BOA Alumni. Summer Newsletter BOA Music Student, Kirby Frost has shot to fame with her appearance on ITV s The Voice!

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1 BOA Alumni Summer Newsletter 2018 BOA Music Student, Kirby Frost has shot to fame with her appearance on ITV s The Voice! Kirby impressed judges Olly Murs, Jennifer Hudson, Will.I.Am and Tom Jones, sailing through the Blind Auditions and choosing Olly Murs to be her mentor. Kirby then went on to win the Battles round, but unfortunately just lost out during the Knockouts. BOA would like to say congratulations to Kirby for her achievements, we are sure this isn t the last we will see of her! PRINCIPAL S MESSAGE As we approach the end of another busy academic year, it is exciting to hear so many wonderful stories of our BOA Alumni who are now going on to successful careers. Congratulations to all of you on your achievements and keep in touch with news on where you plan to go next and what you have achieved. Please read my blog on the website to see what s been happening at BOA. Have a lovely summer. Gaynor Cheshire IN THIS ISSUE Page 1 - BOA Star of The Voice Page Adventures in Denmark Page 4 - News from BOA Page 5 - Frantic Assembly s Ignition Page News from the Old Rep Page Success Stories Page 11 - A Star is Born Page Your Future in Photos Page 14 - Alumni Morning Invite Page 15 - Upcoming Performances Page 16 - Pinocchio PAGE 1

2 Adventures in Denmark... After a successful visit to Birmingham in March, Danish dance school Balletskolen invited 21 BOA Dance students from Year 10 to Denmark on Friday 4th May for a 5 day action-packed trip. The students loved spending time with their pen-pals, who they had previously met when the Danish students visited BOA earlier in the year. The trip also gave BOA students an opportunity to experience new styles of dance and learning in another European country, as they were involved in the Danish students lessons at school, and were able to visit their partners families for a day, trying new foods and exploring new cultures. This exchange was a brilliant experience for all students involved. Above: BOA students enjoy the sun as they walk along the river to Vandkraftsso PAGE 2

3 The 5-day trip was non-stop with activities including Legoland, the Limestone Mines and shopping in Holstebro. The students also had the opportunity to participate in a dance performance at the Black Box Theatre, alongside the Danish students and practitioners from the Royal Danish Ballet. The students performed really well and were a real credit to BOA. The students all enjoyed their time spent in Denmark and have made good friendships which we hope will last a lifetime. BOA hopes to welcome our Danish friends back next Spring to continue our partnership. Above (Top): Year 10 students before their performance at the Black Box Theatre Above (Bottom): BOA are featured in the Dance Performance programme for their performance of West Side Story PAGE 3

4 News from BOA... On Tuesday 5th June, BOA welcomed our current Year 12 students to our Futures Information Evening, offering advice as they progress into Year 13 and begin to think about their progression routes after BOA. Representatives from several establishments were on hand to answer any questions and give guidance to our students and parents. These include Birmingham City University (BCU), Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Creative Alliance who specialise in Apprenticeships. We would like to say a massive thank you to Matthew Nicholas, Emaleigh Conn and Ilyas Belhana (above) for attending the event and representing the BOA Alumni stand. The Alumni were able to pass on their advice to current students, and provide information to parents about Higher Education, gap years and working in the creative industry. We really appreciate the support of our Alumni and look forward to welcoming you to future events. PAGE 4

5 Frantic Assembly s Ignition... Ignition is Frantic Assembly s free, national training programme and the Old Rep is the West Midlands partner for this. On Saturday 15th September, the Old Rep are housing a free open taster workshop with Frantic Assembly, followed by the regional trials for their Ignition Project, held at BOA on 26th and 27th September. This will be a search for young men to form their Ignition Company. This opportunity is open to young men, aged Please note, you do not need to have taken part in the taster workshops to be involved in the trials. Last year, a BOA Alumni made it through to the Ignition Company and the experience was most rewarding, supporting him to change his career path and next steps after BOA. The programme seeks out talent in all places, and is committed to helping young men find their individual and collective strength. They want to bring together a dynamic group from across the UK with different backgrounds, skills and No experience is necessary and they are particularly looking for young men who haven t taken part in drama or dance before. If this sounds like something for you, you can sign up to the taster and trials here: We hope to see you there! PAGE 5

6 News from the Old Rep... The Old Rep team kicked off the Summer with thoughts of Winter as they held a launch party for this year s Christmas production Pinocchio. Running from Saturday 17th November to Sunday 30th December, Pinocchio will be the BOA Group s fourth Christmas production and will once again feature a professional cast of actors supported by an ensemble of BOA students. The team were joined by bloggers, press and an array of guests as BOA students took to the stage to give a taste of this fun-packed musical production. Tickets are on sale now from the Old Rep s website and Box Office This season the Old Rep team are pulling together to raise money for the venue's upkeep and to support the year-round programme of performances, workshops and training. To this end, they will be hosting a Grand Prize Draw on Thursday 12th July, with all proceeds helping ensure the future of the theatre, its ongoing restoration and creative projects for Birmingham's young people. Prizes include tickets and a meal at Glee Club Birmingham, tickets to Drayton Manor, tobogganing at Tamworth Snowdome, admission to Trentham Monkey Forest, admission to West Midland Safari Park, a sofa for two at The Electric Cinema and many more! Tickets are just 5 each and are available from The Old Rep Box Office and BOA reception. Following the success of our Easter Workshops, children aged between 7 and 16 can get involved in our Theatre Experience Summer School and Performing Arts workshops in October half term. Led by professional tutors with years of experience, the workshops are a great chance to learn and improve performance skills in acting, singing and dance, whilst making new friends along the way. For more information and to book a workshop, please visit or telephone PAGE 6

