I can tell you, as a budding actor, having Jack Lemmon put his hand on my shoulder and say, 'That was terrific, kid; you oughta do this professionally' was a big deal for me.
Kevin Spacey
ABOUT
Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to have success as a stage and screen actor, running the film production company, Triggerstreet, and as Artistic Director of one of the world’s best-loved theatres - London’s Old Vic.
When I first started out, I was lucky enough to meet Jack Lemmon who encouraged me to become an actor. He subsequently became a great mentor in my life. Jack had a phrase that he used all the time that I’ve now adopted as my own. He believed that if you’ve been successful in your chosen path, if you’ve been able to realise your ambition, then you are obligated to ‘send the elevator back down’.
That’s why I’ve set up The Kevin Spacey Foundation (KSF).
We train, through the KSF Scholarships, and develop creative projects via KSF Grants so that emerging artists with passion and potential can succeed in the competitive worlds of performing arts and film.
I’d love you to help me keep the elevator moving, and in good working order, so that we can bring along as many passengers as possible.
Kevin Spacey
No matter how successful you get, always send the elevator back down.
From 2013, the Kevin Spacey Foundation will be working in partnership with the London School of Performance, Media and Film at Regent’s University London to offer six KSF Scholarships to the most talented applicants for the BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre.
The BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre course reflects the Kevin Spacey Foundation’s commitment to recognising the ‘Global Community’ and to placing itself at the forefront of a ‘world without boundaries’. The course combines the professional rigour and discipline of vocational actor training with a challenging study of theatre cultures of the world.
The Kevin Spacey Foundation team will support Regent’s University London in the KSF Scholarships audition process, seeing applicants in both the UK and the USA. In addition, Acting & Global Theatre course students will experience master classes with Kevin Spacey twice a year.
The KSF Scholarship will cover the full cost of the tuition fee for the three-year BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre. Applicants in need of further financial support to cover subsistence and travel should state this on the KSF Scholarship application form.
Fear seldom stops you. What stops you is the fear of failure.
You will be eligible for consideration for the KSF Scholarship if you have received a conditional or unconditional offer for the BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre from Regent’s University, including having successfully passed a London School of Film Media and Performance acting audition.
Please contact the Regent’s University admissions office for further information.
The scholarship completely opened the door for me.
Register your interest by emailing Regent’s University:
KSF@regents.ac.uk. You will be sent an application form which will ask you to submit a 1000-word statement stating why you should be considered for the award. Applications for the scholarship will need to be submitted on or before the deadline of 31 May 2013. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Please note that you can submit your scholarship application before receiving an offer from Regent’s but only those who have received a conditional or unconditional offer and successfully passed their LSFMP audition will be considered for shortlisting.
Applications will be shortlisted and successful applicants will be taken through to KSF Scholarship audition stage. Please note that applicants who are not shortlisted at this stage will still have their conditional or unconditional offer to study BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre.
Successful shortlisted applicants will be invited for a further audition which will be held in early to mid-July. Applicants will be sent an audition pack and will have at least three weeks to prepare. The audition panel will consist of representatives from KSF and Regent’s University. Please note that travel and other expenses will not be covered.
Successful applicants will be awarded the scholarship pending on meeting the criteria of their offer. Applicants will need to accept the offer of the scholarship in writing. Please note that applicants who are not shortlisted at this stage will still have their conditional or unconditional offer to study BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre. Depending on financial need, you may be considered for another scholarship – further details can be found here.
Applications for the KSF Scholarship will not be considered after the closing date of 31 May 2012.
Please note: Any KSF Scholarship applications made directly to the Kevin Spacey Foundation will not be considered – all applications and queries should be directed to Regent’s University.
Scholarships: frequently asked questions
Kevin Spacey Foundation - Scholarships frequently asked questions:
This page aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the
Kevin Spacey Foundation (KSF) Scholarships. If you cannot find an answer to your
question here please email KSF@regents.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 203 075 6155.
When will I be able to apply for the KSF Scholarship?
You will be eligible for consideration for the KSF Scholarship if you have received a conditional or unconditional offer for the BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre, including having successfully passed an LSFMP acting audition.
Once you have registered your interest by emailing KSF@regents.ac.uk you will be sent an application form which will ask you to submit a 1000-word statement stating why you should be considered for the award. Applications for the scholarship will need to be submitted on or before the deadline of 31 May 2013
Can I apply for admission to the university and the KSF Scholarship at the same time?Yes, but only applicants who have received a conditional or unconditional offer and successfully passed their LSFMP audition, will be considered for shortlisting.
Can I apply for the KSF Scholarship if I am already studying for the BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre?No, the scholarship is only available to students who will commence studying in the September 2013 intake.
Is the KSF Scholarship available for all degree courses?No, the scholarship is only available to those applying to study for the BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre.
Will I receive an acknowledgement of my KSF Scholarship application?When you apply for a scholarship using our online scholarship application form you will see an automatic acknowledgement page after you submit your application. You should save or print this page for your records and keep it safe. If you do not receive this last page please contact ksf@regents.ac.uk
What should I do if I realise part of my KSF Scholarship application is incorrect after I have submitted it?We are not able to change your form once you have submitted it and you will not be able to send a second application for the same scholarship. We can, with your permission, delete your application and you can start again. To request this please email KSF@regents.ac.uk. Please note that you cannot make changes to your application form after the closing date of 31 May 2013.
