| Press Coverage... |
| Actor stages appeal for silver to study By Alex Kwiatkowski - Western Gazzette (12/02/04, p.3) A young actor who has won a place at a prestigious London drama school is desperate to raise money to fund his studies. In Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, the hero Antonio wagered a pound of flesh to secure a loan from Shylock, but Christopher Tester of Shepton Mallet is not sure he wants to go that far. He has been awarded a place at the Central School of Speech and Drama, but crippling debts from his university days and the sky-high cost of living in London mean he might have to give up his much sought-after place. He is appealing to readers of the Western Gazette to sponsor him through his course. He said: "Being offered a place at the school is an amazing opportunity. They have 5 000 applicantions for 35 places each year.This is the career path I want to follow. Three years at the school would be a wonderful opportunity." The former Strdoe College student said he might have to turn his place down so he can work and then reapply next year, but there is no guarantee he will get in. "So either I get money now or take the risk of a year out and reapplying," he said. Mr Tester said his parents have given what support they can, but there is no family money left. He has a first-clss degree in English and theatre studies from the University of Warwick, and he has appeared in highly commended productions at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Central School of Speech and Drama is the alma mater of acting greats such as Lawrence Olivier and Judi Dench. He said: "It has a braod range of interests, a full classical training, and also the basis of television and film acting." He hopes one day to take part in theatre education programmes or acting workshops, in order "to give something back" to the community. Mr Tester calculates that he needs �2 000 to cover living costs, but he would be grateful for anything that could help. For more information, call Christopher Tester on 01749 344512. |