Help me raise funds to study abroad in Vicenza, Italy!

James White Start Date: Mar 20, 2024 - End Date: Jun 27, 2024
  • Vicenza, Italy

My Travel Story

by: James White Start Date: Mar 20, 2024 - End Date: Jun 27, 2024
Hi everyone! My name is James. I'm a freelance performer as well as a graduate music student at New York University. I auditioned for grad school in the hopes that I would be accepted to a place that would afford me more opportunities both educationally and professionally in the world of the performing arts, and NYU has proven to be just that. I'm in my first year of study, and I've already learned so much from so many industry professionals who I look up to and am so inspired by.

About a week ago I applied on a whim to a summer vocal performance program in Vicenza, Italy, and the director of the program contacted me offering me the part of Marius in a very large-scale production of the musical Les Miserables, as well as the opportunity to study with internationally successful performers. I was both shocked and honored that someone believed in me enough to trust me with this role. It's a part I've wanted to play ever since I was in middle school, just discovering my love for music and the unique joys of watching live performances. This musical in particular was the first thing I saw that made my jaw drop at witnessing the raw power of theater. Getting to perform this role would also undoubtedly be one of the most impressive things I could put on my professional resume to date.

This incredible opportunity came at the very last minute, and I've been scrambling to find ways to cover the financial expenditures in time. I've received a scholarship from the organization, but it only covers about 1/4 of the total cost of what I would need in order to make this happen.

I've never had the opportunity to perform abroad before. It would be an amazing chance to share my own art in a culture that is so steeped in art and music. I believe I would learn so much about the history and heritage of both music and theater just by being there. I'm utilizing as many resources as I have available to me to raise the money that I need, but any assistance I could get from this platform would be so unbelievably helpful and appreciated! For many reasons, I am not on social media, so any circulation I could get on here would be amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read, and best wishes!

Gratefully,
-James
  • Vicenza, Italy