From STEM to Stage – I've Been Accepted to Juilliard! 🎭🇺🇸

Hi everyone,

I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into the 4-year MFA Acting programme at The Juilliard School in New York! Only 18 students are chosen worldwide each year — and I’m deeply honoured to be one of them.

For those unfamiliar, Juilliard is often considered the most prestigious drama school in the world, with alumni like Viola Davis, Adam Driver, and Robin Williams. Their training is intense, world-class, and truly transformative. A few years ago, I never thought this dream could become reality — but here I am.

Why I Need Your Help – The Hidden Cost of a Dream

Juilliard recently made the MFA course tuition-free, which is an unbelievable gift. But the remaining cost of attendance is around $32,000 a year. After factoring in savings and future earnings until June (when the visa process must begin), I’m still short by £9,000 (c. $12,000) to cover my essential living costs — rent, food, health insurance, transport, and everything else it takes to stay afloat in NYC.

Due to the F1 visa, I’m only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week. Juilliard’s schedule is intense —12-hour days, up to six days a week — so even if I could work, there will be little time or energy.

Unfortunately, financial support for UK students in the US (especially in non-STEM fields) is extremely limited. Most scholarships closed before Juilliard even announced their decisions, which meant I didn’t even have a shot at applying.

So now, I’m turning to my community — to those who believe in storytelling, representation, and the audacity of pursuing a dream against the odds.

My Journey to Juilliard

It all started in 2011 when I joined the National Youth Theatre, performing at the London Olympics (2012) and Buckingham Palace (2014). After a couple years of rejection from drama schools, however, I pivoted — earning a first-class BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science and building a career in finance and education.

But the pull toward acting never went away.

In 2021, I made the decision to try again. I retrained at a drama school part-time (IDSA), got my first writing commission, signed with an agent, and even worked on the upcoming film The Six Triple Eight (though blink and you’ll miss me 😂)—all while holding down a full-time job.

In 2023, I began training at Collage Voices under Steve Medlin, Ché Walker, and Simone Cornelius. These incredible mentors don't just teach — they believe in making art accessible for all. As students we regularly get opportunities to attend professional productions and last year, Collage arranged for us to perform at Shakespeare’s Globe. After being in this environment, watching my classmates create their own opportunities from nothing, I started to ask myself: Why not me?

Fast-forward to 2024, I started applying for MA/MFA programmes. The audition cycle tested me mentally, physically, and emotionally. But I sacrificed through. And after five gruelling rounds, the call came: I’d been accepted into Group 58 at Juilliard.

How You Can Help – Turning Hope into Reality

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you'd like to support, here’s how:

💖 Donate: via this crowdfunding page (every amount helps!)

📲 Follow my journey on Instagram: @zeri_to_100

🗣️ Spread the Word: You never know who might see this and be in a position to help.

🎟 Support through art: Attend 'Shmedic': a debut play by my brilliant friend (and classmate) Dr. Sara Otung - she's kindly donating one night’s proceeds to support my journey

💌 Know a scholarship, fund or grant? Add a comment below or direct message me on Instagram.

This dream honestly feels so much bigger than me. But with your help, I know I can step into this next chapter fully and wholeheartedly.

With all my love and gratitude,

Zerina

MFA Acting Student, Juilliard

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Learn More

About Juilliard:

Juilliard's MFA Acting Programme

Juilliard Cost Breakdown

🙏 Special Thanks

🎭 Collage Voices / Collage Arts: A social action charity offering training for just £2.50 per class. Thank you for your life-changing support. Collage needs help to keep classes affordable—use the second link to partner with them.

🌱 Restoration House St Albans (RHSA): My faith family —thank you for your constant love, prayer, and support.