Rebecca Collier (16), from Elloughton, East Yorkshire, is living the dream after winning a full scholarship to study Musical Theatre at the Hammond in Chester; a nationally recognised centre of excellence for dance and a leading provider of vocational musical theatre, drama and music training. Rebecca was up against hundreds of young hopefuls, both from the U.K and abroad, ranging from 16 – 20 years old.
Settling into her first week she said: “I am so lucky to be able to do what I love every day of the week. I am now even more determined to work hard to become a professional musical theatre performer.”
Rebecca attended locally based Northern Lights Drama Theatre School, where her talent as a ‘triple threat’ performer was recognised by director Hannah Levy: “Rebecca is a very talented young person who can sing, dance and act. We really focussed on developing her acting skills and audition technique at our weekly Production and LAMDA Examination Classes, led by our acting teacher, Peter McMillan – a local professional actor who was able to share and pass on his knowledge and passion for the industry.”
Rebecca added: “I am so thankful for the help I have been given from all the teachers at Northern Lights Drama Theatre School (NLD) as they’ve helped me progress massively and achieve my dream. From my own experience NLD has given me such a high level of training and the teachers always ensure everyone, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to develop their talents.”
Rebecca’s mum, Maggie Collier, said: ”I am so proud of my daughter’s drive and focus to attain her childhood dream to attend such a prestigious drama school as the Hammond. She could never have got to where she is now without the dedicated and intensive training received from Hannah and her team at Northern Lights Drama Theatre School. We are so proud of Rebecca’s achievements.”
Rebecca attended the first round of auditions in November 2017, whilst studying for her GCSEs at South Hunsley School in Melton, East Yorkshire. She impressed the school’s faculty at every stage of the audition process and, after multiple rounds of auditions against hundreds of other applicants, was offered a place on the three year Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre. Rebecca was then invited to compete for the limited scholarships available to the school’s most talented students and was fortunate to be awarded a full Dance and Drama Award (DADA).