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Hey there, my name is Will Angas Cox, and I have been acting since I was fourteen years old. Since my first moment in front an audience, I can say that performing on stage is:
A) The thing people have always told me I'm very good at
B) The only thing I've ever wanted to make my living from
It is with this knowledge that I have spent my last year working to save for and apply to the UK's leading drama schools with the intention of matriculating in September 2023.
I am delighted to announce that after a rigorous audition process, I have been accepted into every institution I have applied for! After much consideration, I have accepted my offer to undertake a Master of Arts in Classical Acting at The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama in London.
A brief history of my life in the theatre:
I’ve been a senior ensemble member for Independent Theatre Inc, performing in some 25 productions, since the age of 14. Independent Theatre has a long and fascinating history, beginning in 1984. They have been pioneers of new works, while also staging tried and true classics. In the company’s early days, Artistic Director Rob Croser forged strong working and personal relationships with several well known international playwrights, including John Logan, John Marans, Charles Smith, Lolita Chakrabarti and the, sadly, recently deceased Frank Galati. This has led to me having wonderful opportunities, such as being lucky enough to be the second actor in the world, after Ben Whishaw, to play Peter Llewelyn Davis in John Logan’s ‘Peter and Alice’. The company and its founders, Rob Croser and David Roach, are some of the main proponents in my ambitions to make this my life's work.
A bit about the school & program:
Central is regarded as one of the UK’s leading institutions for actor training. It boasts incredible alumnus (Dame Judi Dench, Sir Laurence Olivier to name a couple, as well as the wonderful, academy award winning, Riz Ahmed from the specific course I have been accepted into.) One of the most appealing aspects of the program which led me to choose it, is that I will get to work alongside a small and diverse ensemble of only 14-16 students, both UK and international.
A bit of background:
In 2021 I accompanied my wonderful partner of seven years, Maddy, while she followed her MFA dreams to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. While she grew as an actress, I had the pleasure of working to support the both of us. Watching Maddy thrive only served to assure me that I too wanted to train as an actor at some of the world's best drama schools. With this in mind Maddy and I parted ways; her to London to pursue her acting ambitions, and me back to Australia to save for mine.
My situation:
The financial investment involved in undertaking such a program is huge. In order to save for this over the past year I have been working construction full-time, living at home with my wonderful and supportive Mum (love you Mum!), and in general have become a bit of a hermit who spends his days sleeping, working, eating, then doing it all again.
While I felt for much of the past 11 months to be on track with my goals, it has become clear in the face of the London living crisis, rising course fees, and the current exchange rate that I am still, sadly, under budget for my projected costs. Whilst I plan on taking on as much part-time work as I can, I also want to afford myself adequate time to devote to my studies.
Associated Costs:
- Course Fees
- Course Materials & Additional Costs
- Accommodation
- Utilities
- Travel to and from school
The ‘Additional Costs’ mentioned above pertain to:
- general course materials (books, plays, stationary, computer and storage devices, voice recording equipment);
- clothing (rehearsal clothing, costumes/props for scene study, dancewear and protective gear for all movement dance and combat classes);
- professional costs (CVs, professional headshots, registration with online casting platform Spotlight, membership with UK acting union Equity);
- examination fees (to undertake external qualifications in stage combat and period dance);
- attendance at live theatre performances
Unsure of what to do in the face of such a deficit, I am taking the advice of people close to me and seeking help from the kindness of friends, family, and strangers. I humbly ask for your help in covering even a few of the aforementioned costs.
Thank you all so much for taking the time with this today, and for donating if you are able. I could not ask for a better support system to have behind me as I take this next step towards the career that I have wanted for over 15 years now.
Below I've compiled some reviews from my favourite projects, take a gander if you are keen, and thank you again!
Reviews:
“In spite of the extensive theatrical experience of Will Cox, this is a major leap from his past roles, and the first time that he has appeared in a Shakespearean play, let alone playing the lead role in one. He comes up smelling of roses, delivering a stunning performance as the young prince. His characterization is rich and emotionally deep, and his understanding of his lines is obvious. There is a fine physicality to his performance, and convincing work with the rapier in the duel scene with Laertes. His performance is remarkable in such a young man, the role usually being played by much older actors who have already played a great deal of
Shakespeare before being offered such a complex character. Cox can match any of them.”
Broadway World -
HAMLET-Is-A-Radically-Young-Production-With-Remarkable-Clarity-20160409
“The main highlight of this production is the central performance by Will Cox as Lawrence. It holds real depth and restraint – an intelligent, articulate and ultimately moving performance.”
Tony Knight (former Head of Acting, NIDA), Stage Whispers -
“…perfect casting of Cox. The ease with which he moves around the vast space and his clear, precise manner as he delivers his many lines holds this production together. He is engaging, magnetic and sincere.”
Stage Whispers -
“Will Cox is exquisitely effete as this decadent and opinionated young man and, as the plot evolves, his athleticism and dramatic skills deliver a performance of immense excitement.”
The Barefoot Review - https://www.thebarefootreview.com.au/menu/theatre/119-2014-adelaide-reviews/1033-bracken-moor.html
“At the heart of this is a singularly impressive performance by Cox. Cox is utterly believable as the curious, love-seeking young man…This is a delicate and sustained performance from Cox; there cannot be a better young actor on Adelaide stages…”