Story
You can also follow/share my journey on Instagram and Twitter: @Vivsharma91
Being a South Asian LGBTQ+ international Actor, getting into Central was a dream. Now due to Covid, I face losing that place due to financial hardship.
The Journey so far…
The 7th of December 2018 was the best day of my life. I woke up before 6am in a cheap hotel in The Rocks, Sydney, with a nervous ball in my stomach. I had to get ready as quietly as possible, because my sister (who drove me to Sydney the night before) was asleep on the other side of the hotel room.
This was the day of my Audition for one of the top Acting Schools in the world.
I remember that day vividly. I remember warming up in the morning, eating breakfast quickly, the summer heat, and walking to the audition before 8AM (which was at the intimidating Shangri-La Hotel—which only made me feel more out of my depth!). But I also remember that I left the audition on an absolutely euphoric high. It was the first time I’d ever gotten a call-back for an Acting School, and I thought: “even if I don’t get in this time, I can actually do it. I can act.”
Two months later I got an email saying that I had been given an unconditional offer for the BA (Hons) Acting – Collaborative and Devised Theatre program (CDT), at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London (Central).
Who Am I?
My name is Vivek Sharma. I was born to two immigrant parents, raised in Australia, and I spent my childhood and adolescence OBSESSED with Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Spiderman. I always wanted to become one of my heroes, but as a kid I was keenly aware that (as a South-Asian) I didn’t look much like them.
It’s become my life mission to contribute to the diversity and representation of the stories that we tell. I want to be an actor, but also a storyteller.
What am I studying at Drama School?
The Acting CDT course is unique in that it bridges the intersection of classical actor training, with innovative Devising practices to create Actors who are also trained as writers and makers of their own work. Basically: This means that not only will I be trained as an actor, I will also be able to contribute towards Diversity and Representation as a STORYTELLER as well. I want to join the ranks of Mindy Kaling, Hasan Minhaj, Aziz Ansari; South-Asians who are in control of the stories we tell about ourselves. I want to make a difference.
I am one of 18 actors selected worldwide from over 5000 applicants to study the CDT course at Central in the 2019 intake. I am the only Australian in my year, and I am the first South-Asian to get onto CDT in 5 years. Watch the CDT Course video to learn more!
Why do I need your help?
I knew Acting School in London would be hard, but like everyone else I was not prepared for the impact of a global pandemic.
As an International Student, I’m ineligible for a loan so I must pay International tuition fees and London living expenses out of pocket. Before I moved to London I saved enough money to pay for my first 18 months of living expenses, and I planned to work full-time during term breaks to get through the rest of my training. But then COVID happened.
I lost two jobs in March 2020, and couldn't find another job until September. By that stage, I’d lost 6 months of employment and thousands of pounds in expected income. Realistically, if I cannot raise substantial funds soon then not only will I be unable to pay tuition fees, but as of March 2021 (when my life-savings ran out) I am now also unable to pay for rent. As the border to Australia is still closed, I won’t be able to return home… so I face the very real prospect of becoming homeless in London. I currently work two jobs again, but due to my 40-hour-per-week school timetable and the limited hours of work I am able to secure, my current income is not enough to help me pay rent— let alone save for my tuition fees for the rest of the training.
What am I doing now?
I’m determined to make things work. I’m working hard to get any extra hours of work that I can. I work as a tutor for children, teaching them English and Maths (and I love it!) and I also do some freelance editing/proofreading/writing outside of that.
How can you help?
You can either: Donate money, or Share my story
I know it’s a huge amount I am asking for, but I will do everything in my power to make this work. If you find yourself moved to donate to my mission, I would be eternally grateful. If you are unable to contribute money, I would be so, so appreciative of anyone who donated their time and advocacy by sharing my story with others.
… And what will I do for you in return?
I won't ask you to give money for nothing, so I am determined to do whatever I can to pay you back in any way that I know how!
In exchange for your contributions, I would love to offer acting lessons, singing lessons, proofreading/writing services, or any other skill-share option. I had a career in the public service for 9 years, and have a lot of experience with job applications, corporate communications, and various other admin tasks. I'm not too shabby on Excel either (I used to be the parliamentary reporting officer for Department of Defence!). I also earnt a Bachelor of Arts (English and Drama) and a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Digital Media) from the Australian National University, so I can offer tutoring for essay writing, or even a little bit of HTML coding!
And if none of that is of interest: I will sing you a song. Write you a poem. Read you a story. I’ll even Dance for you! I'm a performer. Name your entertainment of choice :)
THE SHORT VERSION:
Basically, I’m in a bit of trouble.
I have a dream to become an Actor and storyteller. I have a mission to contribute to the diversity and representation of our storytelling landscape. I have a need to train myself to become the best artist that I can be.
But I don’t have the money to get there.
Your contributions could save my life and my dream. You will be helping me pay living expenses and tuition fees (breakdown below). You will be helping me to complete my training. But not only will you be helping me to keep my home and my place at Acting School, you will also be helping to keep the fight for representation in this industry alive.
Thank you so much for reading my story and giving me your time <3
Breakdown of costs:
Third Year School Fees (2021-2022): £23,608
Rent + Household bills: £8,400
Food, phone bills, travel and course equipment/books/other course expenses (including third-year industry costs): £2,992 (supplemented with my own income)
You can also follow/share my journey on Instagram and Twitter: @Vivsharma91
Previous Performances:
Video footage-
Zak and Reefa’s Bollywood Funeral (selected footage)
Reviews-
Zak and Reefa’s Bollywood Funeral - ScissorsPaperPen
The Inheritance – Canberra Critics Circle
