I've raised £19000 to help Jess go to Juilliard
Organised by Jessica Murdoch
Story
Hello! For those who know me less well, my name is Jess Murdoch; I'm originally from Manchester and currently living in South London. I am delighted to announce that, after a gruelling 6 stages of auditions, I have been accepted to study MFA Acting at the Juilliard School in New York!
The 4-year course offers only 18 BFA/MFA students a place and attracts thousands of auditionees every year, making it one of the most competitive programmes out there. I am still somewhat in disbelief as this is, quite literally, a dream come true.
The School
The Juilliard School is widely regarded as the best drama school in the world, boasting some incredible alumni such as Viola Davis, Adam Driver, Robin Williams, Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaacs, and many more. The intensive training provided (9am-10pm, 6 days a week) serves to challenge and nurture actors into becoming the best possible version of themselves, as artists and people. I am truly honoured and overwhelmed to be invited to join the school as part of Group 55.
My Story
Acting has always been my greatest source of joy. I studied it at GCSE through to A-level and, at 18, I joined the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain and the Royal Exchange Young Company in Manchester. After unsuccessfully applying to drama school straight out of school, I decided to undertake an English degree at the University of Cambridge. To my supervisors’ despair, I was involved in over 42 productions, including: two international tour shows (across Asia and America); a professionally-directed Shakespeare at the Cambridge Arts Theatre; Footlights sketch shows and comedy across the UK, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; and I was selected as one of 14 graduating actors to perform in front of industry professionals as part of the Marlowe Showcase. Drama was quite honestly what kept me going throughout my three tough years of studies and my love of all-things-acting flourished as a result.
Making theatre training accessible to all, regardless of their financial background, is (and has always been) something that means a huge amount to me. While at university, I was on the board of three drama committees and committed myself to making theatre training as accessible as possible: through making numerous funding applications and reaching out to industry professionals, I enabled theatre companies to come in and provide free workshops for students; I also created ‘Skillshare’, a programme which encouraged students to share their skills with their peers through running workshops for one another.
My commitment to training is evident in the fact that this year was my fifth cycle of drama school applications. Getting to the final round of three wonderful schools last year but ultimately not being offered a place was crushing; however, the encouragement of getting so close combined with my drive to follow my passion propelled me to not give up.
This was the first year I applied to Juilliard, as previously it felt like a dream which was too big, too far away, and (let's be real) too expensive. I had to pinch myself every time I successfully got through one stage to the next, creeping closer and closer to the final 4-day callback weekend in New York. After 6 months of intensive application writing, interviewing, and auditioning, I received the call: “We are thrilled to invite you to join Group 55 at the Juilliard School.” Pure joy. Followed by pure dread. How in the world am I going to afford this?
Why I need your help
Being accepted into Juilliard is a dream come true. However, dreams don’t come cheap. The school’s fees alone are an eye-watering $52,250 per annum, with living costs estimated to be approximately $28,000 a year, bringing the yearly total to just over $80,000. I know.
Since I will be an international student, the vast majority of external scholarships will not be available to me. Also, due to the intense contact hours (9am-10pm, 6 days a week) working much while studying isn’t really an option due to the negative impact it would have on my training and overall health. Therefore, I hope to raise the funds through a combination of my savings, working as much as I can (outside of term time and over the holidays), Juilliard scholarships, and crowdfunding.
Luckily, being a frugal bugger, working consistently alongside my studies since the age of 16, and upping my work hours now means that my savings will carry me a fair amount of the way to reaching this target. Also, Juilliard is very generously offering me a yearly aid package of $30,000. This means that my shortfall will be approximately $25,000 (£19,000).
Raising this amount of money is no mean feat but I am determined to do everything I possibly can to ensure that I do not have to miss out on this life-changing opportunity. Any donation, no matter what size, will truly make a difference. Spreading the word is also so important- it would be wonderful if you could share this post to help it reach as many people as possible. I am so unbelievably grateful for the generosity and support I am receiving; it really means the world.
I very nearly didn’t apply to Juilliard precisely because of the incredible cost attending the school would entail. However, I hope to prove that with enough drive, passion, and kind support from others, we can achieve our dreams, regardless of the barriers that confront us.
Testimonies
Jess is a super-talented young actor as well as a great company member and all-round lovely human being. It was a delight to direct her as Hero in Much Ado whilst she was an undergrad at Cambridge and it was clear then that she was a talent to watch. Jess faced incredibly stiff competition to gain her place at Juilliard in NYC. She really deserves this opportunity and will doubtless make the most of it. I am delighted to offer her my support and would urge others to offer theirs too.
Richard Beecham - Theatre Director
I’ve known Jess since my time in Manchester where I was the Associate Artistic Director at the Manchester Royal Exchange. In my work with Jess when she was in the Young Company I found her to be both a committed and generous company member as well as someone who applied her talent and craft at all times. It made complete sense to me when I heard that Jess had been offered a place at Juilliard. I believe she truly deserves this and will apply herself fully to the opportunities the training presents. Along my particular path I have met many young actors, and I always think it is commitment that makes the special ones stand out: Jess has this quality in abundance.
Matthew Xia - Theatre Director / Artistic Director - Actors Touring Company
Jess is a brilliant creative mind, performer and company member. I was fortunate to work with her as part of the Royal Exchange Theatre Young Company. She attended regular skills training sessions and was always passionate about learning more about theatre making. She also performed in We Were Told There Was Dancing - a devised immersive experience where she was a fantastic company member. She was always making offers, supporting her peers and committed to the process. It's unbelievably exciting that she is now going on to train at Juilliard where I have no doubt that she will flourish. It's vital that we invest in future creatives who will continue to develop theatre as we know it - something I am certain Jess will do.
Matt Hassall - Theatre Director
Thank you so very much for taking the time to read through this information and for your generosity and kindness.
With love,
Jess x
Additional links:
https://www.juilliard.edu/drama/acting
https://www.juilliard.edu/campus-life/tuition-financial-aid/tuition-fees-and-expenses
A breakdown of the budget is also available if you would like to browse!
