The David Hill Bursary

The Fiorentini Foundation is delighted to be able to offer a new scholarship for a place at the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School. The annual bursary will be awarded to a student affected by cancer.

The David Hill Bursary has been set up by Declan Hill to commemorate his late father, David Hill. Declan also donated an amazing one-off donation of £2,000 to the Foundation, as well as an annual pledge in his father’s name.

Celebrating David’s support for Declan’s theatrical ambitions

He told us he’s forever grateful to his father for introducing him to the magical worlds of literature and performance at a very young age, encouraging him every step of the way.

“At the age of 5, I would join David at 6 am each morning (I’m not sure he appreciated it at the time) to listen to a vinyl copy of the High Society soundtrack. I can still recite every song now, as my own long-suffering family will testify, and what greater gift could a parent give their child?

“He always came to see any public shows that I was in (there weren’t many). The pride that he visibly held in my interpretation of Stephano in The Tempest at the Millfield will always warm my heart on a cold winter’s evening.”

Supporting young talent

Declan is sure his father would approve of the new bursary set up in his name. “In order to carry on that legacy of encouragement and pride, we’re delighted to set up the annual David Hill Bursary to cover the cost of training for a Fiorentini Foundation student affected by cancer. We know he’d be in the front row with a beaming smile on his face and mighty words of praise on his lips for everyone involved.

“Thanks again to Anna and her team for everything they do for the students and the wider community. And a personal thanks from me for all her support when I needed it.”

Founder Anna Fiorentini is delighted with Declan’s decision to establish the scholarship. “The David Hill Bursary will open up new opportunities for young people who are affected by cancer. Giving them the chance to take part in activities that will boost their well being and confidence at a very difficult time.”

Why bursaries are so important to the Fiorentini Foundation

Our founder Anna Fiorentini is passionate about the work of the AF Theatre & Film School and the Fiorentini Foundation which both come under the umbrella of the award-winning social enterprise, AF Performing Arts.

“Having had to work extremely hard to fund my own acting qualifications and gain Equity status, I understand how difficult it is for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get full-time work in all aspects of the performing arts. In fact, our scholarship students have gone on to perform in West End performances and touring productions, as well as film, TV and music videos. I’m incredibly proud of our reputation for nurturing very talented people from diverse backgrounds and the opportunities this has provided in an industry notoriously difficult for minorities and people from deprived backgrounds to get into.”

Bursaries are a valuable way in which people can support young people through the Fiorentini Foundation. Other examples are Henry Cumming’s bursary which goes to a child with or affected by cancer and the Suzanne Fiorentini bursary which goes to a child with autism.

How the performing arts help young people

Studies have proved time and time again that the power of the arts has life-changing benefits. Performance can help young people improve confidence, self-esteem and mental health, as well as improve their communication skills, discipline and give them a sense of purpose. All transferable skills that will help them in the future whatever their career path.

If you are interested in setting up a bursary that can help a disadvantaged child reach their potential – and maybe even help launch a star of the future – contact the Fiorentini Foundation today.

If you would like to support the work of the AF Performing Arts School in other ways, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Whether it’s through gift certificates, taking part in sponsored challenges and events, direct sponsorship, or a one-off donation, you can help us make a real difference.