Arts, Education, & Money...or Lack Thereof

Recently, I launched a fund raising campaign to create paid acting scholarships for teenage students here in the New River Valley of Virginia.

http://www.indiegogo.com/NRV-Actors-Scholarship-Fund?c=home

Why you ask? For over a year, I have had the pleasure of traveling around to the high schools in the area and doing presentations to the theater/film studies classes. Several of those students I met are now training with me at Actors Anonymous, my studio. However, so many of them who want to learn this craft simply cannot afford it.

I've heard their stories. "My mom lost her job because the company closed, and now my dad got laid off from company XYZ. I would love to take your class though. Acting is my dream. It's all I want to do."

It is really hard to hear that and see the spark in their eyes, and then at the same time feel like there nothing I can do to help them achieve their goal. Despite what some folks might think, I'm not a wealthy person, otherwise I would probably teach them for free. Unfortunately, that just isn't doable.

I have also watched the news and heard constantly about the impending budget cuts that will undoubtedly be headed for our area schools. Sadly, having grown up with two high school teachers for parents, I also know that the arts programs will be the first to go. I began brainstorming on what I could do to help these kids, and came up with the idea for the NRV Actor's Scholarship Fund.

Ten lucky students here in our area will get to come learn film acting technique absolutely FREE! They will also have the option to either renew their scholarship each semester, or pass it on to another deserving student. Imagine, if they are a freshman in high school, they could receive up to 4 years of instruction at no cost!

I love acting. It's what gets inside me. Fortunately, I had a mom & dad who believed in me and had the capability to help me reach my goals. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward and I ask for your help in doing that very thing.

So please, visit the IndieGoGo link above and make a donation! No donation is too small and it's going to a great cause. Help spread the word by sharing us via Facebook, Twitter, blog, and email. Please make a difference for these students! Make this project a success!

Sincerely,
Bo Keister