I had the honour of participating in the Young Actor of Man in 2022 through Carrie Hunt. The prize money enabled me to audition for and attend a workshop on the Actors Technique at RADA, an experience for which I am very grateful and greatly enhanced my performance knowledge. Before winning the Young Actor, I was on the fence between pursing acting and the arts, or becoming a policeman…my artistic side won. After winning the competition, I’ve had the pleasure of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival twice, performed in numerous shows at the Gaiety Theatre, been invited to represent the local arts to Royalty, and was given the push to write my own play, ‘In Their Blood’, which was produced by the Parodos Theatre Company this summer, receiving standing ovations. After being in the fortunate enough position to receive six drama school offers from some of the highest regarded institutions in Britain, I am now happily in my first of three years studying the BA (Hons) Acting course at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The IOM is an incredible place for opportunities to perform and compete in the arts, and if you’re wanting to join the industry, I could not recommend the Young Actor more, it gives you the push you need to seriously begin your trajectory as a professional actor. Get those entries in!! And best of luck to all.