A MELKSHAM performer is trying to raise funds to pay her tuition fees after earning a place at one of the most prestigious performing art schools in the country.
Erin Simpson has earned a place on a three-year BA Hons course in musical theatre at the Arts Educational School in Chiswick, London. The drama school is regarded as one of the best in the country and Erin had to see off fierce competition to earn a place. Around 6,000 people applied for the 48 spaces available on the course and following a rigorous audition process, she was accepted.
Arts Educational is renown for producing talented artists that go on to have successful careers in the West End, on television and in film but costs £13,000 per year for tuition fees. Stars such as Julie Andrews, Martin Clunes, Catherine Zeta Jones, Charlie Brooks and Will Young have attended the school.
Erin has always had a huge interest in singing, dancing and performing and has studied at the South West Academy of Dramatic Arts in Bristol and the Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford before success in her recent Arts Educational audition.
She will begin the task of raising the funds necessary to attend the school by hosting a gig at the Rising Sun in Lacock on Friday 18th July at 7.30pm. Her CD will be available at the event.
Erin said, “I was so, so excited when I found out and I still am. It is very tough to get in so I knew I would have to do very well in the audition to have a chance. I am the only person from my class to get a place at this school and it’s even tougher for girls as it’s so competitive, so I am delighted.
“My sister said before I picked up my letter that if it’s in a small envelope it’s a rejection, so my heart sunk when I saw it was a small letter but thankfully I was accepted. We were off to a West End show as a family that day as well and it was great to read the programme and see so many of the cast had studied at Arts Educational! The school has a great reputation for its students going on to success, so I hope to follow that trend.
“Ideally I want to work in the West End but eventually one day it would be great to go into television acting. Charlie Brooks who plays Janine in Eastenders went to Arts Educational and I would love to play a character like hers.
“The cost of the tuition fees is massive but I will do all I can to help raise the money. I welcome anyone to come to my gig at the Rising Sun and any donation, no matter how big or small, would be hugely appreciated in helping me towards going to my dream school.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor Erin can do so by emailing erinsimpson@hotmail.co.uk
