Help me get to the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York

First of all, I hate asking for help so this attempt at getting granted money is, in itself, getting me out of my comfort zone.

My name is Alex and I'm a working actor and writer (and I'm also poor). Just this week, I had an interview at a prestigious acting school in New York City - The Strasberg Institute - and was granted a place on their intensive acting course for advanced students in August. I'm overjoyed with excitement but also scared witless of stepping further from my comfort zone. Also - August is so soon! How would I raise the money!

To study here is crucial to my growth as an actor. It will give me the tools and skills I need to further progress in character and truth.

I came late into acting but it's always been a calling. So far, I've secured roles in a couple of short films, a commercial and a feature film. I also wrote and produced my own play at Brighton Fringe Festival (called Homophobia on the Orient Express). I guess it's only now that I've had the courage and committment to pursue this goal, as I didn't feel I had the confidence to do so in my younger years.

As someone with working class roots and from the Isle of Wight (a place where dreams die!) I'm so proud of how far I've come. My play was the scariest thing I'd ever done in my life but it is also the thing I'm most proud of. I've recently won a bursary to put the play on again next year and I hope to improve on my acting skills so that I can hone my performance.

How the funds will be used

I'm hoping to use the money to cover the two weeks I'm there. Specifically: