“I can not remember ever not wanting to be an actor. As a small child I used to watch Grease and then go and sit on the stairs and cry because I didn’t want to watch the film; I wanted to be acting in it. As I got a bit older, the same applied to Eastenders! I was extremely shy but always determined that when I grew up, I would be a successful actress. There was never any doubt in my mind.

As I got older I started to lose confidence but this only made me more determined. I took drama GCSE at school and absolutely loved every minute of it until my drama teacher told the whole class we were all rubbish and that none of us would make it. I believed her and decided to give up my dream of going to the Brits school; I didn’t bother going to my audition. Instead I went to college to study Health and Social Care.

Over the following years I endured awful relationships, an abusive marriage that almost killed me and more life experience than anyone would care to have gathered in such a short time. But I ended up with two beautiful children. I had to rebuild my life. I grew in confidence and ambition and decided to pursue my dream of becoming an actress. I searched on the internet for acting classes and found act up. I took my first act up course in 2005 and it was a life changing experience. I learned so much and was inspired to apply to drama school despite being a single parent to two young children. I was eager to sign up for the act for and then the act for two courses. The knowledge and experience I gained from them would stay with me forever and shape the person I was to become. In April 2006 I auditioned for DSL but did not get offered a place; I was told I needed more training. Gemma Lloyd would continue to be an encouraging and inspiring influence in my life.

In the June I joined CODA, an amateur theatre company in my local town of Croydon. I performed in several musicals and plays. This experience confirmed that I had a compelling need to act; I had to perform. I finally felt like I had come home; found an outlet for my creative energy. One of my biggest challenges was playing Mrs Robinson in the Graduate as the director expressed his desire for full nudity. We negotiated a flesh coloured thong, suspender belt, stockings and some much dimmed lighting! But still it took some nerve to walk onto that stage virtually naked in front of cast and crew at the dress rehearsal. Talk about conquering your fears; I never thought I would do anything like that, definitely not for free!

In 2008 I gave birth to my third child. I had resigned myself to the idea of being an amateur performer; or so I thought!

A couple of years later, although I was enjoying doing plays and musicals, I felt the need for further progression. I still had a burning ambition to pursue a career as an actress. Unfortunately my relationship ended and life was hard being a 34 year old with my ex husband still giving me grief and three children to manage on my own.

I received an email from Gemma about a new Alexander Technique course run by act up. I had a strong gut feeling that I should sign up and so did. I absolutely loved it. Dewi Matthews is amazingly experienced and wise; a wonderful man. Being back in the familiar and beautiful surroundings of the R.A.D made a real impression on me. The course was liberating, powerful and energising. As I was throwing myself into the various exercises and practises I heard an inner voice calling me: “It’s not too late. You have to go to Drama school.”

By the time I had finished the course there was no doubt in my mind about the path I needed to follow. Another gut feeling took me to The Poor School’s website. I decided to audition. At first I was turned down; I was devastated. But after pulling myself out of the well of despair I applied for the four day course and got offered a place after completing it.

I am a strong believer in

“What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”

I have suffered copious rejection in my life. But I will Never, Never Give Up!”

“I always had the idea of acting in the back of my mind. However, having lost the confidence that you aquire as a child I just left it exactly there…in the back of my mind. Not being one for regrets, it irritated me that this one thing I was too afraid to tackle just would not go away.

Following a random conversation with a friend I decided to take the leap. After a short introductory course, my circumstances lead me to Act Up. I didn’t really know what to expect but I just followed Gemma’s advice to “throw yourself in”. Once I had started my first course with Act Up I found myself wondering if I should start thinking about taking acting more seriously. I suddenly realised that this is what I want to be doing for a career. There was a good reason why that niggling thing in the back of my mind never went away!!

Act Up has helped me to figure out that for me, the best route to a professional career is through drama school. Conveniently I am able to follow a series of courses which help me progress through to audition stage. Also Gemma is always at the other end of an email for honest advice and queries, which has proved crucial in helping me to understand the industry better.

My circumstances are slightly different to your average drama school applicant – I am a single parent to a five year old! Because of this I initially thought drama school would not be possible for me. But through Act Up I have met other parents from similar situations whom I have found to be particularly inspiring. As difficult as it may be to find a baby sitter every week so I can attend my classes, I have managed so far and I am determined to keep going. The structure and quality of the courses alongside the fact that you are working with professional actors is why I will continue to learn through Act Up.”

I was born in Southend On Sea, Essex and attending a catholic primary and all boys secondary school. After leaving school I went to a local college to study media and film.

Shortly into my second year I found new opportunities so decided to take them. I worked part time as a broadcaster and supporting artist for television and film. I enjoyed the SA work but it wasn’t enough for me and knew there must have been more to acting. I meet up with an old friend – Adam, that had been taking workshops with Act Up. I attended regular workshops for 18 months and experienced some of the techniques of acting, made new friends and have had a lot of fun!

Act Up has provided me the different pathways to acting, I have chosen the pathway to drama school. For the last 2 ½ years I’ve been working full time as an IT Technician for a premier league football club. Making the decision to apply to drama school wasn’t easy as I would be leaving a fantastic job, however acting has been something I’ve wanted to do since working as an SA.