Overview
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From RWCMD to the National Theatre: How the Jackie Skarvellis Scholarship paved the way for Liam Prince-Donnelly
Acting grad Liam Prince-Donnelly was the first recipient of the Jackie Skarvellis Scholarship, a fund established through a legacy gift from Jackie – a graduate of the College herself and a dedicated champion to the arts, playwright, actor and singer.
Here, Liam shares his personal story and how the scholarship supported him from his training to performing at the National Theatre.
Jackie Skarvellis scholarship
‘When I first joined the Royal Welsh College, I was brimming with excitement and ambition, but I also had a fair share of anxiety about the challenges ahead. Moving to a new city and diving into full-time education brought significant financial concerns. That’s when the Jackie Skarvellis Scholarship came into my life. The scholarship was set up to help students like me access this specialist training regardless of financial barriers. Jackie was someone who had benefitted from studying here herself and wanted to help others after she was gone.
The scholarship was like a lifeline, allowing me to focus fully on my training without the constant worry of financial pressures, easing the anxiety of moving to a new city and starting my education.’
The Impact of the scholarship
‘To me, the Jackie Skarvellis Scholarship was more than just financial support - it was a confidence booster. Knowing that someone believed in my potential enough to invest in my education was incredibly empowering. It motivated me to work harder and make the most of every opportunity that came my way.Liam Prince-Donnelly
Throughout my time at College, I was able to immerse myself in my studies, participate in various productions, and hone my craft under the guidance of exceptional mentors. The scholarship gave me access to resources and experiences that were pivotal in shaping my skills and setting the foundation for my career.’
From RWCMD to the National Theatre
‘Graduating from RWCMD was just the beginning of an exciting journey. The training and support I received during my time at the College paved the way for my professional career. Since graduating, I’m proud to have already worked with both The National Theatre and the BBC - two career milestones that seemed like distant dreams at one point.’
Transforming lives
‘Thinking back on all I achieved, I feel immensely grateful for the support that set me on this path and the Jackie Skarvellis legacy. It’s a reminder of how transformative scholarships can be for aspiring artists. I’ve seen first-hand how such contributions can open doors and help students achieve their dreams, just as Jackie’s gift helped me achieve mine.
I am deeply grateful to Jackie Skarvellis for her generosity and her belief in the next generation of artists. Her legacy lives on through each recipient’s achievements, and I am honoured to be part of that legacy.’Liam Prince-Donnelly
