We are delighted to announce are this year’s recipients of The Professor Peter John CBE Professional Acting Scholarship. They are MA student Malika Jones, MFA student Lorenzo Kelly and BA Hons student Joseph Oyewole.
This scholarship, provided in the name of the Vice Chancellor of the University of West London, provides a hugely appreciated 50% discount on tuition fees and demonstrates the close relationship DSL has with the university.
We are very fortunate to have the support of the Vice Chancellor Peter John CBE who is a passionate advocate of the Arts and his determination to widening access to the Arts for all. These scholarships present a significant contribution to the training opportunities for DSL actors for all backgrounds and experience.
Emma Hands – Director of DSL
DSL has a commitment to widening access to professional acting training by breaking down the economic barriers which prevent many talented people from applying to drama school. Once a place is secured, the cost of living, especially in London, can be a real struggle for many students. This makes scholarships like this one even more highly valued and appreciated.
Here’s what the recipients had to say about what this will mean for them.
I am incredibly honoured to be awarded The Professor Peter John CBE Professional Acting Scholarship. The scholarship is going to be invaluable to me throughout the year and it feels as though a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am so grateful that I can now focus my efforts and energy entirely on my training at DSL without financial pressure. I would like to say a very big thank you to The University of West London and Drama Studio London for making the scholarship available. DSL was my first choice of drama school, and I am so delighted to have been recognised for this award.
Malika Jones
First and foremost, I’d like to thank DSL and UWL for the honor of being awarded the Professor Peter John CBE Scholarship. Oftentimes, the pursuit of one’s dreams is halted by fear and lack of financial capital. Fear was never going to hinder me from pursuing my dreams as an actor, but the lack of finances was extremely concerning. This scholarship not only helped fund my education but also helped cover some of the additional fees I incurred as an international student. I am deeply appreciative. From the bottom of my heart, I assure you all that I will thrive during my time in the MFA program and as a professional actor once I’ve completed my studies.
Lorenzo Orlando
I would like to thank the school, and the teachers for this generous opportunity. This is a sign of their trust in me, and their faith in my ability – and as a student of Drama Studio London – I will do my best to repay that trust, and I will not fail. As a black man, systemic racism has definitely hindered me and my family in so many ways, but with the stress of making ends meet reduced – a weight falls off of my shoulder, that allows me to focus more on my studies, and give 200% to my dreams, studies, and aspirations. Thank you, Drama Studio London.
Joseph Oyewole