Denis Twomey, who grew up in Salisbury, was able to fulfil his ambition of becoming a stage manager thanks in part to the University Bursary he received. He won a place at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School to study professional stage management but knew that without additional financial support he would not be able to take it up.

The former member of Stage ’65 Youth Theatre at Salisbury Playhouse said: “This kind of world-class training meant that I was required to have all of the relevant tools (on top of traditional student living costs) and I would be unable to work to supplement my income; whilst my family were wholly supportive, they were not in a position to finance me, and Bristol isn’t the cheapest place to live.

“Growing up in a one-parent family naturally meant that resources were limited, and my father couldn’t bankroll me through my student years. The grant from Wiltshire Community Foundation enabled me to focus on my studies, hone my skills and become as well-rounded as I could be.

After graduating he secured a place on a touring production of Mamma Mia! Denis said: “Put simply, the support Wiltshire Community Foundation gave me changed my life. I don’t quite know what I would have done had I not been able to follow my dream.”

We are delighted that in 2019, Denis agreed to become a volunteer member of our University Bursaries programme helping to award grants for other young people.

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