How will I know if I have been successful with my KSF Scholarship application?Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email by mid-June.
When will auditions for the KSF Scholarships be held?Auditions will be held in New York and London in mid-July. Applicants will be sent a pre-audition pack and will be given at least two weeks to prepare. Travel expense will not be covered.
If I change my course of study will it affect my scholarship application?The KSF Scholarship is only available for the BA (Hons) Acting & Global Theatre.
Can I still receive the KSF Scholarship if I defer my offer until the following year?You will not able to defer your scholarship. Should you wish to defer you offer, you will need to apply again for the scholarship the following year.
The KSF Grants support emerging artists to develop creative projects
in the performing arts (drama, dance and music) or film.
At the start of your creative career and looking to develop a new performance piece, installation, exhibition, film or script? The KSF Grants
are designed to give you the time you need to get your project off the ground.
I wouldn't have been able to finish making my first feature film if it hadn't
been for a KSF grant. It was a real boost to my confidence and the project.
KSF Grant Recipient
GRANTS: WHO CAN APPLY
Anyone* starting a career in the arts can apply for a KSF Grant and we will consider projects from across the performing arts (music, dance and drama) and film, as long as the ideas are innovative and exciting. We are particularly interested in theatre projects.
We offer three levels of grant:
£500
£1,500
£2,500
and open to receive applications twice a year (for 5 weeks):
4 March 2013 – 5 April 2013
30 August 2013 – 4 October 2013
To apply complete the online application form.
Please only submit a KSF Grant application during the advertised open dates above. KSF will not accept applications made outside of these open dates.
The Trustees may use their discretion to offer KSF Grants of above £2,500
(*UK and US residents only at present although KSF is exploring how it might fund projects outside of the UK and US in the near future.)
Grants: Frequently asked questions
Kevin Spacey Foundation - Grants frequently asked questions:
How do I choose which level of Grant is best for my project?Make sure you have a clear idea of what you will use the Grant for. If during the assessment process the Grant level you have applied for is deemed too low or too high KSF will suggest an alternate level.
If I am successful, do I have to spend my KSF Grant within a certain time?Yes. You must use your Grant within 6 months of having received it. (This is negotiable on receipt of the Grant and depends on the Project and the level of the Grant).
My project will be a group effort – can we apply as a group?Yes. KSF will accept applications from individuals or groups – please clarify whether you are applying as a group in the Project Outline. The person (whether representing themselves or a group) who makes and submits the application (the “Applicant”) is considered the key contact with KSF if successful (i.e. the Grant Recipient).
I am not a UK or US resident, can I apply for a KSF Grant?No. KSF requires the Applicant to be a UK or US resident at present. However, KSF is exploring how it might fund projects outside of the UK and US in the near future.
Can I apply for a KSF Grant to help finance educational courses or training?No. KSF provides training opportunities through its KSF Scholarships with the London School of Film, Media and Performance at Regent’s University – please click here to find out more.
Can I buy equipment with the KSF Grant to help make my project happen?No. KSF will not accept applications for the purchase of equipment (i.e. computers, cameras etc.).
I have already secured some funding for my project can I still apply?Yes. KSF will consider applications for projects that already have part funding but will require evidence of said funding (i.e. a copy of a letter of agreement).
What happens to my application after the closing date?In the first instance the KSF team will check all applications to ensure they are complete and comply with the criteria. A shortlist will be drawn up and presented to the KSF Trustees, Programme Director and Projects Manager who will make the final decision. You will be contacted within 5 weeks of the deadline date as to whether or not you have been successful.
If I have applied before can I resubmit my project for consideration?No. KSF will not consider an application that is unsuccessful more than once.
My application was unsuccessful will KSF give me feedback?No. KSF cannot provide feedback to unsuccessful Applicants.
I applied last year, can I apply again with a different project?Yes. However, we cannot accept two applications from one Applicant in the same year.
If I am successful in receiving a Grant, will I be expected to report back to KSF on the progress of the project?
Yes. KSF will ask you to submit a report when your project is complete or at its next developmental stage as outlined in your application.
You will also be expected to contribute to online content about the project such as photographs from rehearsals, blogs or films etc.
Individuals / groups (UK or US residents) at the start of their careers in the performing arts (drama, dance and music) or film who present projects which:
are innovative and exciting;
are feasible (in reference to the project budget outline, the Award amount
applied for and any other funding already received for the project); and
will take place within a 6 – 12 month period from the deadline date.
Hearing from Kevin Spacey, such an influential and talented person, will forever
resonate with me.
KSF project participant
WHAT WE DO
The Kevin Spacey Foundation aims to train, support and mentor emerging artists in the performing arts and film.
Richard’s Rampage, the inaugural project from The Kevin Spacey Foundation, was a hugely ambitious creative learning initiative spanning eight countries and three continents connecting young people and emerging artists ON STAGE, IN SCHOOL and ONLINE.
Richard’s Rampage was linked to The Bridge Project, an unprecedented series of world-class theatre productions resulting from a unique partnership between The Old Vic, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and Neal Street Productions.
The Bridge Project 2011 cast Kevin Spacey in the lead role of Richard III, directed by Sam Mendes. The production placed the exchange of ideas, talent and creativity at the heart of the process.
Richard’s Rampage was the counterpart to that production, offering 632 students and 162 emerging artists a unique opportunity to connect with this world-class production, entirely funded and managed by The Kevin Spacey Foundation.
