Juilliard and Theatre Education Fund

Hi, Everyone!

My name is Ashley Hurd. I am currently a student at the Juilliard School studying vocal arts through their Extension Division program. A couple of weeks ago, a dear classmate of mine, Ellen, sent me a very loving message expressing her belief in my talent and future, explaining that she has friends who like to support artists, and suggesting that I create a GoFundMe so that anyone who might wish to support my education has an avenue in which to do so.

I come from a music and theatre background, my mother, aunt, and uncle having gone to drama school themselves, and my mother, aunts, and uncles having been members of a family band that traveled around the country to perform, years before I was born.

I moved to New York in 2012 to attend The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Since then, I have spent a great deal of time working full-time jobs in an attempt to stay in New York and to finance my education. This, notably, has severely slowed down my progresss and prevented me from putting the necessary amount of energy towards my goals. I was laid off from my full-time position in July of this past year and have been using this time to focus fully on my education and career.

If anyone would like to support me in financing my education and living expenses as I throw myself headfirst into my endeavors, your kindness would not be wasted. I've got something here and I have every intention of bringing it fully to fruition.

Thank you!