ACTORS’ CHILDREN’S TRUST AND ROYAL THEATRICAL FUND ANNOUNCE MERGER TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR THE THEATRE COMMUNITY

Actors’ Children’s Trust and the Royal Theatrical Fund today announce their merger, bringing together two charities with a shared commitment to supporting people across the dramatic and performing arts. Actors’ Children’s Trust offers support to actors children the families of actors, and The Royal Theatrical Fund supports all theatre, film, television and other associated workers. Actors’ Children’s Trust will merge into the Royal Theatrical Fund, creating a stronger, more sustainable single organisation with the combined expertise, resources and experience united. Both organisations are members of Acting for Others.

The merger will preserve the values that have defined both charities for generations: community, dignity and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by people working in the industry.

By joining forces, the charities aim to make it easier for people to access support through a more seamless and consistent approach. Their complementary expertise and specialist knowledge will also strengthen the RTF’s ability to respond to changing needs, increase its capacity to innovate and ultimately deliver greater and more lasting impact for the community.

The merger also reflects the strong cultural alignment between the two organisations. Each has a long history of supporting the industry and shared commitment to compassion, inclusion and putting people at the heart of their work.

As one organisation, the charity will be better positioned to respond to changing needs and navigate an increasingly challenging economic environment. Pooling resources and expertise will create greater resilience and enable the enlarged RTF to build on the strengths of both charities ensuring that support remains focused where it is needed most.

Above all, this merger is an investment in the future of the theatre, film, TV and associated community. By combining their strengths, Actors’ Children’s Trust and the Royal Theatrical Fund will be well placed to champion and support the profession for generations to come.

Rebecca Crankshaw & Lee Dean, Co-Chairs of The Actors’ Children’s Trust:

“This has been one of the most important decisions in the Actors’ Children’s Trust’s 130-year history. Our Board has always believed that our responsibility extends beyond preserving the charity itself; it is to preserve the purpose for which it was founded. After careful consideration, we concluded that joining the Royal Theatrical Fund is the best way to ensure that purpose continues to thrive.

Our members have placed their trust in us to make decisions that are in the long-term interests of actor families, and we are delighted that they have supported this merger so overwhelmingly. Throughout this process, protecting ACT’s mission, values and legacy has been at the heart of every discussion.

We would like to thank the generations of trustees, volunteers, supporters and beneficiaries who have shaped the Actors’ Children’s Trust over the past 130 years. Their commitment has created a remarkable legacy, and we are proud that legacy will continue through the Royal Theatrical Fund, ensuring that children and families in our profession will continue to receive the support they need for many years to come.

We are also grateful to the Royal Theatrical Fund for embracing ACT’s mission and values with such care and commitment. We look forward to seeing our shared purpose continue to make a lasting difference to the children of actors and actors with children for generations to come.”