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Luke Westlake Scholarship 2021 Winner, Actor Melodie Karczewski

17 December 2021

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Acting

Congratulations to second year actor Melodie Karczewski who’s been awarded the Luke Westlake Scholarship.

Melodie follows in the footsteps of RWCMD student Ayomide Adegun, who was awarded the Scholarship last year.

Set up by Just Add Milk (JAM) Theatre company the scholarship supports working class actors during their final year of training and as they enter their first year in industry as a professional.

The winner receives over £4000 worth of financial, artistic and developmental support.

‘I feel so grateful to be this year’s Luke Westlake (JAM) scholarship recipient,’ said Melodie. ‘It’s an incredible award supporting working class actors at drama school and dedicated to a very driven fellow actor.’

The Open Door organisation helps talented young people who don’t have the financial support or resources to gain a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools.

‘Without schemes such as this I wouldn’t be at RWCMD. Open Door is a wonderful charity that enabled me to get into such a supportive and inspiring school.’

‘Where I lived in Thanet there weren’t many opportunities, so I’m also thankful to those that are encouraging working class children in the area to pursue their dreams, like Jan Dunn at Kent Film Foundation.

The pressure of third year has been lifted by this award and I am so thankful to JAM and all their supporters.

I want to thank RWCMD for enabling me to progress as an actor and work with me and my disability (Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder, NEAD). My siblings, friends and cohort are over the moon and so am I!’

Melodie receiving her scholarship

‘We are thrilled for Melodie,’ said Director of Drama Performance, Jonathan Munby. ‘This is hugely well deserved and a tribute to the hard work and dedication to her craft and training.

For RWCMD grads to have won two years is a row is an honour and testament to the quality and skill of our students and staff.’

The panel were hugely impressed by Melodie’s application:

‘Melodie’s talent in her audition tapes was undeniable,’ said casting director Faye Timby. ‘Her performances translated as truthful and authentic, something even the most accomplished actors can struggle to achieve.’

Liam McLaughlin and Kristian Wall from Just Add Milk Theatre Company said:

‘Melodie is a very worthy winner of the scholarship this year, from the strongest shortlist to date.

‘We are fully invested in her exceptional talent, unique story and, now, journey – we can’t wait to watch her grow and follow in the successful footsteps of our previous winners, Madison Stock and Ayo Adegun.’

Feature Image: Melodie, the Luke Westlake Scholarship 2021 winner, at the award ceremony at the Turbine Theatre, Battersea Power Station.

Find out more about studying acting at RWCMD and about the Luke Westlake Scholarship

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Luke Westlake Scholarship Winner, Actor Ayomide Adegun