Help Avanita Shine: Fund Her Acting Journey

Hi, I’m Avanita, and I’m reaching out with hope and a dream.

In 2019, I left Malaysia for the United States with a heart full of ambition. I believed that through creativity and service, I could shape a meaningful future. Four years later, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a double degree in Theatre & Arts and Psychology.

After graduation, life took a sudden turn. I returned home to care for my terminally ill mother. Being her caregiver was incredibly challenging, but it deepened my sense of purpose and strengthened my connection to the thing that’s always brought me light: acting.

Even while at home, I worked on various monologues under the guidance, encouragement and support of my good friend and coach Giuseppe, I poured everything I had into keeping my dream alive. And then—something amazing happened.

I was accepted into Drama Studio London, one of the UK’s most respected performing arts schools. This opportunity is more than a program—it’s a launching pad for my future as an artist and storyteller.

But I need help to take this next step.

Coming from a developing country, the exchange rate makes this dream financially out of reach without support. I need to raise $40,000 to cover tuition, housing, healthcare, and basic living costs for two years.

I’m applying for scholarships and plan to work once I settle in, but I can’t do this alone.

That’s why I’m asking for your support—not just in dollars, but in belief. Whether you can donate, share my story, or even just offer words of encouragement, it all matters deeply.

If you’re able to contribute $1,000 or more, I’d love to give back by running a drama workshop for your kids or community—my way of saying thank you with something meaningful.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me get one step closer to this dream.

With love and gratitude,

Avanita

P.S., A letter of endorsement from my former professor Arthur Grothe, Professor of Theatre Arts, Artistic Director of Theatre for UWEC:

"I am Arthur Grothe, Professor of Theatre and Artistic Director of Theatre at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. I am happy to write on behalf of Avanita as she pursues the next steps in her creative journey. Avanita came to theatre a little later in her academic career. However, once she decided, she dove headfirst to pursue her craft. She has consistently worked hard and challenged herself to delve deeper into her craft. She took advantage of every opportunity and sought additional training and coaching. If she can raise the money to continue her education, she will take full and complete advantage of the opportunity.

As many know, higher education is not a cheap endeavor, and today's economic tumult exacerbates this challenge. Originally, Avanita hoped to return to the United States to continue her studies, but with many Drama programs either shutting down or no longer accepting overseas students, those options have become extremely limited. Additionally, as Avanita has talked about, her family is now a one-income household, and they cannot provide additional financial support. Please consider sharing a donation to her fundraising efforts (if you are able) and do so with the knowledge that she is a hard-working, dedicated young artist."