The theatre company aims to raise £30k to sustain the annual flagship scheme for 16-24 year olds.
The campaign comes as the arts continue to face funding pressures during the coronavirus crisis, with Frantic Assembly – known for providing the movement direction for smash-hit play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – about to run its first UK-wide Ignition programme for women before lockdown was introduced.
Previous graduates from the project have gone on to secure careers with Frantic, with actor Paapa Essediedu (RSC’s Hamlet) amongst those who have benefitted from the programme.
Commenting on Ignition, Paapa said he was “forever grateful” for the scheme.
“Everything that I found initially alienating and unreachable about drama schools and the ‘business’, I found accepting, warm hearted and generous through Frantic.
“They allowed me to be myself and explore my instincts as a performer in a safe environment. Without doubt, this gave me the confidence I needed to go on and have a go of it in the industry.”
The #WeAreIgnition campaign launches today with a new short film from actor and filmmaker Michael Lynch, who was part of Ignition in 2015.
The video, featuring past graduates from all four nations, discusses the “vital work and legacy already achieved” by the project since it was first launched in 2008.
Frantic’s artistic director, Scott Graham, added: “Ignition makes a difference; it has and continues to transform lives, open doors and allow young people to reach beyond what they thought they were capable of.
“It has sparked careers and creativity that are defining our artistic landscape. I could not be more proud of what we achieve together and could not be more convinced that Ignition needs to keep finding those voices.”
Donations can be made on the Frantic Assembly website, or by texting IGNITION followed by 5, 10 or 20 to 70085 to give the respective amount.
Photo credit: Frantic Assembly.
Liam O'Dell 