The exceptional talent of Loughborough College actors has been recognised with no fewer than three being offered major scholarships.
Auditions identifying Katie Grimley, Leah Vanmali and Elizabeth Hinds as having ‘the most potential to succeed in the profession’ have resulted in the Performing Arts students receiving Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs) – providing thousands of pounds of financial support towards their degree studies.
The trio will be heading to the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA), joining the leading drama school’s alumni who have found major success in Hollywood and the West End.
“Not so long ago I didn’t think I was good at anything, so to be offered a place at drama school when thousands apply every year is amazing enough - but to then hear I had been given this award is incredible,” said Katie, 18, who will be heading to the drama school’s north campus near Manchester to study for a BA (Hons) in Acting.
“I have to say a huge thank you to Loughborough College because it was the performing arts teachers who really inspired me to be an actor and gave me the confidence to keep going.
“They backed me all the way and have always been there, helping me prepare for auditions and offering support and encouragement and I will be sad to leave that behind – although I don’t think it will be long before I come back to visit. I’d like to help other students see what is possible.
“This Award will cover my tuition, living costs – everything really. It’s a demanding course with no opportunity to do part-time work to support yourself so this scholarship has transformed everything for me. It has meant I can take this fantastic opportunity and really make the most of it.”
Leah Vanmali, also 18, from Loughborough will be attending the London campus to study for a BA (Hons) in Acting. “I went to a shadow day at ALRA, observing classes and I loved it. It is an incredible opportunity but I simply couldn’t have done this without the DaDA – and the Award means I don’t have to worry. I’m nervous to be moving to the big city but I am also really excited.
“Ever since school I’ve wanted to be an actor and it was my best decision ever to come to Loughborough College. They’ve given me so much experience, so many skills and kept me at it when I doubted myself. I wouldn’t have even been in line for all this without the staff in performing arts and I am so appreciative.”
“This is an outstanding achievement for Katie, Leah and Lizzie. Only a handful of Awards are offered to students in the whole country and they are reserved for those who show exceptional talent and potential - and three of our students have secured those scholarships,” said Melanie Potts, Performing Arts lecturer at Loughborough College.
“The Performing Arts Team - Emma Ledsam, Vicki Calvert-Gooch and I, along with our Creative Arts Progress Tutor Graham Ireland – really are very proud of them all.”
The three actors were amongst seven College students who auditioned for ALRA with all seven being offered places. But while Katie, Leah and Lizzie will all be heading off to ALRA in September to begin their BA (Hons) courses in Acting, Beccie Hales, Holly Baird and Sharna Morris have decided to take a gap year to work and save and Kathryn Meneely has accepted a place at Arts University of Bournemouth to study for a BA (Hons) Acting.
The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) considers more than 1000 applicants for its courses each year and was the first drama school offering training which included live theatre, TV, film and radio.
Amongst its alumni the Academy counts Jeremy Ang Jones, who has made his West End debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Jimmy Akingbola, from DC Comics superhero US hit series Arrow and Dominic Murphy, starring alongside Stanley Tucci and Susan Sarandon in Feud.
Pictured: (left to right) Holly Baird, Kathryn Meneely, Leah Vanmali, Katie Grimley, Sharna Morris, Elizabeth Hinds, Beccie Hales.