"Gifted" local actress scores funding for school of her dreams

Thursday 27 September 2018

A partially deaf 16-year-old whose dream is to sing, dance and act on stage has started Musical Theatre classes at the prestigious Bird College after receiving a bursary boost.

Despite needing to wear hearing aids in both ears, Jessica Jones has been dancing, singing and acting since she was a child.

Earlier this year, the teen applied to three performing arts colleges in the UK and got accepted into all three of them. She eventually chose to go to Bird College, where fellow islander Jonny Labey studied. Being a triple-threat - someone who can act, sing and dance - Jessica felt Bird, was the more suited for her as the focus on acting, singing and dancing is even. 

While getting into the prestigious college might have seemed like the hardest part, Jessica had to face another hurdle, that of funding. With fees standing at around £14,000 a year, the young girl and her mum Selina were struggling to close the budget. Determined to make her dreams come true, Jessica looked for sponsors with local businesses or charities and ended up creating a fundraising page. 

Thanks to the Olive Brown Bursary, which has been awarded to gifted Jersey performing arts students for the past 10 years, Jessica will receive £1,000 for up to three years to assist with her tuition costs. Olive Brown, who was originally from Salford, Lancashire, lived in Jersey from 1959 until her death in 1990. She was known for her support of young people’s creative aspirations and the executors of her decided to donate money to ArtHouse Jersey. Her generous donation has supported young people pursuing careers in acting, dancing, music, technical skills in music and theatre, directing and designing. 

Pictured: Jessica's first time on stage was as a story teller in 'Cats.'

Alice Bravery, Producer at ArtHouse Jersey, said: “It was abundantly clear from this years applications that Jersey is brimming with talent worthy of support, but Jessica stood out from the rest.

"Not only is she a gifted actress, but she has demonstrated great determination to succeed despite personal challenges. Jessica has been very proactive in securing her own future, working summer jobs to pay school fees and lobbying local politicians for more financial support for low-income students.”

Jessica follows in the footsteps of some "exceptionally talented young people" who have previously received the award. Last year, it was shared between dancer Serena Ruth, who is currently training at Trinity LABAN, and physical theatre actor Joss MacDonald, who is training at East 15, who are both excelling in their respective studies.

Other recipients have included trombonist Jack Percy, studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, Opera Singer Lylis O’Hara, as well as Jonny Labey.

Pictured: "Despite being partially deaf, I have always been determined that this wouldn’t hold me back," Jessica says.

Jessica commented: “ArtHouse Jersey’s support means that I will be able to fulfil my ambition to study at Bird College which has an amazing reputation for preparing its students for careers on West End stages. I started dancing aged three and later began singing and drama lessons and my passion has grown from there.

"Despite being partially deaf, I have always been determined that this wouldn’t hold me back; I have been very lucky to have had such supportive teachers - and of course my mum. Jonny Labey, who also won the Olive Brown Bursary, only graduated from Bird in 2014 but has already enjoyed significant success on TV and on stage. I hope to be a role model like him, represent Jersey and inspire others to not let anything stand in their way.”

The young performer started her classes two weeks ago at Bird College and has been very pleased with it so far. "Everyone has been so welcoming," she told Express.  "I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people who all share the same love of dancing and musical theatre. There are so many incredibly talented people at Bird and watching others dance really inspires you to push yourself.

"I have already done some amazing classes and am looking forward to my time at College and how much I will learn and grow as a performer. I am so grateful to all my teachers in Jersey and everyone who has helped me, I feel very lucky to have this fantastic opportunity.”