Visit any show in the West End that features young performers aged between 10 and 16 years old, and it is extremely likely that a number of them will be attending the Sylvia Young Theatre School. Several students have recently enjoyed lead roles in Matilda the Musical, The Lion King, Billy Elliot, The Railway Children and Bugsy Malone, and that's without mentioning all the roles in TV, radio and film.
Sylvia Young's devotion to the nurturing and training of young talent since the school was founded in 1972 has also been reflected in her commitment to The Stage Scholarships scheme. Over the space of 24 years, Young and her team have helped more than 70 children to pursue a career in the performing arts.
On offer this year is one full scholarship (worth up to £60,000) and the chance to join an unrivalled roll call of former students who have gone on to success in all areas of the performing arts. These artists include Denise Van Outen, Keeley Hawes, Preeya Kalidas, Jenna Russell, Rita Ora, Nicholas Hoult and members of such bands as Busted, McFly, the Wanted and the Saturdays. Not to mention what seems like half the cast of EastEnders, past and present.
Joining that community is last year's scholarship winner Ella Tweed, who will now attend SYTS full-time for five years, and with no worries about fees. The 12-year-old from Northampton already has a number of West End credits to her name (including roles in Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and has also appeared in Game of Thrones. She said: "I'm absolutely ecstatic. This is life-changing – it's amazing to be part of the school and be welcomed by so many people who like doing the same things I do."
SYTS offers an academic and vocational curriculum up to the age of 16. The current premises are located in a five-floor, converted church in central London (not far from Marble Arch underground station).
Young takes pride in the school's first-class teaching and the way in which the staff members ensure pupils' feet stay on the ground, whatever roles they may be playing in theatre, film and TV. This is achieved by encouraging a commitment to hard work and SYTS' weekly schedule of three days of academic work and two days of vocational training.
This intensive timetable is balanced with a happy and caring environment. Young comments: "I think we really care about the kids and give them as much support as we can. And it's not all about our financial commitment, it's everything about their time with us, right from the beginning when some of the children are away from home for the first time."
So what is it that Young is looking for in possible scholarship winners?
"First of all, we are seeking potential, and then an ability to sing, dance or act. But it's important that those applying know that they don't have to be fully trained already. It's more about natural talent that, as a school, we can support."
sylviayoungtheatreschool.com
Course: Performing artsEducational level: Students entering years 7 (born between September 1, 2004, and August 31, 2005, inclusive) and 8 (born between September 1, 2003, and August 31, 2004, inclusive) in September 2016Number of scholarships offered: OneValue of scholarship: Up to £60,000What costs are covered? FeesWhere is the school? Nutford Place, LondonAudition date and details: February 28, recall audition March 13, final audition March 16. Applicants will be grouped according to age and will take part in workshops in all three vocational subjects – drama/singing/dance. After the workshop audition, selected applicants will be invited back to attend a recall and/or final audition, when they will be asked to perform their individual pieces to an invited guest panel.How do I apply? Register online at regonline.co.uk/sytsbursaries before February 20. Applicants need to complete a detailed online registration form. All correspondence will be sent via email. A r egistration payment of £15 per applicant will be required during your online registration process. Credit and debit cards accepted.
Source: The Stage Scholarships 2016: Sylvia Young Theatre School
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