Fundraiser launched to help Middleton teenager achieve her London dreams

A fundraiser has been launched for a student to make her dreams become a reality, as she attempts to secure a place at a musical theatre university in London.

Natalia Jacques, of Middleton, has been auditioning to secure a place in England’s capital to work towards a BA honours degree in musical theatre.

A lover of drama and all things arts her whole life, Natalia has so far applied for Urdang Academy, Guildford School of Acting (GSA), and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and has secured a place at The Hammond in Chester.

But the teen really has her dreams set on ArtsEd - an independent performing arts school based in Chiswick.

Natalia’s parents, Chris and Karen Jacques, said: “As she has started to have some call backs, it is looking quite promising that her dreams will become a reality!”

However, the three-year journey will not be without its expenses, and the local family are asking for support.

“Some universities are charging up to £16,000 per year! On top of that, she will have the expense of her living and accommodation in London,” said the Jacques.

“A tuition fee loan from Student Finance would only cover a certain amount of the fees, which is why the fundraising is being held. We would love the support of the community to help her follow her dream of performing in the West End!”

 

 

With support from Michael Raymond and Tracy Harper who have offered their venue, Harpers Theatre in Stockport, Natalia will host an evening of entertainment with her friends on Saturday 10 July.

Tickets for the event ‘An Evening with Tal & Friends’ are £10 each and can be reserved by donating to the dedicated GoFundMe page ‘Help Natalia Jacques pay for Drama School’ or by contacting 07715 560 087.

Her parents continued: “We are hoping to do quite a bit of fundraising to help her on her way, and we are starting off with the wonderful support from Michael and Tracy. As well as entertainment, there will be a raffle and potentially an auction taking place on the night too.”

 

 

Natalia has been involved in many amateur dramatic productions since being a young child; attending the Anita Tymcyshyn School of Dancing since the age of three, having weekly vocal coaching with Kate Gavaghan, attending Carol Godby Theatre Workshop and landing the lead role in Annie aged 12, and has been involved in numerous pantomimes at Middleton Arena.

She has completed many UCL grades for Musical Theatre including a diploma, which she passed in 2020.

She also played a young Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde at Hyde Festival Theatre 2018 and was due to play her first adult role as Lorraine in ‘All Shook Up’ before the latest lockdown hit.

Currently, Natalia is studying musical theatre at Pendleton Sixth Form College in Salford.

“She has achieved so much and that is why she is so desperate to pursue her career in musical theatre.”

If you would like a ticket for the fundraiser event, please donate £10 on the GoFundMe page. Once you have donated, please contact the organisers so a ticket can be reserved:

• https://gofund.me/d8d36d33