Hiya, I’m Oliver.

I'm from a small town in Surrey in the United Kingdom and I have been given the opportunity to study at one of the World's most prestigious schools, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City (MENTAL!) in September 2027!

I've always loved the art of theatre. Theatre is the sole piece of art that cannot be replicated by a machine. There is no storytelling connection like theatre. Hundreds, if not, thousands of people watching other people create a new world, in real time. I've always been fascinated...I've always been inspired.

For the past 6 years, I trained at Pauline Quirke Academy. That’s where I really developed my skills and confidence, and where I realised this isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s what I want to pursue as a career.

On the 14th April 2026, I got accepted into the New York Film Academy and* AMDA to study Musical Theatre. This is a life changing opportunity, and the big dream I’ve been working so hard to achieve.

The difficult part is the cost.

The total tuition and living expenses come to around £60,000.

I am overjoyed to have been awarded the Maximum talent based scholarship that the school provides, which is £60,000 (50% of total costs).

However, unfortunately, even after the £60,000 scholarship awarded, the remaining £60,000 is an amount I can never accumulate within a year independently. Without financial help, I won’t be able to take this place.

That’s why I’m asking for support.

Any contribution will go directly towards helping me attend AMDA, NYC and continue my training. If you’re not able to donate, that's more than fine! Simply sharing this post could make this whole thing possible.

This is my chance to take a real step into the industry and I’m ready to put in the work, I just need the opportunity to get there. I’ve spent years dreaming about being able to do this.

Now I finally have the opportunity.

I just need help getting there.

If you’ve donated, shared, supported me, encouraged me, watched me perform, listened to me sing, helped me train, or simply taken the time to read this — thank you.

It genuinely means more than I can put into words.

Here’s to the next chapter.

Surrey → New York City → AMDA

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this xx

All performance reels, contact information and newsletter details are listed on my website: www.oliverridley.co.uk