Hi, my name is Sam Sheridan. I am a 16-year-old aspiring actor with big dreams of making it in the industry. I am currently studying Drama at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

This year I auditioned for The National Youth Theatre (NYT) summer intake course. A programme where a small, selected group of actors are given the chance to work with professional experienced actors at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton, to learn and develop skills to become a performer. Over 6000 people auditioned this year, with only 30 being successful on gaining a place on the Junior Actor Course. I am pleased to say that I was one of the lucky few. I will be staying in Northampton alongside others from my course. The fees for the course and accommodation are around £900.00 and, as part of the process, the NYT are encouraging us to fund raise the costs. Over the next few weeks, I will be carrying out various fund-raising projects including raffles, quizzes and other activities to raise the funds.

This opportunity will be a huge step in my career, as it has started many actors before me. Keep an eye out on my Facebook page for updates. In the meantime, I would really appreciate any donations to get me off to a good start.

About The National Youth Theatre

The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain is a world-leading youth arts organisation. NYT was established in 1956 as the first youth theatre in the world! Many famous faces have been members of the National Youth Theatre, including: Daniel Craig, Orlando Bloom, Dame Helen Mirren, Catherine Tate, Colin Firth, Rosamund Pike, Matt Smith, Matt Lewis and David Walliams.

It gives young people the opportunity to learn about themselves, others, acting and technical theatre, leading to a lot of members going on to become well known faces of the stage and screen.

“The National Youth Theatre at this moment in time is incredibly important because the way my business is going, it’s the prerogative only of kids who have got money. It was my way in because we didn’t have money to send me to drama school.” Helen Mirren - Oscar Winning Actor and National Youth Theatre Alumna.

“The National Youth Theatre is the reason I’m an actor. It completely transformed my life and I’m proud to be part of it still because I care very deeply about it.” Matt Smith - Actor (Youngest doctor in BBC's Dr Who).