Alexander's Bristol Old Vic Fund

My name is Alexander and I am a British born Jamaican-Zimbabwean, with a big dream!

Last month, I was accepted to my dream school, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School on the 2-year programme in Professional Acting. With thousands of applicants each year, only 14 actors are accepted to the programme. The school offers world class training and boasts alumni such as Sir Patrick Stewart, Pete Postlewaite, Daniel Day Lewis, and Jeremy Irons. It’s such a big achievement for myself and my family and will mark the first exciting new step towards my artistic goals.

I first started performing during my childhood in Zimbabwe. My friends and I would perform mini sketches and plays for our mothers, at school shows, and on the Harare REPS theatre stage where I was first inspired by watching my aunt perform. When I moved to the UK, drama helped me at a time I was very homesick. I continued performing in school shows and with my siblings at home in the holidays where we continued writing and performing mini sketches for family.  

At the cross roads at deciding what to do at university, I chose to study psychology as I am fascinated by human behaviour. This has been invaluable to my understanding of the human condition, and I have always been most inspired by theatre that is as truthful to the human condition as possible. I continued with my passion through joining the Islington Players, where we put on some great shows on the fringe circuit in London. I also trained part time at Identity Drama School, whilst I completed my dissertation.

Having already had a student loan, I am unable to get government funding for my training. I have been saving funds whilst working, however still need to raise more for the security of my second year fees. 

The 2 Year Foundation Degree in Professional Acting at Bristol Old Vic, is an experience that will be invaluable for my development as a professional actor. It is specifically designed for individuals like myself, who already have experience of theatre and the world. I will get the opportunity to work with actors, teachers and writers of the highest standard in an international industry that is screaming out for more diversity. The latter which I am passionate about promoting within the industry through my work. I am under no illusions this will be the most challenging journey I will have faced to date, but it’s one that I feel I need to undertake.

GOAL

For the security of my second year at the school, I will be raising funds over the next 3 months. I will do this through a combination of working (continuing into training and during the holidays), crowdfunding, fundraising events and applying to any grants available for people in my situation. I need to raise £9,000 in total for my second year tuition. 

MONEY

The money donated will be used for my course fees, as well as course-related costs such as books. If donations happen to exceed this amount, I will refund people.

IN RETURN

I will be personally thanking every person who supports me and promise gifts for some donations, for example Home-Cooked meals, Helping Round People's Houses, Performances of my Audition Pieces, etc.

One to One Sessions with JOHN BYRNE: Actors, the amazing John Byrne has offered one to one sessions (which usually cost £50) for each person who donates £25 to my campaign. Let me know you would like to take up this offer and I will put you in touch to arrange the session. John is the Entertainment Industry Career Advisor to The Stage newspaper and Young Performer magazine and has over 30 years of experience as a writer, broadcaster and performer in his own right. See the website here: http://www.performingcareers.com/  

SPREAD THE WORD

It is quite a large amount I am looking to raise, so I would appreciate if anyone could spread the word.

If you are unable to donate, please spread the word by sharing this page with friends, and/or please let me know if you are aware of any potential funding bodies I could approach by emailing me at [email redacted]

Your help doesn’t need to be in the form of money, I really appreciate any support from people as I undertake this challenging but very exciting journey.