Drama school dream fund for autistic performer

Hi, my name is Maiya Josephine Critchley, I am from Wigan, and I am 17 years old. I'm currently at college completing my A-Levels and I have just recieved my dream place at New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts on the two year Musical Theatre Course! I know, how exciting! I have been awarded a scholarship of $12,000 but I still need to find the funds for the rest of the fees. The total is $54,000 but this includes a shared dorm room with three other students. My mum is getting a loan for £10,000 and we have looked at student loans for the remainder but unfortunately they do not cover USA studies. If I reach my goal my aim is to give back to other students in the Wigan area who are aiming to reach higher. When I finally start my first job as an actor I promise to donate a monthly amount of my salary to others who are in the same situation. ( This money is not for me to live off day to day it is just for the fees. My daily food will be noodles! I will do anything to make this dream come true!)

Musical Theatre and acting are the only things that have kept me happy over the years.

Especially when I was younger and was dealing with what most young people who have ASD are dealing with.

Some days I would be so low that the only thing that made me smile was performing and singing... I must have driven my parents round the bend, but they have always remained my biggest advocates.

I have been on the stage from a very young age and my mum always told me that my special gift was my ASD as it allowed me to fully immerse myself into any role - being creative has

kept me happy, and singing and acting could lighten any day!

I have performed in musical theatre, taught myself to play the bass guitar, performed in various bands, and also been part of various performances for National Theatre Connections.

I work two part time jobs and will be saving every penny I can get, but I still have a long way to go. My mum said she would sell her kidney but I think I have asked for enough already!

If there is any way that you feel you could spare a donation to my fund, or if not, please share my page and manifest for me, I would be eternally grateful!

I could write forever about the bands, shows and performances that I have performed in. I can imagine that there are many young performers out there just as desperate as me to find the funding to achieve their goal. Whether I get to New York or not, I have finally realised that I have a talent and that my ASD does not hold me back.

I would love to be able to raise enough money to attend the Conservatory in New York and begin my training.

I will promise to always keep you up to date on my progress and in the future I will also gift forward to others in need.

Thank you for reading my gofundme page!

UPDATE - I have been selling clothes on vinted and started raising money which I will place into here next week when the funds come in . It’s a great way to earn and a great way for others to get cheap clothes that I don’t wear anymore . My mum is still donating hers to charity but I don’t think anyone would buy them anyway

I have also been offered more shift out of college time so I hope that will help 

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, I hope you received my PM of sincere gratitude! Please keep sharing !