Hi Everyone, I'm Amelia. I am 16 years old and have loved drama ever since I was small. I have always wanted a career in acting but never thought it would be possible until now. I started acting with Stage Coach drama school in Harrogate and haven't really stopped since. Whilst I was there, I was told by the head of the school in my end of year report that I "wasn't suited to acting" and maybe "it wasn't for me". However, that didn't stop me. I attended Brackenfield Primary school where my love for drama was encouraged by the fantastic members of staff. I then went to Harrogate Ladies college where I was awarded a Drama Scholarship. I have appeared in many school productions, some of you may remember me as the Artful Dodger in Oliver! last year and John Proctor in The Crucible this year.

I decided earlier this year that I would like to audition for the National Youth Theatre as an experience, and as it was my first time auditioning, I didn't expect to get in. I took part in a 3 hour audition and performed a short monologue of my choice. Having worked very hard with my two incredible drama teachers at HLC, Mr Michael Cook and Mrs Lesley Lloyd I'm so happy to say I have been offered a place on NYT's Junior Course this Summer. Over 6000 young people aged between fourteen and twenty five auditioned this year so being offered a place is a significant achievement. After completing the course I will be a member of the National Youth Theatre gaining full access to their network and performance opportunities. I really want to do the course as my dream is to pursue acting as a career. I would love to go to drama school and doing the course would be a fantastic opportunity to work with industry experts.

The National Youth Theatre is a world renowned establishment with alumni such as Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Colin Firth, Hugh Bonneville, Sir Daniel Day Lewis and Catherine Tate to name just a few. Being offered a place on this course is a huge privilege, however I need some help to get there. The cost of the course, the accommodation, travelling down to London and living/ travelling costs equates to £1,400 so I am aiming to crowdfund as much as I can whilst also fundraising doing odd jobs for my family and friends.

Anything at all you can give I am so grateful for.

Thank you so much, Amelia