Kyle's set to live the American dream

The 22-year-old, from Balloch, will jet off in September to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York to begin a course, having been offered a place following auditions in Edinburgh.

The world's oldest English-language stage school, the Academy is currently celebrating its 125th year.

Many of its alumni went on to conquer Hollywood, including the likes of Lauren Bacall, Adrien Brody, Grace Kelly, Danny DeVito, Cecil B. De Mille and Kirk Douglas.

"It's amazing," said Kyle, who landed the place after giving an audition and being interviewed by the director of the school.

"However it's also very, very expensive.

"Mum and dad will pay as much as they can, but I'll also be working hard doing what I can to raise money for fees."

Mum Susan thinks Kyle will find the trip an incredible adventure.

She said: "I went there on holiday a couple of years ago, it is an amazing place. I think Kyle is ready for it and she'll forget about us, in a nice way."

Kyle, who went to Greenfaulds High School, started out in acting when she was age six. Susan enrolled her in drama classes with Cumbernauld Youth Theatre as a way of building her confidence.

Well and truly bitten by the acting bug, Kyle went on to perform with No Mean Company and the Apex Players, and has also been in a production of The King and I at the King's Theatre.

She studied acting for three years at Langside College. But all this could be eclipsed by her American adventure.

"I'm imagining life in New York will be a combination of Sex and the City, Fame and Home Alone 2," she joked.

In preparation for her departure, Kyle (pictured above) and her friends and family will be organising a number of fundraising events and activities - watch this space for details.