IT’S NO act that Ella Plummer looks so happy.
The talented teenager has just won a place at one of the country’s top drama schools.
Ella, 17, was only one of 16 out of 2000 students to be selected for a one-year intensive acting course starting in September.
Now, she is putting all her efforts into raising the £10,000 fee needed while finishing her A Levels.
Ella, from Crowthorne, has launched a crowdfunding page and has a host of fundraising events planned for the summer.
“I auditioned for eight of the top drama schools over six months and I am absolutely thrilled to be selected for one of the best,” she smiled.
“I have been singing, dancing and delivering monologues for what seems like ages. It is really tough and can be quite disheartening when you receive a refusal letter.
“However, I was determined not to give up and to win a place at such a great drama school is a dream come true.”
Ella said she first got the acting bug aged five when she was asked to play Mary in her school Nativity play. For the past seven years, she has been part of a theatre group in Ascot performing two musicals a year and has also worked with National Theatre Connections.
“I just love being on stage and while I enjoy singing and dancing, I think acting is my real love,” she added. “I am very interested in TV and film but I also love the stage. I hope one day to audition for West End shows but at the moment I want to focus on learning more about my craft.”
Ella, who is in the sixth form at Edgbarrow School, has been invited to have a stall at the summer fete of her old school, Oaklands Junior.
She also plans to hold a charity disco where friends and family can dress up as their favourite actor or actress.
“I am so determined to raise the money I need,” she added.
“A number of friends have already contributed and I am thinking of lots of ways to push that target up. I would love someone or a business to sponsor me.
“This has been my dream for as long as I can remember but the course is self-funded, with no help from the government and no scholarships available through the school. I do not want money to be the reason I can’t pursue my acting future.
“I believe there must be a way for this to happen and would be so grateful for any help, in any form, anyone is willing to give.”
To support Ella’s fundraiser, go to: gf.me/u/rkktt3
