The road to drama school; my labour of love

You’re probably wondering why I’m asking you, the public, for donations. “Who is this Aled asking us for money”? I hear you say.  So if you read a little further I will tell you my story.

The good news is, finally, I got into a Drama school that it has been my dream of attending, The Drama Centre London. I also got an offer from another amazing school, The Royal Welsh College of Music and drama but as I already live in Cardiff I would like to spread my wings to London. It has taken me three years, endless attempts and a ton of blood, sweat, and tears. Three years of auditions, coach travel, choosing monologues, learning lines, new friends and the terror.  Let’s not forget about the terror!!  I knew that competition for a place was fierce, that I was reaching for the stars and letting myself in for a lot of rejection.  This was definitely a labour of love.

And this Ladies and Gentlemen, the people of the world, brings me on to the bad news. It’s not dreadfully bad news,  more unfortunate news: London is definitely an over priced city. The type of place where you would probably have to take out a loan or a mortgage to have your morning coffee.  


So I will be in London for a definite three years, or maybe more, we’ll have to see how school goes. I know it is going to be difficult and agony sometimes, but that’s no bother: I’m there to work hard, so that success will be the outcome.  I’m not going to be stupidly poor, or on the streets, or begging for food, but I will be low on cash which will make things tricky.  I would have no issues getting a part time job but due to the restraints of the course, we have been told by the college that this is an unlikely option.  So that’s why I've made this GoFundMePage. If I manage to raise any funds it  will be there to help me out during the first few months of living in London. The donations will be used to pay for my deposit and first months rent on the accommodation that I will be sharing. Also the first big old shop, all the basics, so I’m sorted for the first month. I’m asking for donations, so that I can have an easier transition into a new life.  It would be nice to think that I have a couple of items ticked off the list for the beginning of my journey.  

Unfortunately rent in London is on the expensive side.  The usual cost is between £600-800 a month, keep breathing, and that’s in areas such as Camden and Islington. These are areas I’d like to live, as they’re central, so I’d be saving on some transport fare, using my bike to cycle to college while also still being in the heart of London. Luckily, I do have student loans and grants to fund most of my rent but this leaves me with very little to live on through the year and I am also without funds to pay the upfront initial rent and deposit. I have also been given a rather large list of kit that I need to have by the first day of term to include two pairs of ballet shoes, footless tights and a jockstrap!!!

I’m ever so thankful that you've taken your time read this. Obviously I don't expect any donations, but if you could perhaps manage to spare £1 and share my page on your social media then that would be amazing.

Thank you

Aled



A note from Aleds mum.

Aled has overcome a lot to get where he has today.  He is hard working, incredibly big hearted and has been a volunteer in a number of community groups for many years.  He completely deserves as much support as you can give.

I am very proud of my son and would love to be able to help him out financially, but unfortunately I am disabled and Aled lost his dad when he was 8 so we have been on our own.  It has been documented that students from working class families find it very difficult to survive at drama school as it is still quite elitist and many students are from  a privileged background.  There is a very good article by Vicky Mclure (Line of Duty) that talks about the hardships of drama school for the working class student.  I have added the link if you would be interested in reading it.   https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vicky-mcclure-on-line-of-duty-money-class-and-all-those-old-etonian-actors-2vlhr9dlv 


Thank you
Gail x