Equity has awarded bursaries of £500 each to four students and young members to support them with the costs of starting out in their professional careers within the entertainment industry. We are delighted to announce that the recipients of the 2026 Student and Young Member Bursaries are:
Young Member Bursary Awardees
- Samuela Noumtchuet
- Esther Ugiri
Student Member Bursary Awardees
- Reefeh Sumaili
- Gianfranco Stellitano
The Student and Young Member Bursaries are made possible through the generous contributions of Equity Life Members, whose donations reflect their continued solidarity with the next generation of creative professionals.
Congratulations to this year’s awardees!
I’m overjoyed about winning this bursary! I plan to use it towards basic necessities and workshops aimed towards improving my skills.
Samuela Noumtchuet
I am so excited to win this bursary! I’ve been wanting to buy a backdrop, a new ring light, and a lavalier microphone for my self tapes and I’ll still have enough to get my headshots updated!
Esther Ugiri
I am extremely grateful for this award and it will help my acting journey feel a lot more surmountable.
Reefeh Sumaili
I feel honoured and delighted to have won this bursary, I have been an Equity UK member for a few years by now and with this bursary I will keep bringing commitment and dedication to strengthen my performing skills towards my career.
Gianfranco Stellitano
