12 DRAMA STUDENTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE!
College makes up 6% of National Youth Theatre intake
TWELVE students from the same college have earned places in one of Britain’s top youth theatres.
The youngsters from City of Stoke-on-trent Sixth Form College’s theatre and musical theatre course were among 200 to earn spots at the National Youth Theatre.
About 5,000 people aged 11-25 auditioned – and the college’s success rate accounts for six per cent of the year’s intake.
The NYT has nurtured some of Britain’s finest talents, including Daniel Craig, Helen Mirren, Sheridan Smith, Orlando Bloom, Catherine Tate, Ed Sheeran, Matt Lucas and Sophie Ellis-bextor.
The successful students are Leon Dykes-meredith, Emily Durber, Keira Parker, Scarlett
Burgess, Oliver Livsey, Molly Childs, Honey Finley, Henry Hawkins, Angelina Duncan, Daniall Leese, Lewis Mcardle, and Ayah Edries.
The students will now head to Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and London for intensive training this summer.
Upon completing their twoweek course, they will be NYT members until the age of 25, gaining access to exclusive casting auditions, training, mentoring, workshops, and creative leadership programmes.
First-year musical theatre student Scarlett Burgess said: “I am so proud of myself and the others for getting into NYT.
“The audition was new for me, but the three-hour ensemble workshop eased me in before the one-on-one monologue.
“When I received my acceptance email, my family and I were over the moon.”
Keira Parker, who is also in her first year studying musical theatre, added: “I was very nervous as I’ve only auditioned for local amateur theatre before.
“I’m looking forward to attending the intake course, learning new skills, meeting new people, and applying for conservatoires and universities with increased confidence. I still can’t believe we got in!”
This year’s success rate for the college follows seven students being accepted last year.
Jade Wood,who teaches theatre and musical theatre at the Leek Road college, said: “All the students truly deserve this. Having 12 of our hard-working students offered a place this year is remarkable and a credit to their teamwork and dedication.
“I am so proud of every student that auditioned this year, and
I am confident this is just the beginning for them.”