Fundraising for CalArts: The Next Step in My Acting Journey
I remember the moment vividly—one of my acting professors giving me the ironclad look of doubt, filled with disappointment, yet founded on a bedrock of curiosity, almost disbelief this is the picture I painted. It wasn’t because I lacked ability, but because I was revealing a side of myself I rarely let show. It only shows during the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. A long face weighed down by exhaustion, stretched thin between responsibilities; yet why would I give excuses, I was thought to kneel and receive my punishment no matter the obstacles. Is it better to plead my case or accept my failures, the man wants to accept his fate. At the time, I was juggling a full-time job as an assistant manager at a retail store, pushing through school, rehearsing for a stage production while already lined up for another. If it was not for my journal my days would seemed to have blurred together—early mornings, late nights, barely enough time to catch my breath. There were no excuses, but if only I had more hours in the day, I would have loved to be perfect. Chasing the Dream, Overcoming the Obstacles When I first set my sights on acting, I dreamed of attending a dedicated acting school—a place where I could fully immerse myself in the craft. But the obstacles in my way felt overwhelming, especially financially. Still, I kept pushing forward. I landed roles, performed on stage, studied relentlessly, and built a foundation for the career I envisioned. Now, I’ve reached a turning point. Today, the door of the future, dreamt by yesterdays thoughts has revealed a beauteous beast that will tear me to pieces whether I live or die. I’ve been accepted into the prestigious BFA Acting Program at CalArts—an opportunity that will transform me into the actor I know I can be. Why CalArts? Why Now? In many ways, I feel ready to start looking for professional acting work. Yet, when I turn on the camera for my YouTube channel, I see the flaws I need to fix, the depth of my soul I need to refine, and the artistry blade I need to sharpen. This is why I’m committing fully to CalArts. It’s not just about getting a degree—it’s about mastering the craft, surrounding myself with brilliant artists, and immersing myself in an environment that will push me beyond my limits. But the reality is, this dream comes with a price. A price that can lock me in a ball in chain or a price that I can achieve with the help of an audience. "All you need is a dolla' from 350,000 people; easy!", the boy says. How You Can Help Attending CalArts is an investment—not just in my future, but in the stories I’ll tell, the performances I’ll bring to life, and the impact I hope to make. I’m fundraising to help cover the costs of this journey, and every bit of your support brings me closer to making this a reality. I believe in hard work, persistence, and the power of community. If you’d like to support my journey, whether through a donation, a share, or even just following along, it would mean the world to me. 🎭 https://gofund.me/d29c9ad3 This is more than just raising tuition—it’s about proving that dreams are worth fighting for. And I intend to fight with everything I have. Thank you for being part of this journey. The stage is set. Now, it’s time to step into the spotlight.
Norman Antonio
5/8/20241 min read
Fundraising, Acting, Workshops