All the world’s a stage for CAVC student Gwenllian as she jets off to New York to study Drama

Cardiff and Vale College (@CAVC) A Level student Gwenllian Mellor is jetting off to New York this summer to take part in the New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts Summer Programme.

Gwenllian has got onto the prestigious Conservatory on a part scholarship with help of her tutor and the College’s Careers and Ideas team.

“It feels absolutely surreal, I’m honestly in disbelief,” Gwenllian said of the news she’d been accepted onto the Programme. “I’m beyond excited!

“I’ve always wanted to study in NYC simply because of the amazing opportunities available. So I asked the College if they had a careers advisor I could talk to about my ambitions, and they referred me to the most amazing woman who helped me through the whole application process.”

The 17-year-old from Pontyclun is studying A Levels in Dance, Drama and Film Studies at CAVC and plans on becoming a professional actor.

“I absolutely love studying at Cardiff and Vale College,” she said. “The amount of independence you get are amazing and the teachers are really there to support you at every step.

“My amazing drama teacher sent me information regarding auditions for some short films with the company It’s My Shout – and I actually ended up getting two small roles and got to make brief appearances in not one, but two of the films! They aired on BBC2 Wales a few weeks ago and are now available on BBC iPlayer!”

Gwenllian is applying to film schools in London to study there after her A Levels and summer studying in New York.

“I chose to study at CAVC because of its brilliant location and reputation,” she said. “Having a college so close to Cardiff’s city centre opens up so many more opportunities than any other college in a different location could.

“And it’s definitely helping me achieve my ambitions – my teachers are such a great support to me and do nothing but encourage me in my ambitions!”

Cardiff and Vale College Deputy Principal Sharon James said: “Congratulations Gwenllian! Getting to study at the world-famous New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts is such an amazing opportunity.

“Well done to Gwenllian and to all the staff across the College who supported her in achieving what will be a life-changing experience.”