The world’s a stage for Coleg Gwent’s musical theatre graduates following successful auditions for some of the UK’s top drama schools this summer. Far from putting their feet up during the holidays, many have been gaining extra acting experience on TV shows including Being Human and Sherlock before starting university.
Many of the budding actors will be going on to prestigious Higher Education institutions including Mountview Academy of Performing Arts, Laine Theatre Arts and Performers College in Surrey, The Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, SLP in Leeds, Performers College in Essex and Bath University.
Kristian Morse, 18 from Tredegar, is a step closer to his long-held dream of performing in the West End as he moves from Wales to London to study BA Honours degree in musical theatre at Mountview Academy of Performing Arts.
Kristian, who recently scooped a National Operatic and Drama Association (NODA) award through performing with Tredegar Operatic Society, is undaunted by the prospect of long hours and tough auditions in the famously competitive industry: “I’m very excited to be going to London; I’ve had an amazing few years at Coleg Gwent, but I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to the course and feel like I’m well prepared for the challenge,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to act ever since I can remember, so being able to focus on improving my performance skills at College all day, every day, for the past two years has been an opportunity which I’ve tried to make the most of.”
The talented student, who gained a diploma in classical music aged just 15, threw himself into his course taking on lead roles in two highly successful and very different Coleg Gwent productions, Spring Awakening and Camp Rock. He said: “I’ve loved being part of the productions and have really been able to progress with the help and support of staff.
“My dancing has progressed, and I’ve really benefitted from being able to practice and perform in the new dance studio and theatre. It’s a really professional environment and has been a perfect stepping-stone for me, building my skills and confidence before going on to university.”
During the last two years, the group brought many ‘firsts’ to the College including the Welsh Premiere of the dark Spring Awakening and the British Premiere of Disney’s Camp Rock, as well as a production of musical comedy Hairspray.
Many of the students have been busy getting as much work as possible during the summer months to help fund their future courses, including work on TV shows such as Being Human, Sherlock, Merlin, The Night Watch, Casualty, Pobol y Cwm and Ar Yr Tracs.
Musical theatre Lecturer Cheryl Harper said: “I’m extremely proud of the continual high standard and achievements of all our students and wish them every success in the next stage of their careers.”
