Aspiring young Worthing actor looking for funding

Aspiring actor Abi Farmery, aged 22, from Worthing, is looking for funding after winning a place on the foundation certificate in acting course at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).
Abi FarmeryAbi Farmery
Abi Farmery

LIPA was launched in 1995 by ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney.

“Located in his old school it aims to provide the best teaching and learning for people who want to pursue a lasting career in the arts and entertainment industry, whether as performers or those who make performance possible,” Abi said.

More than 1,100 students from across the world applied to study acting at LIPA this year.

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Abi is one of just 32 to be joining the foundation certificate in acting programme. You can support her at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/abifarmerydramaschoolUntil recently Abi has been living in France, where she worked at Disneyland Paris as a parade performer.

She’s now returned to Worthing, to prepare for her next adventure in Liverpool.

Abi said it was the culmination of a lot of hard work.

“After continuous auditions for several institutions over four years, a lot of audition prep and study time, private lessons, short courses and a substantial amount of money spent from my own pocket, I’m thrilled to have finally made it!

“Many people don’t realise how competitive it is to gain a place at an accredited drama school.

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“I am so pleased that I never gave up on myself or my dreams.”

Abi will start her one-year course in September but will not receive any government funding.

Instead she is trying to raise sponsorship to help pay £9,250 tuition fees, and £6,952 living costs.

She is currently fundraising by writing to businesses for sponsorship, making handmade bunting to sell, cleaning and has a GoFundMe page for donations.

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Abi, who studied at Worthing College and Durrington High School, was a member of Worthing Musical Comedy Society and also appeared in pantomimes at the Connaught Theatre.

She says she can’t wait to start at LIPA: “The foundation course will enrich my skills and knowledge within the arts and allow me to broaden my career within the industry, as well as helping me advance further onto a three-year degree course.”

“I am looking forward to working with expert teachers, industry professionals and making connections with like-minded students. I hope to make Worthing proud of my current and future achievements.”

Graduates from LIPA’s acting programmes regularly appear on stage, TV, film and radio.

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Recent graduate credits include Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in the West End, the national tour of War Horse, Top Girls at the National Theatre, ITV’s Emmerdale, My Left Nut on BBC Three and The Alienist for Netflix.

Other graduates work as producers, writers, directors, musical directors and have set up their own successful theatre companies.

If you wish to help Abi with her fundraising endeavours or make a donation, get in touch via https://abifarmery.wixsite.com/abifarmery

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