Ten talented students from Westholme have beaten the odds to join the most prestigious theatre programme in the country.
The senior students have beat hundreds of aspiring your actors in auditions across the UK to be accepted into the National Youth Theatre (NYT) summer programme - which only accepts 10% of applicants.
Miss Catherine Roberts, Head of Drama, said: “This year is the first time Westholme has hosted auditions for the National Youth Theatre. 48 Westholme students auditioned, alongside four external candidates.
We’re delighted to say that 10 Westholmians were successful – which is an astounding number considering that the NYT auditions around 6,000 young hopefuls, offering places to just 700.”
The students can now look forward to a two-week training programme at the world-leading organisation which counts Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren, James Bond actor Daniel Craig, and Luther star Idris Elba as just some of its star-studded alumni.
Sophia, from Lancaster, is one of the successful students. She said: "I was absolutely thrilled when I found out that I had been offered a place at The National Youth Theatre, on their summer course 2023. I cannot wait for what adventures are yet to come and what the future may hold."
Another successful student, Mason, from Darwen, described the audition process.
“The day started with a four-hour workshop which was challenging but really fun. After that I had a separate audition, for which I had to learn a monologue (a dramatic piece from Apocalypse Now). I had to wait three months to find out if I had a place.
I was in shock when I received the email to say I had been successful. I’m really looking forward to the course and can’t wait to get started."
Mrs Amy Holland, Director of Performing Arts, added: "We are absolutely thrilled that so many of our students have gained a place with NYT this year! We are delighted to host auditions at Westholme again early next year and will extend the invitation to other schools in the area."