7 BOA students from performing pathways have taken up residence at the Old Rep presenting an array of fantastic showcases in Musical Theatre, Dance, Acting and Music. Their shows have been really well-received and are a testament to the talent we see every day at BOA. Continuing the celebrations of the Old Rep s 105th anniversary, the team have installed a number of seat plaques dedicated to notable actors and theatre makers whose careers were developed in the iconic venue. Over the last few months, the theatre team have been able to welcome two of their notable patrons back to the venue to be presented with their plaques. Star of stage and screen, Brian Cox visited the theatre in May. An Olivier and Emmy award winner, Cox joined The Birmingham Repertory Company in 1966 taking to the stage in Peer Gynt and Othello alongside Alison Key and Michael Gambon. Cox reminisced about his time at the theatre and, on learning that the venue now acts as Birmingham Ormiston Academy s second campus, offered some advice to young performers in training: I think it s just persistence, it s about following your bliss, not giving up and not being distracted and there s a lot of distractions. I know very good actors who fall away, but you have to have the stamina and you have to have the ability to be available, always available at the right points so you don t cut yourself off anywhere. Don t lose the idea that anything is possible. When people try to corral you, just don t be corralled; stick to your purpose. In June, another patron Toyah Willcox visited the theatre to see her seat plaque in the auditorium. Greeted at stage door by our Executive Director Michael Penn and General Manager Gary Stevens, Toyah was extremely excited as this was her first time back at the theatre in almost 30 years, back when she used to attend The Old Rep Drama School at the age of just 14. Above: The Old Rep s patrons, Brian Cox and Toyah Willcox photographed with their dedicated seat plaques. Toyah's dedicated seat plaque is located in our stalls, and reads: A SPACE WHERE TRUE HAPPINESS WAS FOUND Willcox went on to thank The Old Rep for their hospitality, and said "This is where it all began for me, thank you". The Old Rep s new season brochure is winging its way to customers as we speak and there s a packed programme in store for Autumn. With an exciting mix of comedy, theatre, dance, music and family entertainment, there really is something for everyone. Birmingham Ormiston Academy Summer Term 2018 PAGE 7

8 BOA Alumni Success Stories... I was at BOA until 2016, studying Acting. I decided to study English at the University of Nottingham. I still get to act a bit on my course and I work as a drama teacher for teenagers in my spare time. With the end of my degree only a year away, I ve been figuring out how I can combine English and the Arts as a career. I recently worked as an Arts and Culture Intern for the Guardian, where I had three articles published in their newspaper. I have also done some work for an independent film company, HanWay Films, where I got to read and edit new and potential scripts such as Ralph Fiennes upcoming Film, White Crow. In a few weeks, I start another internship at the BBC on the set of CBBC s Newsround. I was gutted when I didn t get in to drama school while I was at BOA but now I see that it was a blessing in disguise. I now can t wait to graduate and see what happens next. Gemma Steele, Acting, 2016 See Gemma s newspaper article on Page 12. It was a blessing in disguise Since leaving BOA, I have worked on a new feature film with Asa Butterfield as his body double, produced by Maisie Williams film company, Daisy Chain Productions. As well as my Acting career, I have also set up a Digital Marketing Company managing clients social media around the world and will be moving to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for part of next year! Tom Jauncey, Acting, 2017 I have accepted my offer to study on the BA (Hons) Acting course at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, beginning in September! I m also working with the Young REP Theatre on a children s show beginning in July! Anna Bradley, Acting, 2017 PAGE 8

9 I graduated from BOA in 2014 from the Musical Theatre course. I went on to train at the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) on their BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course, graduating in July Last Winter, I performed at the Nottingham Playhouse in their pantomime Cinderella, as Prince Charming. This was my first professional job and it was a fantastic experience. The Playhouse have perfected putting on a panto and I felt so lucky to be a part of it that year! My next job will be as part of the 2018/19 cast of Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre in the West End. I will be playing Joly and I m also understudy for Marius. We open on Monday 11th June. This will be my West End debut! James Nicholson, Musical Theatre, 2014 See James as Prince Charming on Page 12. I m starting Mountview Academy in September on the 3-year Musical Theatre course! I went to SOTE for a years training and auditioned this year! Jack Gardner, Musical Theatre, 2017 This will be my West End debut! I ve just graduated from East 15 s BA (Hons) Physical Theatre Course and gone straight into Peter Pan at Regent s Park Open Air Theatre, as a WW1 Soldier and Puppeteer. I have also started my own company called Al Dente Theatre Company. Liam Cullen, Acting, 2014 See Liam in a rehearsal of Peter Pan and on Press Night on Page 12. I ve recently just finished my first year at Bolton University studying Theatre. This has been a very interesting year as I got to do my first paid theatre show of Hamlet at the Octagon Theatre, which my University work alongside. Also, within the next month I m going to do a photoshoot in Warwickshire. Edd Lovatt, Acting, 2017 PAGE 9

