At our very core, Tobacco Factory Theatres is a charity. We exist to open doors to creativity for everyone in our community and we maintain that trying something new, meeting new people and exploring your creativity shouldn’t depend on your background, experience or income. Whether you’re treading the boards, picking up a pen for the first time or rediscovering a long-lost passion, we strive for our spaces to feel welcoming, supportive and fun!
Our bursary scheme is one of the tools that helps make this access possible by offering free or subsidised places on selected programmes across all age groups. This year, we caught up with one of our adult bursary participants from Writers’ Lab — our friendly weekly writing group led by Mike Akers — to talk about confidence, community and the sparks that creativity can ignite.
This is Dan’s story;
What made you want to join the Writers’ Lab and what were you hoping to gain from the programme when you first applied?
“ I had just reached my first year of sobriety and wanted to challenge myself and build confidence. I’ve always been interested in writing, and when a friend told me about Writers Lab, it felt like the perfect opportunity. Trying new things can be scary, but it’s also the best way to grow – the hardest part is showing up, and once you’re there, it becomes much easier. “
How did the bursary support your ability to participate in the Writers’ Lab?
“I currently live in supported housing as part of my recovery journey and don’t work, so the bursary made participating possible. Finding a creative community that is also accessible is extremely rare. The worlds of writing and theatre often feel insular and difficult to navigate, but the Writers Lab bursary opens that door and makes it achievable.”
How has the programme influenced your writing style or creative process? Has the lab had any positive influence over you outside of creative processes?
“Sharing my writing in the Lab and receiving feedback really boosted my confidence and rekindled my love for writing. It also encouraged me to apply for the Channel 4 New Writers Scheme 2025, which I was accepted onto. I’m now developing my own original TV pilot with C4, while continuing with Writers Lab of course! I’ve also been introduced to production companies and magazines in Bristol through the Lab. ”
Do you feel part of a creative community, and how important was that to you?
“Being part of a group of like-minded creative people is really powerful. Writers Lab brings people together around a shared purpose, creating real connections and a refreshing sense of community. That’s something you don’t often find as an adult and I think it’s important for everyone to find that for themselves. ”
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for the Writers’ Lab?
“My first piece of advice would be: if you’re considering opportunities like this, go for it. You wouldn’t be looking here, lurking in a theatre’ ‘website, if there wasn’t a spark inside you. The world often tells us to ignore these sparks until they fade, but taking a chance on yourself through something like Writers Lab nurtures that spark, allowing it to grow. One of the best aspects of the Lab is the atmosphere Mike has created – no rules, no deadlines, no pressure – a safe space to explore, experiment, and maybe even let your spark catch and become your own fire. “
Stories like Dan’s are exactly why our Get Involved programmes — and the bursaries that make them accessible — matter so much. When someone finds the confidence to try something new, reconnect with their creativity or join a welcoming community, it creates ripples far beyond the rehearsal room or workshop space. Dan’s story is one of triumph, and we are incredibly proud to have assisted him in nurturing a talent.
Not all our bursary’s have such a pronounced success story – however do not let that disarm you on the impact. In 2025, our Young Theatre Maker parents were asked if they were happy to provide us feedback on the impact of YTM on their children, and we were blown away with some of the responses;
“My kiddo was able to attend the summer school thanks to the amazing opportunity for a bursary funded space. My kid has various neurodivergent conditions and the team were understanding, informed and supportive all the way through the project, with various access strategies being actioned in low key, playful, personalised ways, which made the week accessible and enabled my kiddo to stick with it through challenging moments and to experience the absolute high of finishing the week and being involved in the final production. Thank you so so much. It made their summer!” YTM Parent, Summer School 2025
“It was wonderful to see her confidence grow throughout the week. It really was a space where she could be herself and embrace the activities each day. It was a joy to see her excitement and pride in the final performance too.” YTM Parent 2025
“Absolutely loves attending your drama course – she looks forward to it every week. Making new friends has been fabulous – but also the creativity. She loves being able to co-create a play and then act in it. She comes home every week energised and happy. It’s been really good for her wellbeing because she is anxious a lot of the time – and I think she gets really absorbed when she’s doing drama and forgets her anxieties. Thank you all so much for everything you are doing. It’s amazing.” YTM Parent 2025
“It’s her absolute favourite activity- at an age where friendships and school can get tricky it’s lovely for her to do something so positive for her mental health, confidence and creativity.” YTM Parent 2025
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us open the door for someone else — someone who might be looking for connection, confidence or simply a safe place to explore who they are creatively.
If you’d like to help us continue offering bursaries and creative opportunities to people across Bristol, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support. Together, we can make sure that many more sparks have the chance to grow.
To make a donation directly to our Christmas@TFT campaign;- https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/christmas-at-tft
Or, want more from your donation? Become a member today:- https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/become-a-member/
Posted on 11 December 2025
