A FUTURE of treading the boards beckons for an aspiring young actress who has just been accepted into one of the country's most prestigious drama schools.

Selin Hizli, 17, a former Roundwood Park School pupil, will embark on a three-year acting degree at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, also known as RADA, later this year.

She was one of just 34 people to win a place on the course out of thousands who auditioned.

Selin, who lives in Flamstead, has spent the last year at the Brit School, a performing arts college in Croydon, and had to go through a gruelling four-stage application process to win her place at RADA.

She said: "I used to do a lot of musical theatre, I sing and play the flute, and then a couple of years ago I decided that it was acting that I was really interested in.

"For the auditions we had to perform a classical and a contemporary piece, take part in workshops with the other candidates and also work on our movement and improvisation.

"After the last stage we were told that we would get a phone call if we were successful - I was so shocked when they phoned me. I couldn't stop jumping up and down, it was really exciting."

The only hitch that Selin - whose favourite actor is Julie Walters - faces is finding the funds to see herself through the course.

She will have her fees covered and be able to apply for a student loan, but even the maximum loan amount will not cover the estimated £9,500-a-year cost of living in London.

She said: "Because the course is full-time with long days they recommend you don't get a part-time job.

"My mum is a fundraiser for Grove House hospice so we are trying to come up with ways of raising some money.

"I'm going to organise a quiz and do things like car boot sales and I'm applying to local trusts for funding as well.

"It's such a good opportunity that I don't want to miss out."

Her mum Liz said: "I'm absolutely delighted for her. She's worked so hard for this and deserves everything she's got."

  • Think you can help Selin with her fundraising? Go to www.rada.org and click on the Student Funding link for details.