96%
of students had to pay for headshots, supplies and other expenses required by their courses themselves
Join our campaign to abolish audition fees and hidden course costs for performing arts students. #AbolishAuditionFees
Sign the petitionof students had to pay for headshots, supplies and other expenses required by their courses themselves
of working-class students put off by audition fees
of students say the best way to tackle these barriers is to scrap audition fees
Performing arts students are struggling to pay course costs, with two-thirds of working-class students put off from entering the industry. Join our campaign to break down barriers to the performing arts by scrapping audition fees for performing arts courses and hidden course costs.
Students training to be performers and creative practitioners are struggling to afford to cover course costs. 94% have to audition for places on courses, 57% of them have to pay audition fees, with many paying hundreds and even thousands of pounds in total. Three quarters have to balance often intensive training schedules with work and 15% take on debt to make ends meet – pushing working-class and marginalised students out of the sector.
We believe no one should have to pay to train and everyone should have the chance to pursue their talents no matter their background. The performing arts should be for all, reflecting the diversity of voices and experiences that make up society.
Sign the petition calling on institutions with creative and performing arts courses to:
1. Scrap audition fees
2. End hidden course costs
3. Cover expenses for accessing auditions and open days
Read more about our campaign and the results of our survey of performing arts students here.
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