An actor set for stardom is encouraging young people across County Durham to follow in his footsteps and join their local drama school.
Ethan Scott, from Hartlepool, has recently taken up his place at Guildford School of Acting to study musical theatre, and said his seven years at Gala Theatre Stage School have prepared him for the career he now hopes to have.
“My time at GTSS has been so helpful in equipping me for a career in the industry by helping me come out of my shell and building my confidence and ability in all aspects of performing arts, dance, acting and singing.
“As the time approached for auditions for theatre schools, GTSS made it their priority to help me in any possible way with devising monologues to finding sheet music and running songs, preparing me for the big day.”
Earlier this year, Ethan – who has also helped with teaching at GTSS for the last two years – took on the role of Roger in Rent, which played for seven nights to packed audiences at Gala.
“Rent was one of my favourite shows at GTSS and I was emotional, both due to the sadness of the story we were telling but also knowing that it was my last show.
“The thing about GTSS is that every time you walk into the building it is enjoyable, everyone that is part of the GTSS family knows that and it really feels like home.
“If you are wondering whether to join, I would say stop thinking and join in, throw yourself in at 110 per cent.”
Before leaving, he also took on the role of the footman in The Twelve Pound Look, which played at Gala earlier this month.
Ethan is not the only one hoping to continue his career on stage after GTSS, with six of his fellow Rent cast going on to theatre schools, including Katie Brace who played Joanne in Rent and Georgia Lennon who played Mimi.
Formed in 2002, GTSS is now made up of around 200 young people between the ages of 3 – 23 years, with classes in dance, acting and vocal techniques.
Joining is not only about performance, but also helps young people improve teamwork, build confidence and develop social skills.
Kate Sorahan, Theatre Education Officer, said: “Ethan has worked extremely hard throughout his seven years at GTSS and has been a real pleasure to teach and have as part of my team.
“Although we are always sorry to see our students leave, we look forward to following all of their progress over the next few years.
“Anyone who has been inspired by their success should get in touch to find out more about joining GTSS and the wide-range of opportunities we have on offer.”
To hear former GTSS students Katie Brace, Amy George and Georgia Lennon speak about their experiences, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpv9_H6fjZc&t=9s
Anyone wanting more information should visit www.galadurham.co.uk/about-engage/gtss/ where they can download an application form.