Help Me Attend Juilliard... Please

My name is Daniel Saunders, and in one way, shape, or form I've always wanted to be a storyteller.

But to be honest, acting wasn't my first major dream.

When I was a kid, I actually thought I wanted to be a police officer. I was so taken by the image of law enforcement in films and television. For instance, after I watched Rush Hour, I believed that as a cop I would have fun chasing and fighting bad guys, and survive falling hundreds of feet.

Little did I know that I was actually in love with the idea of telling a story. As I experienced the life God intended, I came to realize that I wanted to be a storyteller and it is a responsibility I feel I need and would absolutely love to take on.

I was born and raised in DFW. My parents have both worked in the educational field most of my life, and they really support me and push the idea of constant growth and the pursuit of happiness.

And acting is my happiness.

In 2014-2015, I was officially introduced to the art of acting and storytelling on stage. I was a 17-year-old kid when a close friend of mine -I consider him to be a brother- suggested I audition for these short scenes DeSoto High School was having for the annual Texas Thespian annual competition. I did and earned the role of Sly Scavenger in A Golden Fleecing.

From that experience alone, I knew I had found my purpose.

I graduated from DeSoto High in 2016 and continued pursuing my dream. I was introduced to independent filmmaking and took a deeper dive into stage acting through the Dramatic Media program at Texas Lutheran University. After Graduating with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in the year 2020, I would like to continue to hone my skills and honor my craft by earning a Master's of Fine Arts from Julliard.

Yeah, I can’t believe it either… just saying that brings a smile to my face every time, and to say that I am excited would be an understatement. I say I don’t believe it, not because I doubted my skill, but because it's a difficult feat to accomplish. If you know, you know... it's pretty tough to get into Juilliard. I'm a part of the next generation of talented artists and storytellers around the world who are on the path to becoming masters at our craft, while also making a positive impact on those around us.

So, here is where you guys come in. I don’t want to do this but I can’t let this dream go because of a lack of money. If you can help great, if not please do me a huge favor and share this on your social media pages.

The art of acting is my true passion and to be blessed with this opportunity to go to a world-renowned acting program, led by some of the best instructors in the world... is almost unfathomable. So, if I could get your help in not only becoming a better actor, but a better person as well, I will be forever grateful.

Thank you!

Daniel Saunders