"For four decades this brilliant and highly practical Scheme has made a major contribution to the success of live theatre. Long may it continue to seek out, train and foster the very best of young British talent"

LORD ATTENBOROUGH CBE

"In an arts world crowded with commercial imperatives, this Scheme carves out space in which young theatre artists can grow. My traineeship at the Belgrade, Coventry gave me my grounding and my confidence as a director"

MICHAEL BOYD Artistic Director, R.S.C. (former trainee)

"This has been a model scheme for young directors and has certainly been a landmark in many careers, including my own. The dedication shown in the search for talented young directors and the skill put in to match-making director with theatre has been exemplary. Long may it continue."

ADRIAN NOBLE (former trainee)

"The Scheme has been of immeasurable help to the theatre."

SIR PETER HALL CBE

"The young are our security for the future health of our theatre. Channel 4's interest in the youth of our country is clear from their programming and it is heart-warming to have this support extended to young theatre directors."

THELMA HOLT CBE

"The Scheme shines like a good deed in a naughty world. May it long continue."

MICHAEL BILLINGTON