A YOUNG theatre lover has won a place at a prestigious drama school.

Chelsea Millard was one of over 3,000 hopefuls who auditioned for a place at Emil Dale Academy.

The academy’s founder interviewed the 18-year-old and selected her to be one of the 43 budding actors who will join a three-year musical training course in September.

Chelsea, from Highworth, said: “I’m still in disbelief, it’s an amazing opportunity and a big stepping stone to the career I want.

“I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much but I got in after my first audition, it’s crazy.”

Her mum Eva gave up full-time work last July to become a carer for Chelsea’s 28-year-old sister Tyla, who has suffered from a number of debilitating illnesses including chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia since having an operation to remove cancerous cells in 2016.

Tyla said: “I was doing what Chelsea was doing 10 years ago, I loved music and drama but I couldn’t carry on so I want to do something for her.

“We’re determined to do absolutely anything we can to get her there.

“Chelsea started performing at holiday camp talent shows when she was three, she was absolutely obsessed with them.

“She’s now at Cirencester College studying performing arts and music performance.

“She was told by her teachers to keep her options open when applying for drama schools because people don’t normally get in on their first try.”

“She was planning to take a gap year because she didn’t expect to get in but she got accepted after her very first audition, which is amazing.”

Chelsea works at the Wyvern and has performed in the theatre’s summer youth project since she was 10, most recently appearing in Summer Holiday.

Due to the type of course she’s applied for, she is not eligible for student loans or government funding, and she’s hoping to do gigs and fundraisers in the run up to it starting. The fees are £11,000 a year.

Mum Eva said: “I’m so proud of her. She’s really determined, she’s practised so much and worked hard to get where she is today.

“Chelsea loved being in Summer Holiday and Grease, and Cats was one of the shows that grabbed her and started her down this path.

“After the audition she waited and waited, then the school sent her a box which had ‘Yes’ in big gold letters on the inside of the lid, it was a lovely way to give her the good news.

“She isn’t doing this for fame, she doesn’t want to become a star. She does it for the love of performing.”

Chelsea added: “Performing in the West End would be great but just performing in local shows or touring shows and making money by doing what I love is my main goal.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/chelsea-millard