News

An actress from Hythe has been offered the chance to study in New York at an acting school set up by Pulitzer Prize playwright David Mamet and American actor and writer William H. Macy.

Lucy Freeman is 28 and has been acting since she was 14-years-old when she became a youth section member of FHODS -the Folkestone and Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society, then based in Sandgate.

Lucy appeared in many productions over 7 years, acting, singing and dancing and even writing, producing and directing her own plays.

She explained that she had spent this summer in New York, studying on the Summer Intensive programme at the Atlantic Acting School which was set up by American author, playwright, screen writer and film director David Mamet and American actor and writer William H. Macy back in 1987.

Lucy said: "It has been an incredible summer for me, hard work and blood, sweat and tears but 110% more than worthwhile and an amazing thing has happened to me.

"I have been invited to study on the two and a half year conservatory programme, which as you can imagine, I'm sure, is an incredible opportunity for me.

"There were 60 people on the summer intensive and only 4 places offered on the conservatory, one of which has been offered to me."

But the opportunity is not straightforward for Lucy.

She told the Hawkinge Gazette: "My only hurdle is finances. Amazingly though I have won a scholarship that will help me towards my first year of tuition but I still have a long way to go. I have a little money remaining in my savings and am able to get out there but haven't enough to pay for my tuition."

Lucy is asking readers if any of you know of someone, or know of any funding organisations that she could contact which would like to help and invest or sponsor an aspiring actress, to please please get in touch with her on: 07833 084187 or email: please_help_lucys_dream_come_true@hotmail.co.uk 


"My course of my dreams starts on September 13th, please help my dreams come true..."

Speaking about her background, Lucy said she was born in Ashford,  grew up in Hythe and was a pupil at The Folkestone School for Schools after which she studied "Communication and Media Studies" at Canterbury College.

Lucy went on: "From Canterbury I gained my Fine Art degree at De Montfort University in Leicester. I had a government grant to pay for my tuition fees and had the full Student loan to pay for my living costs.

"I started my acting career at the age of 14 when I became a youth section member of FHODS - the Folkestone and Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society, then based in Sandgate. I appeared in many productions over 7 years, acting, singing and dancing and even writing, producing and directing my own plays. I appeared in my first big FHODS pantomime at 19, at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone.

"I continued acting with FHODS even whilst studying for my degree, and living in Leicester.

"Also at that time I was enrolled at the Rose Bruford Drama College in Sidcup, where I studied every Friday night. Such was my passion for acting, I would often make the 6 hour Leicester-Sidcup-Folkestone round trip several times in one week.

"I’ve also performed on the Marlowe’s stage in Canterbury (alongside Ron Moody) in a production of “Oliver!” and more recently worked with The Dymchurch Players."

"After I finished my degree I moved to Spain, where I worked for professional T.I.E. (Theatre In Education) theatre companies and spent 2 years travelling Spain acting in English for Spanish children. Also in that time I worked as a voice-over artist and performed in plays in Barcelona with a semi-professional theatre company.

"I moved back to the UK in 2007 to train in other areas of my craft and look for fresh challenges," she said.

"I knew the only way I could achieve what I want to achieve, would be to work and save first before doing the training I desired. In 2008 I was accepted into LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) onto their 8 week Shakespeare and Jacobean Theatre course. After which I stayed for a further 2 weeks for the Clown, Buffon, Mask and Physical Theatre workshops.

"I was accepted into Thames Valley University last year, on the Acting degree programme. I was to be welcomed straight into the 2nd year of the 3 year programme but was unable to take it as the government had just changed the funding so that if you already had a degree you are now expected to pay double fees, with no financial help. So I couldn't go.

"Again, if you can help me fund my dreams please get in contact. Please call  me: 07833 084187
Or if you have any questions you'd like to ask me directly please email me at: please_help_lucys_dream_come_true@hotmail.co.uk  "