A student from Carlisle has just been selected for a national scholarship award that will help cover the cost of her tuition fees when she embarks on full time performing arts training in September.
Lauryn Jamieson, age 17, took part in the first ever Future Fund auditions, set up by Razzamataz Theatre Schools. The scholarship of £3,000 was awarded to Lauryn after an audition process held at Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden on June 7th.
The judging panel consisted of industry experts:
Lizzie Gough is a British dancer, television judge and presenter who came third during the first series of So You Think You Can Dance. In 2010, she featured as a judge for the CBBC television series Alesha’s Street Dance Stars. Lizzie is currently on tour with Take That.
Brian Attwood edited The Stage newspaper for 20 years and has incredible knowledge about the performing arts industry. He also spearheaded the hugely successful scholarships in association with The Stage.
Peter Houston Reid attended Razzamataz from 2005 to 2007 before going on to train full time and eventually landing a role in the hit West End show We Will Rock You, based on the music of rock band Queen. Peter is about to appear in Legally Blonde.
Jamie Read is one of the Founding Directors at Read Dance and Theatre College. He has worked in the theatre industry for over 20 years as a dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, writer, producer and teacher, and as well as co-founding Read College he is now one of the leading specialist vocal coaches in the country.
Lauryn prepared a song and drama piece for the judges and was praised for her overall maturity and understanding of the roles that she took on. Brian Attwood said: “Lauryn impressed both with her determination to test herself by performing outside of her comfort zone and with her commendably wide theatre knowledge. She is a very deserving winner who will be a credit to the Future Fund scheme in years to come.”
Lauryn has been offered a place to study performing arts at Bath Spa University but has also been invited to audition for the prestigious Rose Bruford College. “Winning the Razzamataz Future Fund means everything to me and I am so thankful for it,” says Lauryn. “It means that I can get the best training to help me break into the industry. I have also gained experience and advice that I will take through with me into my training and career and have met professionals whose journeys into the industry have inspired me. My time with Razzamataz has prepared me for the next stage of my life and has been thoroughly enjoyable. I would like to thank all my teachers, past and present, and, of course, Denise, the Principal of our school.”
The standard of entries were so high this year that Razzamataz has gifted the other Carlisle applicant Megan Wharton with £500 to help towards her performing arts training also.
As part of its commitment to its students, Razzamataz will be holding Future Fund auditions every year. The scholarships will help with finance to train at a performing arts college and will be offered to an exceptionally talented and dedicated student who attends one of the part-time schools throughout the country.
The auditions are open to all Razzamataz students, providing they have been attending the school for a consecutive two years. The judges were delighted to be involved with the Future Fund charity for Razzamataz as Lizzie Gough explains: “Future Fund is a fantastic opportunity for all Razzamataz students with goals and passion who wish to pursue their careers further in the industry. It gives me positive hope that we can really help shape individuals’ careers in the future, as we all need a little help now and then when things become a little harder financially. So with the help of Future Fund this creates more potential for students.”
