Isabella

Aim

Help Isabella raise money for her unconditional offer at the Birmingham School of Acting, for the foundation acting course.

Hello!

My name is Isabella Tofts. I am 18 years old and just finishing my A Levels in Drama, English and Performance. I have been lucky enough to have received an unconditional offer for the foundation acting course at the Birmingham School of Acting starting in September 2016. Being one of the 2% of applicants who audition to get a place it was a dream come true to receive an offer. But unfortunately this course does not qualify for Student Loans Company finance/funding for tuition fees or living expenses.

This course involves 30 hours of training per week and the cost includes both theatre trips and professional workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London. 

I grew up to be inspired by a variety of talented actors from Kenneth Branagh to Julie Walters. I have taken part in many different productions including a National Connections play last year and dancing in The Nutcracker with the Northern Ballet in 2010 which was where I experienced my first production with a professional company which made me realises how much I love the industry.

This year I have noticed a huge improvement in my confidence thanks to my wonderful friends and teachers whilst studying Drama and Performance A Levels at Paston Sixth Form. I was part of the Far East Theatre Company at my Sixth Form gaining an even better understanding and insight to the theatre environment. Last year we performed a play from the National Connections called ‘The Boy Preference’ written by Elinor Cook, who came to watch our production and it was incredible to be given such positive feedback from the playwright herself. This year I played Hermia a favourite role of mine in ‘A Midsummers Night Dream’ which was part of the celebration of William Shakespeare's 400th Anniversary.

I have been lucky to see many shows in London, ranging from Musicals on the West End to productions at The Globe Theatre.

I have had singing lessons for five years and just taken my Grade 8 Music Theatre Singing Exam this summer. This year I also took part in the local choral society where we performed a concert with music from a new composer alongside the London Mozart Players, I enjoyed this experience and it improved my sight reading skills. In addition I performed the operetta ‘Pirates of Penzance’ with the touring company ‘Opera Anywhere’ at Sheringham Little Theatre. I have always loved dancing and attended ballet lessons from an early age and gained my Grade 5 in ballet in 2013 and I am still taking weekly lessons.

I am an honest, hardworking, conscientious person who is friendly and self-motivated. Performing on stage or behind the camera is my ultimate ambition. I love performing on stage in front of an audience and I find the excitement backstage just as enjoyable. Knowing I now have an opportunity to get real training is extremely exciting.

When visiting Birmingham School of Acting for my audition I fell in love with the amazing facilities, people and location. There was an electric atmosphere and buzz that I found thrilling. What a place! I would relish the opportunity to study acting there and it would be the opportunity of a lifetime and I am very much looking forward to the attending.

The course costs £10,000 so I would be grateful for any contributions. I ensure that any support given will be used positively and that this course will allow me to progress onto a three year BA Acting course; either continuing at the Birmingham School of Acting or moving onto another Drama UK accredited school in London. So far, I have paid enough to cover my deposits. Therefore, I am asking if you might be able to offer a contribution to my funding and whether you would be interested in supporting me with the financial part of my professional drama school career. I will also be doing several fundraising events this summer, and I will keep you updated to let you know what I'm getting up to.

 My goal is to be a professional actress who will influence and inspire young females to get involved in the arts industry in the UK; very much like how I have been influenced by an array of British female talent growing up including Julie Walters, Jennifer Saunders, Judi Dench, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Emily Blunt, Victoria Wood and many more.

In addition here is the link to my course with more information about the course itself:
http://www.bcu.ac.uk/acting/courses/foundation-actor-training

Thank you!!!!!!!

This project successfully funded on 20th September 2016