The summer holidays brought an exciting opportunity for two Year 9 LEH pupils, who spent two memorable weeks rehearsing and performing with British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT).
Selected to take part in Paper Stars, a new musical inspired by the life of P. L. Travers, the author best known for creating Mary Poppins, Sophie and Serin joined a company of talented young performers for an intensive period of rehearsals before taking the production to the stage in Exeter (Sophie) and Birmingham (Serin).
Working on a brand-new musical offered the cast the girls the chance to be part of the creative process as the production came to life. Over the course of two weeks, they worked together to learn and rehearse the material, developing their performances and experiencing first-hand the energy, commitment and teamwork involved in putting on a professional-scale musical theatre production.
The experience culminated in four performances of Paper Stars over summer, giving the performers the opportunity to share everything they had worked on with a live audience.
For Sophie, however, the experience was about much more than the performances themselves.
“I had the best experience and made so many amazing memories and friendships. I was grateful to be chosen and to have the opportunity to perform in this amazing show, and to have the support of all my teachers helping me to do it.”
British Youth Music Theatre brings together young people with professional theatre practitioners to create and perform original musical theatre. Taking part gave our student the opportunity not only to develop her skills as a performer, but also to meet and work closely with other young people who share her passion for theatre.
From the intensity of rehearsals to the excitement of performing on stage, the two weeks provided an invaluable insight into the world of musical theatre, as well as friendships and memories that will last well beyond the final curtain.
We are delighted to celebrate this fantastic achievement for both pupils making the most of such an exciting opportunity beyond the classroom. Congratulations!
