Financial Assistance Scheme

At Sedos, we understand that participating in a show can be financially challenging. Staying true to our inclusive values, we believe that socio-economic factors should never stand in the way of exceptional talent.

That’s why we offer a Financial Assistance Scheme for cast members who may not be able to take part without support. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the scheme helps cover membership and participation fees, either partially or fully, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder your opportunity to shine on stage.

I can truly say being part of that production, and Sedos more generally, had a significant positive impact on my mental health in a time it was difficult to ask for help

Financial Assistance Scheme beneficiary

How the Financial Assistance Scheme works

The fund is supported by kind donations from members and friends of Sedos, helping us provide opportunities for those in need. Rest assured, all applications for assistance are handled with complete confidentiality, and the identities of beneficiaries remain private.

Want to donate?

If you’d like to contribute to the Financial Assistance Scheme, you can donate by filling in this form and making your donation directly to the Sedos bank account (details in the full policy). Your donation won’t influence casting decisions – it simply supports more people in accessing the Sedos experience. If you have any questions, please contact our Treasurer at treasurer@sedos.co.uk.

The Financial Assistance Scheme genuinely makes theatre accessible to those who otherwise couldn’t take part

Financial Assistance Scheme beneficiary

Need financial support?

If you would like to benefit from the scheme, details of how to apply will be in the audition notice for every Sedos show. Should you be cast, a member of the team will reach out to you in confidence to discuss assistance. Please note, requesting financial support will not affect your chances of being cast.

At Sedos, we believe in making taking part possible for everyone, no matter their financial situation.

Financial Assistance Scheme full policy

How your money helps

"The Financial Assistance Scheme is absolutely fantastic. Having my fees covered took the pressure off financially, allowing me to afford travel, food, and the time off work needed for the show’s two-week run. It genuinely makes theatre accessible to those who otherwise couldn’t take part."
Financial Assistance Scheme beneficiary

"I have been a Sedos member for a long time, over a decade in fact. When I first moved to London it was one of the first places I made friends, a place that I found I fit in and felt less lonely.
"Last year, to my absolute delight I was cast in a show. It was following a recent redundancy and despite unstable work up until that point I was sure my situation would improve by the time show week – and all its other optional costs (Secret Santa / show merchandise, curry night, crew gifts and after-show pizza) – rolled around. But it didn’t. My unpaid show fee hung over me. I felt so embarrassed. I had always thought the FAS was really for younger people, or people just arriving to London, starting out, as I had been all those years ago. I felt Sedos had given me so much already.
"But production week came and I couldn’t put it off any longer. In a very simple, and kind, email exchange with the show producer and Sedos’ treasurer we agreed to a partial funding of my show fee. The relief was immense. I felt I could enjoy production week more, albeit more frugally than the past.
"I can truly say being part of that production, and Sedos more generally, had a significant positive impact on my mental health in a time it was difficult to ask for help. I’d encourage anyone struggling to make use of it, and a massive thank you to those who made the scheme possible."
Financial Assistance Scheme beneficiary

Beyond the Financial Assistance Scheme

The money given to the Financial Assistance Scheme is used for the sole purpose of supporting cast members, as described above.

At Sedos, we also welcome gifts towards our general running costs, from costumes and sets to hiring of rehearsal rooms and the theatre.

If you would like to be kept up to date with our fundraising activities, you can join our “Supporters of Sedos” mailing list.