Posts Tagged ‘Student’

Drama Scholarship: Lauren’s Journey

Tuesday, February 25th, 2020

In the vibrant world of performing arts, success stories often begin with a spark of passion and a supportive community. For Spotlights student Lauren, her journey from a nervous 4-year-old in her first Little Stars class to a recipient of a drama scholarship at St Dunstan’s College is a testament to dedication, talent, and the invaluable guidance of her Spotlights family.

Early Inspiration:

Lauren’s love for the performing arts ignited at a young age, thanks to her parents exposing her to the magic of theatre and playing Les Misérables CDs during car rides. Enchanted by the world of performance, she eagerly sought ways to bring the stories and melodies she loved to life.

Spotlights Debut:

At the tender age of 4, Lauren took her first steps onto the Spotlights stage. Initially nervous, her fears quickly dissipated as she discovered a warm and welcoming environment. The friendly faces and supportive atmosphere helped her forget her anxiety, setting the stage for what would become a transformative journey.

Versatility in Disciplines:

One of the unique aspects of Spotlights is its comprehensive approach to performing arts, encompassing drama, dance, and singing. When asked about her favourite discipline, Lauren’s response reflects the dynamic nature of her interests. “I don’t really have a favourite discipline, it changes every time!” she exclaims, showcasing her versatile and open-minded approach to the various facets of performance.

Memorable Highlights:

Looking back on her time at Spotlights, Lauren fondly recalls the exhilaration of participating in productions like Grease and Matilda. These experiences, shared with friends who share her passion, created lasting memories and fuelled her desire to pursue a future in the performing arts.

Navigating the Drama Scholarship Process:

As Lauren transitioned to secondary school, the pursuit of a drama scholarship became a significant milestone. She shares insights into the application process, involving writing summaries of her performance experiences, obtaining references, and delivering monologues including a challenging monologue from ‘Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Spotlights played a crucial role, providing exceptional training and invaluable support from Faye, who offered advice, feedback, and even wrote a reference for Lauren.

Considering Secondary Schools:

Lauren carefully considered multiple schools for their drama programmes, ultimately narrowing down her choices to JAGs, Bromley High, Newstead Wood, Colfes, and St Dunstan’s College. Bromley High and St Dunstan’s stood out due to their diverse offerings in drama, dance, and musical productions.

Securing a Drama Scholarship:

Lauren’s dedication and talent were recognized as she received drama scholarship offers from Bromley High, Colfes, and her chosen destination, St Dunstan’s. The decision to attend St Dunstan’s was solidified after witnessing captivating production photos and participating in an audition workshop that resonated with her passion for the arts.

Life as a Drama Scholar:

Being a drama scholar at St Dunstan’s involves active participation in numerous productions, assisting in auditioning new potential scholars, and engaging in theatre trips and meetings. Lauren’s involvement in productions like School of Rock, Billy Elliot, and High School Musical showcases her commitment to the craft.

Advice for Aspiring Drama Scholars:

Lauren encourages other families considering a drama scholarship to seize the opportunity. Her advice is straightforward: “Definitely go for it! Everyone, including the schools, wants you to succeed and is interested in everything you have to offer. The workshops are great audition and performance practice, no matter the outcome!”

Future Aspirations:

Looking ahead, Lauren dreams of attending drama college and pursuing a career in theatre and film performance professionally. Her journey from a Spotlights beginner to a drama scholar is a source of inspiration for aspiring young performers, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and a supportive community.

Lauren’s success story is a shining example of the transformative power of performing arts education. Spotlights Theatre School, with its nurturing environment and dedicated instructors, played a pivotal role in shaping Lauren’s journey. As she continues to shine on the stage at St Dunstan’s College, the spotlight remains firmly on her, illuminating the path for others with similar dreams and aspirations in the captivating world of performing arts.

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