Students funded by George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is delighted to announced that two current students will receive funding from the George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation. Kimberley White and Martha Maloney were nominated by staff at the Theatre School, and put forward to the Foundation who strive to help young adults earn their place within the arts industry.

The Foundation was established in honour of young performer George Hatfield, who sadly passed away after receiving treatment for oesophageal cancer during his musical theatre training at SLP College in Leeds. George enjoyed performing from a young age, and had many starring roles at his local arts scene and at drama school, including Mr Bumble in Oliver!, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, and Mack Sennett in Mack and Mable. The Foundation – managed by his family and loved ones – is George’s legacy, and has been proud to support students in the theatrical arts who found government funding unattainable or or come from lower-income backgrounds.

Steve Hatfield, Charity Secretary and George’s father, commented: “The team at George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation are thrilled to be able to support the selected students from BOVTS. Being our first year of the George awards it is wonderful to see such great talent being put forward for our support and we look forward to watching them grow within their careers. George’s legacy is making a difference, of which we are incredibly proud to be enabling.”

“It’s an immense blessing to receive this support from the George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation. George’s story is so inspiring, and I’m so thankful to everyone involved in honouring his memory. Thank you to the BOVTS Costume department for putting me forward for this, I’m endlessly grateful. Receiving this award has given me the ability to pursue dream projects and skill sets that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve on my own, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity in my final year at drama school to launch my career.” Kimberley White, BA Costume for Theatre, Film and Television.

“I want to start by saying a huge thank you to the George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation, I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award, and to now forever be associated with the foundation and George’s incredible story. This award will be such a blessing to help me launch my career while in my final year of drama school, and means I can afford to enhance my talents in ways I couldn’t before. A huge thank you to BOVTS for nominating me and having faith in my talent.”  Martha Maloney, BA Professional Acting.

For further information about George’s legacy and the Foundation, please visit georgehatfieldtaf.org.