27 April. Audition and interview will take place on Thursday 11 June in the afternoon. New Earth Theatre presents and develops work with British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) artists that asks key questions of identity, of the world we live in and our place in that world. They produce touring plays and readings across the year, nurture BESEA talent through their Academy acting, backstage and writing courses, as well as bring artists to communities, museums and schools.

New Earth Theatre is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England, a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

*Eligible applicants must be able to work in the UK and have at least one parent of East or Southeast Asian descent. East or Southeast Asian descent includes: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, North Korea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and their Diasporas.

For further information, please direct enquiries to tammie@newearththeatre.org.uk.