Two performing arts charities, Get Into Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, have announced a merger.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, which trades as Masterclass, was set up in 1998 and is the older of the two charities but will now operate under the Get Into Theatre banner.
In their announcement, the charities said the merger will involve no downsizing or redundancies, with staff working from hubs in London and Bath.
They said the merger follows a period of strategic review by both boards of trustees, which identified shared missions, complementary strengths, and enhanced funding and business opportunities as some key positives from this move.
Alex Duarte-Davies, chief executive of Get Into Theatre, and Clare Annamalai, CEO of Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, will co-direct the merged charity.
Duarte-Davies said: “This merger creates a truly joined-up classroom-to-career pathway for young people across the UK – from that first spark of curiosity, to exploring opportunities, building skills, making industry connections and progressing into sustainable careers.
“Get Into Theatre exists to break down barriers and diversify our industry, ensuring that every young person, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can see that there is a place for them in theatre.
“This milestone for both the charity, the education sector and the wider industry comes at a time when it is needed more than ever.”
Annamalai added: “By combining our complementary capabilities, resources and geographical reach we can offer a coherent pathway to young theatremakers, as well as a compelling service to our industry partners.
“Through this merger we will become stronger and more effective, without sacrificing the rich history and personal connections that make Masterclass so special.”
Masterclass recorded a total income of £174,000 in 2024, while Get Into Theatre, which was founded in 2019, had an income of £124,000.
