Help Fund My Acting Diploma as an Autistic Actor

Aim: The aim of this campaign is to raise £2,500 in financial support to help an autistic amateur actor enroll in a Diploma in Acting program.

Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to visit my campaign. My name is Derek Darvell, and I’m a passionate amateur actor with a dream—to become a professional performer and share stories that matter, especially those that amplify diverse voices and lived experiences. As an autistic actor, my journey has been anything but conventional. Yet, it is through the theatre that I’ve found strength, purpose, and connection. Today, I am reaching out to you—not just for financial support—but for belief. I have been accepted into a Diploma in Acting program that can shape the future of my career. With your help, I aim to raise £2,500 to cover the tuition costs and take this vital step forward.

Background Story:

From the first time I stepped onto a stage, I felt something I had never experienced before: belonging.

Theatre allowed me to escape the often-overwhelming noise of the world and gave me the tools to express myself in ways

I previously struggled with Acting as an amateur while it has been transformative. Over the years, I’ve participated in numerous local theatre productions where I’ve not only honed practical skills like character work, voice projection, and movement—but I’ve also learned resilience, self-awareness, and empathy. These performances weren’t just roles—they were personal victories, especially as someone navigating the challenges of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Theatre has empowered me to channel my unique way of experiencing the world into something beautiful and powerful. But despite the joy it brings me, making the leap from amateur acting to professional work has been an uphill battle—particularly when trying to find a course that understood and accommodated my specific learning needs. After countless rejections and moments of doubt, I was finally accepted into a Diploma in Acting course—a program designed to nurture talent and help aspiring performers like me reach their full potential. The course is equivalent to an HND and will also allow me, upon completion, to apply directly to the third year of university—a tremendous opportunity to formalize my skills, build a network, and transition into paid, professional work. But here’s the challenge: I do not currently have paid employment and cannot afford the tuition on my own. That’s why I’ve turned to Crowdfunder—to invite you into my story and ask for your support in helping me realize a dream that has been years in the making.

Campaign Goal: £2,500

The total cost required to enroll and complete the Diploma in Acting course is £2,500.

This includes: Tuition fees Essential learning materials Basic transport costs Required performance attire and workshop tools. This funding will cover the full amount I need to secure my place and ensure I can fully participate in all course modules without added financial stress. Every pound raised will directly fund my ability to learn, grow, and ultimately contribute to the theatre industry as a proud, skilled, autistic professional actor.

The Impact of Your Support

By supporting this campaign, you’re doing more than funding a course—you’re actively participating in the transformation of someone’s life.

Here's how your donation makes a difference:

•Empowering Representation Your support amplifies autistic representation in the arts, helping break stereotypes and normalize neurodiversity on stage and screen.

•Unlocking Potential This course is not just a certification—it’s the missing piece I need to build a career doing what I love. It will provide the technical training, industry exposure, and confidence required to take on paid roles.

•Creating Inclusive Arts As someone who brings a unique perspective to storytelling, I aim to use my platform to highlight underrepresented voices and promote inclusion. Your donation is an investment in a more diverse creative industry.

•Personal Healing and Growth Acting has been an emotional lifeline for me. It provides structure, expression, and joy in a world that can often feel chaotic. Completing this diploma will not only help my career—it will deeply impact my personal well-being.

Inspiring Others:

I want my journey to encourage other autistic creatives who may feel overlooked or underestimated. With your help, we can show that talent knows no limits—and that dreams are valid, no matter your background or challenges.

Appreciation:

I cannot overstate how grateful I am to each and every person who supports this campaign—whether through a donation, sharing the link, or sending kind words of encouragement. Every act of support reminds me that this dream is not just mine—it belongs to everyone who believes in inclusitivity, in creativity, and in second chances. As a token of my gratitude: I will personally thank each supporter with a message. All backers will receive updates on my training progress and milestones. I’ll also dedicate a special section of my future performances and profiles to honor the incredible community that believed in me from the beginning.

 Call to Action:

Please consider donating—no amount is too small. Even £5 helps me move closer to this life-changing opportunity.

Share this campaign with your friends, family, and networks. The more people who hear about it, the greater the impact we can make together.

If you have any questions or want to know more about my journey, feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect. This isn’t just about tuition. It’s about helping a determined actor rise above barriers and finally take center stage—not just in theatre, but in life.

 Learn More & Try the Software / Additional Info

Thank you for reading my story and considering supporting my dream. My love for acting has helped me cope, grow, and shine in ways I never imagined. With professional training, I can finally step into a future filled with opportunity, expression, and purpose. If you want to learn more about the acting program or my past theatre work, feel free to contact me directly through Crowdfunder or follow my creative journey as it unfolds.

“Every actor brings something different to a character. My difference is my strength.”

Let’s bring that strength to life—together.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 15th August 2025 at 4:25pm