WARRINGTON Collegiate student Joseph Connolly is attending the National Youth Theatre Summer School in London for the opportunity to appear in the West End.
The 19-year-old, who studies Performing Arts, follows in the footsteps of several famous British actors, including Orlando Bloom, Daniel Craig, Matt Smith and Dame Helen Mirren.
Originally from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, Joseph moved up to stay with his aunt in Golborne so he could study at the collegiate.
He said: “I’m following my dream. Acting is what I want to do. I’ve been acting since I was 6 and now I get to do it for real, something I never thought was possible when I was younger. Mum and Dad are so proud of me, my Dad’s so excited he’s told all his friends.”
To get one of the sought after places in the NYT summer school, Joseph had to go through a rigourous selection process.
He said: “Thousands applied but only 500 of us were taken through to the next stage. The auditions lasted all day. We had a group workshop in the morning and we were called through individually to perform a two minute speech from any published play of your choosing. They scored you against quality of performance and enthusiasm you demonstrate and I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d got a place. After the summer school I will be a National Youth Theatre member and can audition for shows each year until I’m 25.”
In the past, NYT members have performed in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Team Welcome Ceremonies, in Saudi Arabia and China as well as prestigious theatres such as The Old Vic Tunnels in London, the iconic Park Hill Estate in Sheffield and The Lighthouse in Glasgow.
Joseph added: “I’m nervous but really looking forward to it. I’m going with college to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which will be amazing and then off to summer school in London. What a fantastic summer holiday!”
After a further year at Warrington Collegiate, Joseph is planning to go onto higher education with ambitions to get into the acclaimed Acting School at the University of Essex, East 15.
Student chases acting dream
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
