Performer steps up fundraising to pay tuition fees

A FROME performer has stepped up her fundraising efforts to pay  for her tuition fees after being accepted into one of the most prestigious performing art schools in the country. 

Lottie Ball has come through a rigorous audition process to earn a place at the Laine Theatre Arts School after seeing off over 2,000 hopefuls that originally applied. Her fees are £16,000 but she has seen that halved thanks to winning a Betty Laine Scholarship worth £8,000.

She now aims to raise the remaining £8,000 by hosting a series of events in Frome.

The first fundraising event will take place at Frome Leisure Centre on Sunday 20th July from 4-5.30pm with a sponsored swim. The event is open for anyone to take part in and anyone wanting to join in should email Lottie direct on lottie.ball@hotmail.co.uk and she will forward the forms.

Lottie said, “ I just want to say a massive thank you to Frome Sports Centre for kindly letting me have the lanes – free of charge. Without their generosity this event would not be taking place and I really appreciate the support they have given me. It’s completely up to the individual as to how many lengths they feel comfortable doing and it would be lovely to have as many locals involved as possible.”

Following the sponsored swim a 24 hour sing-a-thon will take place at the Cheese and Grain from 9.00am on Sunday 10th August until the next day.

Following the sing-a-thon another event will take  place later this year in October, with a musical theatre showcase at the The Merlin Theatre. More details will be revealed nearer the time.

Lottie added, “The sing-a-thon will obviously be a very challenging task as myself and my singing teacher Hannah Lockwood have to sing for 24 hours, along with her students taking part throughout the day. I would love to have as many people drop in as possible to come and support us. The Cheese and Grain has very kindly donated this space to me, and it’s lovely to see how my local community is helping to get me one step closer to reaching my goal. The Merlin Theatre has also been great and donated the space for the Musical Theatre Showcase.

“Any donation, no matter how big or small, would be hugely appreciated and I would like to send out a huge thank you to everyone who has already donated. I can’t explain how thankful I am and I really appreciate it as it is helping me towards going to my dream college.”

Details of how to fund Lottie can be found at www.gofundme.com/3hei3c