My name is Orla Walker and I am an 18 year old aspiring Musical Theatre performer from Shepton Mallet, Somerset. I have recently completed my 2 year training at Bath Theatre Academy on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts. This year I have been auditioning to go to Drama School in September 2026, begin further training in Musical Theatre and be one step closer to achieving my dream of being a Performer. I have been offered places at BIPA, Performers College Birmingham and Chichester University but very recently have been offered a place to train on the Foundation course at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London. The opportunity to train here would be my absolute dream- it is somewhere I have always wanted to go and this intensive and individual training would make me the best performer I could be.

Mountview is a prestigious leading Drama School, specialising in Musical theatre, its success rate from graduation employment is 94%-100% within one year and only around 5% who audition get offered a place. Places are limited, the competition is fierce, and it is an honour to have been offered the opportunity to train here with 12 other students in their Exeter training camp.

Unfortunately this school is private therefore not allowing me to access student finance for support meaning my family and I will need to financially fund this independently. This is an incredibly large amount of money: course fees are £9600 and accommodation £10,000 plus living expenses.

Since losing my dad in April 2025 extremely suddenly to a heart attack whilst taking part in the running race ‘The Big Cheese’, our family’s financial circumstances have significantly changed. I am unbelievably passionate about performing and know this is my chosen career path and that my Dad would have done anything within his power to make this happen. He came to every performance and was my biggest cheerleader. I am so eager to achieve and live my dream for him and I want to make him proud.

I have been performing since I was 4 years old. Taking part in local events through The Chapel Dance School, Shepton Mallet like Collett Park Day and The Christmas Dance Show Fundraising Event for 13 years. I have also performed annually with Frome’s Amateur Dramatic Society, through Spellbound and the Adult Group and have performed at the Egg, Bath, most recently as Hope in Urinetown.

I still can’t believe I have gained a place at this prestigious school and the opportunity to have the best training opportunities available. So now I am looking for sponsors to help me live this life long dream. I would be exceedingly grateful for any financial help offered to me.