Theatre Development Trust

Charity Number: 292559

Annual Expenditure: £0.9M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £949,647 (charitable activities, 2023)
  • Total Income: £689,728 (2023)
  • Decision Time: 6-8 weeks
  • Grant Range: Varies by programme
  • Geographic Focus: UK national
  • Assets: £15.6 million (investments)

Contact Details

Address: 32 Rose Street, London, WC2E 9ET

Email: tdt@soltukt.co.uk / enquiries@soltukt.co.uk

Phone: 020 7557 6700

Website: Information available via solt.co.uk/charitable-activities

Overview

Theatre Development Trust (Charity number 292559) was incorporated on 4 July 1985 as the charitable arm of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre. The Trust's principal activity is to promote and advance the dramatic and other performing arts for the benefit of the public through supporting the work of various charitable foundations together with the provision of grants to people and organisations in the arts. With total investments of £15.6 million and annual charitable expenditure of approximately £950,000, the Trust champions a wide variety of initiatives that strengthen the future of the UK theatre industry. The Trust generates significant income through Theatre Tokens, the nationwide gift voucher scheme, alongside investment income and donations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust demonstrated its commitment to the sector by raising £9.9 million to distribute 9,964 emergency grants through the Theatre Artists Fund.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates an annual grants programme with a fixed application deadline, typically in January each year. Applications for 2025 closed on 13 January, with decisions made by the end of February and all organisations informed by early March. Applications for 2026 projects will open in autumn 2025.

Total funds available vary annually and are limited. The Trust notes they may not be able to support all previously funded organisations or all those which meet the eligibility criteria, indicating competitive selection.

Priority Areas

To be eligible for funding, activities must advance at least one of three core goals:

1. Audience Development

  • Encouraging younger theatre goers
  • Improving the diversity of audiences by becoming more inclusive of under-represented groups
  • Engaging new theatre goers across all sectors of society

2. Theatre Workforce Training and Career Development

  • Widening access to careers in theatres for under-represented groups
  • Addressing skills shortages in the theatre sector
  • Supporting entry routes and in-career training
  • Helping organisations to be fully inclusive

3. Access Requirements

  • Exploring sustainable models to make theatre more accessible for d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people
  • Improving accessibility in professional theatre buildings for audiences and workforces

What They Don't Fund

The Trust's focus is specifically on organisations and initiatives that strengthen the theatre sector. Activities must align with at least one of the three core goals listed above.

Example Projects Funded

  • Stage One: A registered charity supporting new commercial UK theatre producers and productions, committed to securing the future of commercial theatre through educational and investment schemes
  • Go Live Theatre Projects: A theatre education charity dedicated to bringing the magic of theatre into the lives of young people
  • Accessible Theatres Scheme: Six theatres awarded a total of £25,000 in October 2020 to make their buildings more inclusive
  • Theatre Artists Fund (2020-2022): Emergency relief programme that distributed £9.9 million to 9,964 theatre freelancers affected by COVID-19
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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The Theatre Development Trust is governed by a distinguished board of theatre industry professionals, including:

  • Tristan Baker (appointed July 2024) - Theatre producer
  • Kathryn Bennett (appointed November 2020)
  • Tom Bird (appointed April 2023)
  • Griselda Bourne (appointed June 2023)
  • Andrew Collier (appointed April 2023)
  • Alan Finch (appointed November 2022)
  • Henny Finch (appointed November 2022)
  • Sir Rupert Gavin (appointed June 2018)
  • Patrick Gracey (appointed December 2021)
  • Eleanor Lloyd (appointed June 2014)
  • Rebecca Rae (appointed June 2023)
  • Andrew Rawlinson (appointed July 2024)
  • Mark Rubinstein (appointed November 2022)
  • Edward Snape (appointed November 2020)
  • Kenny Wax (appointed July 2024)
  • Anna Williams (appointed April 2023)

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. The trustees bring extensive experience from across the commercial and subsidised theatre sectors.

SOLT & UK Theatre Leadership

Claire Walker and Hannah Essex serve as joint Chief Executives of SOLT & UK Theatre, the first job-share partnership in the organisations' history. SOLT and UK Theatre's strategic priorities include championing theatre for every child, protecting Theatre Tax Relief, and promoting theatre energy efficiency.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an annual application process with fixed deadlines. Dates for 2026 projects will be published in autumn 2025.

Contact tdt@soltukt.co.uk or call 020 7557 6700 for application information and to discuss eligibility before applying.

Decision Timeline

  • Application deadline: Typically January (13 January 2025 for the most recent round)
  • Trustee review: Applications discussed and approved by TDT Trustees by end of February
  • Notification: All organisations informed by early March (6 March 2025 for most recent round)
  • Overall timeline: Approximately 6-8 weeks from deadline to decision

Reporting Requirements

As a recipient of TDT funds, organisations must:

  • Acknowledge TDT support on all related publicity
  • Share examples of publicity with TDT as part of feedback reporting
  • Provide reports at mid-way point and end of project

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the Trust explicitly states that “the total funds available are limited” and they “may not be able to continue to support all previously funded organisations or all those which meet the eligibility criteria,” indicating competitive selection and limited funding capacity.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly stated. Contact the Trust directly to discuss reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Core Goals

Your project must clearly advance at least one of the three core goals: Audience Development, Theatre Workforce Training and Career Development, or Access Requirements. Strong applications demonstrate clear alignment with these priorities.

Focus on Under-represented Groups

The Trust places particular emphasis on:

  • Widening access for under-represented groups (both audiences and workforce)
  • Supporting diverse and inclusive theatre practice
  • Creating sustainable models for accessibility

Demonstrable Impact

Given limited funds, the Trust needs to see how your project will strengthen the future of the theatre industry. Projects should demonstrate:

  • Strategic approach to addressing sector challenges
  • Potential for sustainable impact
  • Clear outcomes and benefits to the theatre sector

Professional Theatre Focus

The Trust supports professional theatre organisations and initiatives. Ensure your organisation and project meet professional standards and contribute to the broader theatre ecosystem.

Realistic Budgeting

With competitive funding and limited resources, applications should demonstrate value for money and clear budget planning.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply early and contact them first: With limited funds and competitive selection, discussing your project's eligibility with TDT before applying (tdt@soltukt.co.uk or 020 7557 6700) can save time and strengthen your application.
  • Align closely with one or more core goals: Your application must clearly demonstrate how it advances Audience Development, Theatre Workforce Training and Career Development, or Access Requirements. Weak alignment will likely result in rejection.
  • Emphasise inclusion and diversity: Projects supporting under-represented groups in theatre (whether audiences or workforce) are central to the Trust's mission. Highlight how your work addresses representation gaps.
  • Think sustainability: The Trust values sustainable models, particularly for accessibility initiatives. Demonstrate how your project creates lasting change, not just one-off activities.
  • Understand the competitive context: With annual giving of approximately £950,000 and the statement that they cannot fund all eligible applicants, assume strong competition. Your application must stand out through clear impact and strategic value.
  • Plan for fixed deadlines: Unlike rolling grant programmes, TDT operates annual rounds with fixed January deadlines. Plan your application well in advance and ensure you can deliver projects in the following year.
  • Be prepared to acknowledge funding: Reporting requirements include acknowledging TDT support in publicity, so factor this into your communications planning.

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