Bristol Improv Theatre raising thousands to ‘improv’ mental health

Bristol Improv Theatre is fundraising to create a new ‘Yes And’ Bursary fund, allowing people struggling with their mental health to access self-confidence boosting improv classes. An initial target of £13,200 is set for Big Give Week from 17-24 March. 

Image: Bristol Improv Theatre exterior

Any donations made between 17-24 March will be doubled, as Bristol Improv Theatre has been selected to be part of The Big Give’s Arts for Impact Week. Last year Arts for Impact raised a total of £2.7 million to support arts charities making a transformational difference in their communities.

People who have attended the theatre’s Discovering Improv course report a 19% improvement in self-esteem and confidence, with 93% of participants saying they would recommend to a friend. The new “Yes And” bursary fund will allow 50+ people per year to attend the course totally free, with priority given to those who otherwise would not be able to afford to take part. The fund will also support classes for LGBTQ+ people and those from global majority communities. 

Tom Mansfield, CEO of Bristol Improv Theatre, said: “anyone who has spent time at Bristol Improv Theatre knows that improv isn’t only enormous fun - it’s also a huge boost for wellbeing. We see it every night: from the audience member who leaves with a grin all over their face, to the first-time course student who finds whole new ways of expressing themselves. It’s so exciting to launch our “Yes And” bursary to give places on our Discovering Impact course for those who would otherwise be left out. Thanks to The Big Give’s match-funders, your generosity goes twice as far. We’d love it if you can help!" 

Bristol Improv Theatre is the UK's first dedicated improv theatre. Alongside running life-changing improv-based courses, the venue showcases improv comedy gameshows, musicals, national names and local up and coming acts.

Anyone interested in donating to the bursary can contribute via Bristol Improv Theatre’s page on The Big Give’s fundraising site between noon on Tuesday 17 March and noon on Tuesday 24 March using this link: https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000AwdKzYAJ.