Page "Grace Kelly" Paragraph 10

Because of low mathematics scores, Kelly was rejected by Bennington College in July 1947.

To the dismay of her parents — despite his brothers ' occupations, her father viewed acting as " a slim cut above streetwalker "— Kelly decided to pursue her dreams of a career in the theater.

For an audition into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York she used a scene from her uncle's 1923 play The Torch-Bearers.

Although the school had already selected its semester quota, Kelly obtained an interview with the school's admission officer, Emile Diestel, and was admitted due to her uncle George.

Living in Manhattan's Barbizon Hotel for Women, a prestigious establishment which barred men from entering after 10 pm, and working as a model to support her studies, Kelly began her first term the following October.

A diligent student, she would use a tape recorder to practice and perfect her speech.

Her early acting pursuits led her to the stage, most notably a Broadway debut in Strindberg's The Father alongside Raymond Massey.

At 19, her graduation performance was as Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story.