Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts are launching a support service to help young people realise their ambitions of success in the performing arts.

The BITA Foundation aims to take away the stress of finding the money to allow talented performers to audition for roles across the industry. The true cost of auditioning around the UK, and especially in London, can be insurmountable to those with no real means to support themselves.

On top of the audition fee, students will often travel the night before to stay over in order to make the early audition calls. In all, 5 auditions across the season can cost in excess of £1500.

Birmingham MP Richard Burden is backing the Foundation, which will launch on 26th May with a blacktie ball, and has hailed it as “…a really good initiative". BITA Foundation CEO, Chris Passey, said:

“Influential people from across the world of performing arts have begun calling out the injustice and class divides that separate young people based on their ability to afford their funding and not on their talent. We won’t change the world but we will aim to lighten the burden of those most in need of financial help.

"Young people are often forced to choose other careers rather than paying for auditions and associated costs. We exist to help steer them back towards their dreams.”

The Foundation is teaming up with sponsor Brilliant Theatre Arts who will help fund audition places. Owner, David Jenkins added:

“Being brought up by a single parent, I definitely fitted the ‘under privileged’ category. I was taught from a young age to work hard to get results. But sometimes in life, like myself, all you need is someone to offer support and guidance.

"I had a mentor who believed in me and now I am in a position to offer the same support to someone with similar struggles. A helping hand is sometimes the door to somebody’s success. Nobody should be excluded from opportunities simply because they can’t afford it.”

Birmingham’s only music specialist school, Kimichi School will also be a sponsor of the Foundation. Founder and Head Teacher Sally Alexander said:

“At school, we pride ourselves on providing opportunities to anyone who might otherwise miss out. Through the Foundation, I hope that our contribution will help similar talented young people.”

Funding will be available for all forms of performing arts related activities. In the first instance, applicants should go to bitamt.org.uk and apply using the online form.

Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts exists to train the next generation of performers at weekly sessions, taught by industry professionals. The organisations patrons include Olivier-nominated actor, Cleve September (Hamilton), Lauren Samuels (We Will Rock You) and Kieran Brown (Phantom of The Opera). Students have also enjoyed workshops from a host of West End names including Louise Dearman (Wicked) and the American composer, Jonathan Reid Gealt.