Help Miami achieve her dreams at Arts Ed!

Hi there, I hope you and your family are safe and well during this time . My daughter Miami has had the most amazing news that she has been offered a place on the Drama course at top London Performing Arts School  ARTS ED . She is over the moon as this is an absolute dream come true for her.  Unfortunately though, there are no scholarships available and we are not eligible for any funding. This means that without financial help, she will not be able to attend...

Miami has been a talented performer from a very young age, singing in Sunday School at our local church and attending ballet classes from the age of 2. Miami began attending  auditions at the age of 7 and she earned a place at 'Cub School' (a training programme for Disney's Lion King taught by Akosua Boakye).  Miami loved the singing, dancing and acting training  and went on to audition for other West End musicals, finally landed her first major role and West End debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock, playing Shonelle.  The first time I saw the show I cried my eyes out I was so proud! and literally every show after that lol! She came alive on the stage and was asked back for a second contract.

Due to Miami's passion for performing and evident talent, I soon realised that a performing arts school would be the best option for her. Miami auditioned for several performing arts schools and beat the odds to get into the final 30 kids for a full scholarship at another top Performing Art School.  Only to be told that she didn't get the scholarship, but was offered a fee-paying place. It broke my heart to tell her that the reason she couldn't go was not because she wasn't talented enough, rather that we didn’t have the funds to pay the fees.  As a dance teacher myself, I am aware of the lack of Performing Arts accessibility in mainstream schools and many students do not have opportunities to explore their talents. Unfortunately this is true for BAME (Black, Asian And Ethnic Minority) kids. 

We applied for a local high school and from the beginning I knew it wasn't for her. The school had gone from 'outstanding' to 'needs improving' by Ofsted and was a challenging school. Due to social issues and the environment I felt that staying there  would heavily impact her future and potential.  Miami ended up being really unhappy at the school and this had an impact on her wellbeing.   She was super resilient however, during this tricky time and tried her best to work hard and focus on the positives.  She continued to attended her Ballet Black and Acting sessions outside of school.  As a mum, I honestly just felt stuck. I didn’t know how to help my daughter, I tried everything I could think of and often cried.  I knew in my heart that she belonged in a school that saw her for the talented young lady she is and that knew how to nurture her talent.   Miami is such a humble, intelligent and caring young lady.  She is the last person to blow her own trumpet and has strong values about diversity and equality for everyone. I just prayed for a miracle!

Miami auditioned at Arts Ed  in December 2019 on the Drama course.  She came back full of life and hope as we waited to find out if she had a place. We found out that she has been accepted and is due to start in September! I do not have the heart to tell her again she cannot go due to financial constraints.  I will do whatever it takes to fund her studies.  I absolutely believe in Miami and have no doubt that she will excel at Arts Ed.  An experience like this will not only shape her future but potentially change her life. This is where we please need your help!

The fees for the school are £5,310 per term. (Total cost to complete her education at Arts Ed over the next 3 years - £47, 790) This does not include equipment, uniform, trips etc. We are hoping to raise as close to £20,000 to help us support Miami on her journey.  Every single donation would help towards our long term goal , every penny counts!)  I am a firm believer that where there is a will, there is a way!
Would you help Miami on her exciting journey?
Perhaps you are passionate about the arts or are inspired by current events and want to make a difference?
Here’s how you can help: -
- Please share this crowd fund to friends and family.
- Please keep Miami in your thoughts and prayers.
- If you would like to help  (but only if you can!) Please donate any amount. We are most grateful and appreciate your support.  

Thank you to every one of you who has supported Miami in various ways thus far on her journey.   We thank you for taking the time to read this and again for your support. During this tricky time, look after you and yours, stay safe, God bless, Sam xxx