Haywards Heath student follows De Niro and Brando to New York drama school

The 18-year-old beat nearly 1,500 other hopefuls for one of just 32 places on a three year professional acting conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

The studio, currently chaired by Warren Beatty, has trained many world-famous actors including Mark Ruffalo, Warren Beatty and Cybill Shepherd as well as Brandon, De Niron and Keitel.

Jake will now move to New York this September to start his course.

He said: “It came as a huge shock to be offered a place and to know that I will be starting the course this September in New York at a school that trained many of my heroes and icons within the industry is just amazing and slightly unbelievable!”

Jake is just completing two years studying A levels in theatre studies, media studies and English Literature at Central Sussex College’s Sixth Form Haywards Heath campus under director Jonathan Goodwin.

Jake, from Hartfield, said he was drawn to the college “because of the great staff and fantastic facilities of the Hub Theatre”.

He recently completed a work placement at Radio 2 where he met stars including Dermot O’Leary (pictured).

Paula Watkins, programme area manager for Performing Arts, Music and Dance at Central Sussex College said: “Jake is a talented student who has worked extremely hard throughout his time at college.

“He has been a joy to teach and we are thrilled that he has secured a place at such a prestigious drama school where he can continue to develop his skills.”