Support Ilayda’s Dream of NYU

Hi everyone,

My name is Ilayda McIntosh, and I have recently been offered a place on 2 year MFA Dramatic Writing programme at the Tisch School of Arts (New York University),

The programme begins in September 2025 and accepts only 24 students a year, 4 of which are international students. I am so grateful to be one of them.

NYU is considered the #1 film school in the US, and one of the most prestigious institutions for the performing, cinematic and dramatic arts. Notable alumni include Spike Lee, M. Night Shyamalan, Chloe Zhao, Lady Gaga, Adam Sandler and more.

Why I Need Your Support

Unfortunately, financial support for UK students in the US is extremely limited. Many of the scholarships which support these arts programmes closed before NYU even announced their decisions.

I have some scholarship support to cover my tuition fees, however I still need to crowd fund towards the living costs.

I am a British-born working class artist with Turkish and Jamaican heritage. I have worked since a very young age - my first job was a paper round at 14! Though I intend to continue to work throughout my studies, the F1 visa limits working to a maximum of 20 hours per week.

It is impossible for me to raise these funds alone, so I’m turning to my community, friends, family and associates to make my wildest dream a reality.

This money will contribute to all my projected living costs, including health insurance, accommodation, transportation, books/equipment and personal expenses.

My Journey in Theatre

To share more about my journey - I am a playwright and performer, currently based in London. After studying BA (Hons) English and Drama at Queen Mary University of London, I began my work in theatre. I have since written and produced multiple plays across London, worked with incredible theatre creators and directors and co-founded a theatre company - Honey Theatre.

Honey Theatre is a creative company and community championing bold storytellers from the global majority. We have organised multiple community-led programmes, new writing showcases, artist development programmes and more. We currently facilitate Intergenerational Theatre Group for local residents, in partnership with Islington Council.

I was an artistic associate at Nouveau Riche, developed my craft with Soho Theatre’s Writers Lab and Talawa Theatre Company's Introductory Writers Group.

As a playwright, I have worked with Omnibus Theatre, Arcola Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Intermission Youth Theatre and more.

In 2024, I won the prestigious Mustapha Matura Award for Playwriting for my debut play, Hummingbird. I am currently being mentored by the incredible Winsome Pinnock.

Hummingbird was also longlisted for the Tony Craze Award 2025 and Ilfield Prize 2025. My writing has also been shortlisted for the Vault 5 Prize in 2021.

My Legacy

This Master’s programme at NYU is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With this incredibly competitive and high-calibre education, I will have the tools to refine my artistry, develop a body of work, and reach my full potential in an immersive environment.

I want to create a legacy of work that is urgent, truthful and bold; writing that challenges audience perspectives and stays with them beyond the final curtain or frame. I currently write plays which stir debate and hold a mirror up to the world we live in.

I wish for my people and beyond to feel represented on stage, to feel a connection - to the writing, to themselves and to each other. Though I’m still finding my voice, I know I would flourish with the opportunity to refine my craft at one of the world’s best institutions, surrounded by peers and mentors who will both challenge and inspire me.

Any contribution, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated and means the world to me.

With all my gratitude,

Ilayda

MFA Dramatic Writing Student, NYU

How You Can Help

Donate - via my crowdfunding page!

Follow my journey on socials @iilaydamac

Please share my story in your communities - you never know who it may reach!

Equally, if you know of any applicable scholarships, funds or grants - please let me know!

Thank you so much.

Learn more:

About NYU, TISCH

MFA Dramatic Writing

Cost Breakdown