University challenge for Ellie
Teen heads to Harvard and Yale
The sky is the limit for a Hamilton actress as she prepares to jet across the pond to sample life at two of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Teenager Ellie Laird, who studies on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Junior Conservatoire Acting programme, will spend a week at Harvard and Yale – after beating off competition from 1000 young people from all over the UK to take part in the Sutton Trust’s esteemed US programme.
The 17-year-old secured her place at the conservatoire through their Transitions scheme, which aims to ensure that everyone with talent should have access to training there, regardless of their background.
It was during her studies at Scotland’s national conservatoire that she was made aware of the US programme – although family members took some convincing.
The Hamilton Grammar pupil said: “I’m so excited to be heading to the USA this summer, it’s a really big deal.
“I would like to major in drama and directing with English and French, and the trip will give me a flavour of what education is like over there.
“It will be interesting to compare the differences between universities in the USA and in Scotland, particularly when I’m going to Yale and Harvard.”
Mum Alison said: “I am absolutely delighted for Ellie. My husband James wasn’t too sure at first because of the distance, but we both know it’s such a wonderful opportunity for her.
“She’s grateful to the staff at the Junior Conservatoire who told her about the opportunity and guided her through the process. It would be a big step for Ellie if she decides she wants to study in the USA full-time, but we will support her in every way we can.”
Winning the opportunity to visit the prestigious American Ivy League institutions was an arduous process for Ellie, who had to go through rounds of essay writing, tests and interviews as 1000 hopefuls were whittled down to the final shortlist, which includes just 15 representatives from Scotland.
She will spend a week living on campus and, along with other participants, will benefit from residential activities and an intensive programme of support.
The trip starts on July 30 and marks the latest step in what is a promising career for Ellie, who caught the acting bug at the age of eight following a workshop at school. She joined various drama organisations before gaining a place at the Junior Conservatoire last August.
Ellie explained that her studies at the conservatoire have helped her decide on her ultimate career path. She said: “I love studying there. It has affected my life so much, from the voice and movement coaching to meeting so many new people.
“Going to the Junior Conservatoire has showed me I can do what I really want to do and it has opened up a whole new life to me.
“I had been considering becoming an architect but the course here has made me realise how much I love acting. To know what I want to do and have that clarity is amazing.”
Jenn Adams, head of the Junior Conservatoire, said: “Many congratulations to Ellie, who has worked very hard during her time so far at the Junior Conservatoire.”