Niamh Blackman

Since I could walk and talk, I have been putting on little skits for my family, friends and anyone who would listen. Now, at 19, I am well on my way to making a career out of my passion, bringing New Zealand's artistry to the world's stage.

Over my time performing, I have tackled roles as diverse as Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Queenie from Bruce Mason’s The Puhutukawa Tree, Jason from Euripides’ Medea, Lyubov from Checkov’s The Cherry Orchard, Sillabub from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and many, many more. Performing with the local repertory theatre, Tauranga Musical Theatre, has been a large part of my life. I have performed in America, China, Germany and throughout New Zealand as a part of the Highland Dance Company of New Zealand as well as in Korea as a part of a representative team.

I have my ATCL in Speech and Drama from Trinity College London with Distinction, a diploma in Highland and National Dancing with Honours from the New Zealand Academy of Highland And National Dancing as well as various competition wins under my belt. I have always felt at home onstage and wish to use the theatre to communicate important ideas to my audiences.

I began this year undertaking a Law and Science course at the University of Auckland. However, this only confirmed that my true passion was for acting. Juggling course work and acting, I auditioned for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama earlier this year in Australia. Auditioning against 4,000 other hopefuls, I am just so honoured and excited to have been offered one of the 15 prestigious places on the Ba (Hons) Acting Musical Theatre course.

Central is a university that is specifically geared to giving it’s students the very best education in all areas of the Theatre and Performing Arts. Located in the heart of London, Central is ideally located in the hub of British and International Theatre. As a drama school, Central receives over 4000 applicants worldwide for just 15 places in each acting course. The graduates of these courses receive an Honours BA accredited by the University of London and are showcased to significant agents in the Entertainment Industry, giving them the best possible foundation from which to launch their performance careers.

Notable alumni of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama include Martin Freeman, Vanessa Redgrave, Dawn French, Catherine Tate, Dame Judi Dench and more.

The tuition fees for Central are £18,712 (NZ$37185) per year, a total of £56716 over the three years. I have some support from family and friends but I need your help to turn my dream into reality.

My board will be approximately £389 (NZ$774) per week.

Public transport will be around £80.00 (NZ$158) per month.

Perhaps you would like to donate the cost of a months' or weeks' transport, board or lessons.

Whatever the donation - big or small- I greatly appreciate it!

For more information please check out my website at http://niamhblackman.yolasite.com/