Help Michael Zamoras Get to AMDA New York

Hi! My name is Michael Zamoras, a proud 21 year old queer student of Filipinology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Trained since 2016 through productions, plays, and performances. Current Company Manager of Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory's 39th theater season, the resident student theater organization of PUP under the University Center for Culture and the Arts. An actor, director, teacher, language, mental health, and gender rights advocate. Works as freelance in collaboration with other university and collective performing groups in Manila.

I have starred as the lead role on a selected 2019 Cinemalaya Short Film Category entitled "Kontrolado Ni Girly Ang Buhay N'ya (Girly Is In Control Of His Life)" by Gilb Baldoza, which won Best Screenplay at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last August 2019. I was also awarded as Best Actor for the same film on the recently concluded 7th Edition of the Nabunturan Independent Film Expedition in Nabunturan, Compostella Valley last September of this year and PH Shorts Section of the 2nd Sinelamdag Film Festival in Koronadal, South Cotabato. Our film has been joining and touring various festivals here in the Philippines and abroad.

When the American Musical and Dramatic Academy held an audition last April here in the Philippines, my mentor encouraged me to try it at least for experience. I was really not expecting anything after the audition but then after a month, the email came. I have been accepted on the Conservatory Studio Program, beginning Summer or Fall 2020 at the AMDA New York Campus. They even granted me a merit-based scholarship worth $6,000 for my hard work and dedication for the performing arts.

But before this, I still need to deposit $500 for the tuition and $200 for the housing as my intent to enroll. 2020 is nearly approaching, and the program is almost full according to my admissions adviser. Receiving this kind of opportunity in pursuing my craft is something I have never imagined. And now that it has arrived, I would do everything for my passion.

I believe that the help I would get through this fund raising will bring me closer to my dreams. Being a student-artist in the Philippines is a very humbling experience. Ever since I went to school at a young age, there has always been this creative call for me to present and represent different matters of topics around me. To be given various platforms for my artistic endeavors through my academic and non-academic peers is something I am really grateful.

Please help me in making this dream possible.

For the arts!