Ayala

Ayala attends the University of Leeds, studying Sustainability and Environmental Management. She had the opportunity to spend her third year studying abroad at Arizona State University, but was unable to afford the living and travel costs. The Starr Trust has given Ayala an Education Award to cover these costs.

Ayala says:

"I feel so grateful and blessed to be offered this award. After working so hard to get the grades to be able to do a year abroad, let alone go to the destination I most wanted, seeing how much everything would cost was very scary. This award has taken the pressure off and made the whole experience much less stressful. Hopefully, now I will really be able to make the most of this incredible experience, travel, and study, without worrying about finances."

Ayala is currently looking at options for university and deciding between an academic or performance route. We will keep you posted on what she decides.

Ayala and her mum Victoria received free tickets from Glyndebourne Opera House for their production of Saul. Fresh from its triumph at the 2015 Glyndebourne Festival, Barrie Kosky’s blazingly original and visually spectacular staging of Handel’s oratorio returned for a first revival, pairing baroque music with contemporary choreography and lavish designs to create an enthralling theatrical fusion of old and new.    Ayala’s mum Victoria said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity for Ayala to see all the sights and sounds of an Operatic Production. We loved having a wonderful picnic and being surrounded by all the other people dressed up for the experience. The Opera Saul was very dramatic. It was a great chance to see something completely different from Musical Theatre, giving Ayala a broader view of performing arts.”

 Our Champions Outreach Manager Mel said:

“We were thrilled that Glyndebourne chose to support a Starr Trust Champion to see their thrilling production for free. Thank you so much Lucy Perry and the team at Glyndebourne for making this possible.”

We awarded Ayala a grant for a further year to train at Theatre Workshop Academy.