Plymouth College pupil, Sid McLaren, 16, has won a place at the iconic school for performing arts and technology, the Brit School.
Based in Croydon, the school has seen stars such as Adele, Jesse J, Ashley Madekwe and Leona Lewis pass through its doors. Out of 500 applicants and 100 auditionees, Sid was offered one of only 20 places on the Post-16 Theatre course. Her achievement is all the more impressive because only two students can be accepted from outside the London catchment area – Sid is from the Isle of Wight.
For the application and audition process, Sid had to write an essay on her inspirations and aspirations, as well as perform two monologues, including Miranda from The Tempest. She has previously performed in the award-winning play ‘No Ball Games’ with the Red Tie Theatre Group and school productions such as ‘Histrionics’. Sid also helped younger pupils with their acting in the Year 8 production, ‘Matilda’, earlier this term.
At the Brit School Sid will study English A Level and BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting). As well as acting, she will have the chance to develop skills in script writing and directing.
Sid is a boarder at Plymouth College and is currently taking her GCSEs, including Drama.
“I am so excited to have a place at the Brit School,” said Sid. “The school has kick-started the careers of lots of well-known performers and I hope very much that the same will happen for me. Originally my two passions were swimming and acting – I swam for the Isle of Wight in the World Island Games – but I’ve hung up my swim hat now and want to concentrate on becoming a professional actress.”