Another charity we are proud to support is Young Actors Theatre Islington, an organisation that uses theatre and performance to create opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have access to them.

At Frensham Heights, drama has played a huge role in school life. Ludo and Will have spent countless hours rehearsing, performing in productions like Frankenstein, Guys and Dolls, Adams Family, Regeneration, We will rock you and Beauty and the Beast. Seeing the confidence, commitment and joy that comes from being part of theatre has shown us how valuable these experiences can be. Even for those of us who are more comfortable sitting in the audience and cheering them on, it's impossible not to appreciate the impact it has.

Not every young person has access to the same opportunities we do at Frensham Heights. Young Actors Theatre Islington works to change that by giving disadvantaged children and teenagers the chance to take part in acting classes, workshops and performances that can build confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging.

By raising money for this charity, we hope to help make those opportunities available to more young people and support an organisation that believes creativity and expression should be accessible to everyone.

I had an odd introduction to acting. Growing up in the UAE, there were little opportunities for me to discover acting, but after moving to the UK, my school 'Frensham Heights' champion the arts, and brought me to realise my talent and love of the stage. Acting has not only developed my character, but allowed me to achieve a greater sense of empathy, and humility. To work with underprivileged children, and raise money on their behalf would let me exercise my gratitude. I believe everyone deserves a fair opportunity to live their dreams, and sometimes that requires a helping hand. Therefore, it would mean a great deal to me to face the challenge of a half marathon and Tough Mudder, and donate our profit. Thank you.

- Will

To me acting is everything. I view it as both something to challenge me and something that I can turn to in times of trouble; a form of escapism. When certain coordinative pastimes, such as football, didn’t go according to plan…I turned to Stagecoach Battersea and spent the next 14 years there because I found an activity that I loved. It became far more than a hobby; it is now a working organ in my body. To donate to an organisation that allows other children with similar ambitions to be able to grasp them through high-quality, affordable and inclusive means would be an absolute pleasure. Acting and theatre is something that brings a diverse range of individuals together for a mutual love, acting is whatever you make it. Completing the half marathon and subsequent Tough-Mudder would be incredibly fulfilling, and donating all the money earned would heighten this.

Thank you for reading,

Ludo

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