10 BOA Alumni Success Stories... After leaving BOA in May, I went straight into working in retail in a store called Hobbycraft. I felt that I needed a break from performing, as I had lost a small part of my love for it, and felt that drama school, university and higher education wasn t something I was extremely interested in! Although I wasn t on a stage at Hobbycraft, I was still able to show my creativity through my artwork. At the beginning of 2018, I started to really miss performing. I had made the decision however, that I really missed children s entertainment and that field of work. After looking on The Stage website for entertainment jobs, I came across a few that I really liked the sound of and I was offered auditions for all the first being a female vocalist for Warner Leisure Parks and although it was something I was interested in, I didn t feel like it was a job that would be energetic enough for me! The second was a job offered in Greece and even though I aspire to travel the world, I didn t feel it was the right time to move abroad. The final job was offered towards the middle of April 2018, and the audition was for a Pontins as a Bluecoat. After doing work experience at holiday parks and working in a Santa s grotto as a performer, I knew this would be the perfect job for me! The audition went incredibly well and I was offered the job on the spot. 3 days later, I moved down to Southport and a month and a half later, I am having the best time surrounded by incredible people, doing something I truly love! I m so glad my passion for performing has been restored, things couldn t have worked out better if I tried. Thanks to all the Acting teachers for teaching me lessons I will take with me forever, and thank you BOA for reminding me to Imagine Everything. Lucy McWilliams, Acting, 2017 See Lucy in action as a Pontins Bluecoat on Page 13. Thank you BOA for reminding me to Imagine Everything PAGE 10

11 A Star Is Born... Musical Theatre Alumni, Bethany Antonia has been in contact with us to tell us about a new film that she has starred in, Pin Cushion, which reaches British cinemas this July. Bethany attended a screening for the film in April, and was greeted by Birmingham Mail Journalist, Graham Young, who wrote an article about her stardom in their newspaper. Take a read here: The newspaper article tells of how Bethany realised her dream ambition of becoming an actress, by handwriting letters to over 300 agencies. Bethany is now signed to London agency, Waring & McKenna and we know this is just the start to her brilliant acting career. We wish her the very best of luck! I used to watch Julie Walters and wanted to be an actress since the age of thirteen Photo (Left): Bethany Antonia (right) with Pin Cushion writer-director, Deborah Haywood. Photo (Right): Bethany as Chelsea in Pin Cushion, which reaches cinemas July PAGE 11

12 Your Future in Photos Birmingham Ormiston Academy Summer Term 2018 PAGE 12

13 Gemma Steele s newspaper article in the Guardian s weekend paper, The Observer. The article captured Canadian Artist, Libby Oliver s striking portrait series, who Gemma met and interviewed before writing the article. 2. Liam Cullen (far right) in rehearsal for Peter Pan at Regent s Park Open Air Theatre. 3. Liam Cullen (middle) on press night of Peter Pan (as above). 4. James Nicholson (left) as Prince Charming in Cinderella at the Nottingham Playhouse for Christmas Lucy McWilliams on stage as a Pontins Bluecoat in Southport. 6. Lucy McWilliams in her new Bluecoat uniform. 7. Alumni Ben Jones had a production placement with BBC TV Music in May, working at The Biggest Weekend festival in Coventry. 8. Ben worked alongside many creatives, gaining experience in producing and directing a large scale event. PAGE 13

14 Invitation to BOA s Alumni Morning On Friday 21st September 2018, BOA will be holding it s third Alumni Morning, in which keen Alumni will be invited back to BOA to give advice and guidance to our current Year 13 students as they begin to make plans for their futures after BOA. Last year s event was a success and our students found it a good opportunity to ask valuable questions and gain advice on topics such as student finance and accommodation, the different progression routes available to them, as well as tips on auditions and interviews. We are looking for Alumni from all cohorts and across different pathways and progression routes. If you are interested in attending and feel you would be able to advise our current students, please boa-alumni@boa-academy.co.uk at your earliest convenience. We are really looking forward to the event and hope you will help us make this year s Alumni Morning another huge success. PAGE 14

15 Upcoming Performances & Events... WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? Year 11 Music Pathway BOA Theatre 20th & 21st November 2018, 7pm Year 13 Musical Theatre Pathway BOA Theatre 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th December 2018, 7pm Year 11 Acting Pathway BOA Theatre 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th December 2018, 7pm Our current BOA students really appreciate the continued support of our Alumni coming to watch their performances and attend their events. Tickets can be booked via BOA Reception or Some BOA performances are also held at the Old Rep Theatre. Tickets for these shows can be booked at or by calling the Box Office on We look forward to seeing you there! PAGE 15

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