Frantic Assembly cuts Ignition programme amid financial struggles

Frantic Assembly has issued a plea of support, announcing that it has been forced to cut its talent development programme for the first time in the scheme’s 15 years due to financial struggles.

The Ignition programme, labelled by artistic director Scott Graham as being one of the only programmes that ‘strips all economic barriers’ to help young people from across the UK to create’, has reached approximately 10,000 young people over 15 years.

Aimed at 18- to 24-year-olds, the programme has been free for those who take part, costing the theatre company £75,000 annually. Due to the impact of the pandemic eating up 50% of Frantic Assembly’s reserve funds, this has meant that the cost of Ignition is no longer possible.

This news coincides with the 30th anniversary year for Frantic Assembly – a company that is known for its emphasis on collaboration and slick physical theatre. 

Speaking about the creation of Ignition, Scott Graham said: ‘I realised that, despite the good will and positive ambitions of those within the arts to attract a more diverse and working-class workforce, there was no point just expecting them to walk in. An unlocked door looks exactly the same as a locked door to someone on the outside.’ 

Alumni of the scheme include actor Paapa Essiedu, who graduated in 2008. 

‘To be very blunt, I don’t want to see another tearful emoji. I don’t want thoughts and prayers,’ says Graham on the topic of financial struggles. ‘If we really believe that access to the arts and a diverse workforce and creative voice is important, then we all have a part to play in supporting it, however small our part may be. It is time to mobilise.’

To find out more and to donate visit franticassembly.co.uk/ignition