BOA Alumni Easter Newsletter

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1 BOA Alumni Easter Newsletter Musical Theatre Alumni, Alex O Reilly is invited back to BOA to deliver West End Workshops! More information on page 2. Principal s Message As we approach the end of another busy term, 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 please keep in touch with news on where you plan to go next and what you have achieved. You can read my latest blog on the website to see what has been happening at BOA. Have a lovely Easter. Gaynor Cheshire In this issue; Page West End Workshops Pages News from BOA Pages News from Old Rep Pages New York, New York Pages Denmark Exchange Pages Success Stories Page 17 - Upcoming Shows and Events Pages Your Future in Photos PAGE 1

2 West End Workshops... Musical Theatre Alumni, Alex O Reilly has recently been starring in Mamma Mia on the West End. Whilst performing, Alex has also been delivering Performance Workshops to Dance and Musical Theatre schools, I ve been teaching all around London and Surrey, even at Pineapple Dance Studios!. Alex conducted three hour-long workshops with our Year 12 students Followed by a short Q&A All students really enjoyed the workshops and seemed to throw themselves into the advanced dance routines and warm ups Alex was welcomed back to BOA on Thursday 8th March to deliver his workshops to our Year 12 Musical Theatre students, and to have a Q&A with our Year 10 Musical Theatre students. This was a brilliant opportunity for our current students to receive professional advice and seek guidance from our Alumni. The advance workshops helped in preparing the Post-16 students for vocational schools, auditions and classes they would receive at Higher Education level. They consisted of Jazz Techniques for both Dance and Musical Theatre courses. We would like to thank Alex for his hard work in teaching the workshops. PAGE 2

3 News from BOA... Composer and Singer, Susie Self has continued her opera workshops with a group of Post-16 students this term, in preparation for her new opera Quilt Song which will be coming to the Old Rep Theatre in October The workshops have allowed our students to perform a new style of singing and have improved their confidence in Music. We look forward to seeing the opera and hope to inspire our current students by introducing them to this traditional art form. A mixture of Year 12 and 13 Acting and Musical Theatre students enjoyed their trip to the Globe Theatre on Friday 16th March, where they were able to watch a performance of Much Ado About Nothing by the Royal Shakespeare Company (pictured right). We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with this company to engage in further projects in Congratulations to our Year 13 Musical Theatre students who performed excerpts of Sister Act at the OAT Conference on Thursday 15th March (left). The students performed really well and enjoyed the experience of performing in front of delegates of the trust. BOA would also like to congratulate the students for their run of Sister Act, which opened at the Old Rep on Thursday 22nd March and covered 3 evening performances and 1 matinee. PAGE 3

4 News from BOA... Congratulations to all of our students who have been involved in performances, events and showcases this past term. This includes Year 11 Dance for School of Oz, Year 11 Musical Theatre for Bring It On, Visual Art and Design students for their Vision Exhibition, Year 13 Music and Music Technology for their showcases, Year 13 Musical Theatre for Sister Act and Year 13 Dance for Once. We would also like to say well done to Years 12 and 13 Technical Theatre Arts who tirelessly support all of our performances. These shows could not go ahead without their hard work. This term, our Year 10 Musical Theatre students have been introduced to LAMDA qualifications, as they sat their Grade 6 examinations on Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th March For these exams, the students had to prepare 3 monologues and songs to perform in front of the external examiners. All students performed really well on the day and are now awaiting their results. BOA would like to say a massive well done to our Year 10 students who conducted their work experience placements the week beginning Monday 26th February. All feedback we received was extremely positive, and the students have reported that they enjoyed their placements in the working world. Below is an insight into some feedback we received; The best work experience student we have ever had Polite, smartly dressed, punctual and always eager to learn She was constantly asking relevant questions which supported her learning process and ensured she was on task at all times Absolute superstar - how long can we keep him for?! They are a credit to your academy I feel she is part of our team - you would never know she is only in Year 10 as she is so mature and confident. PAGE 4

5 Over the weekend of 16th-18th March, BOA Dance companies Nova and Rhythmia (above right) performed on the showcase theatre at the Move It Exhibition at the ExCeL Arena in London, whilst Industria (above left) performed on the main stage for the first time. The annual event sees hundreds of professional schools, colleges and dance companies showcasing their potential to visitors from all over the country. Alongside the dance groups performing, the BOA Admissions team and Mr Penn were on hand to answer any questions from interested and prospective students, giving advice and guidance on how to apply for BOA and talking through the application process. The Old Rep s Marketing staff were also at the event, advertising their Easter Workshops and Summer School classes. More information on these can be seen on pages 6 and 7, or at The event was a success with many interested students picking up prospectuses and being impressed with the talents of our Dance students. Congratulations to students in Nova, Rhythmia and Industria for representing BOA at the exhibition. BOA have launched our new website - please take a look at: PAGE 5

6 News from The Old Rep... At The Old Rep, the Marketing team have been busily working behind the scenes to launch a new website and a new ticketing system, Spektrix. These are now live and looking great! Both the new website and ticketing system will make the booking process quick and simple when booking in person, by telephone or online. From February, The Old Rep launched venue tours and opened its doors to the public to reveal a fascinating history. As the UK s first purpose-built repertory theatre, The Old Rep occupies a unique place in history, the iconic venue played a central role in the early careers of many of the UK s most celebrated actors and theatre makers. We are proud to say that The Old Rep was nominated for three What s On Reader Awards this year. The Old Rep was nominated for Best Birmingham Arts / Theatre Venue and the Christmas production of Alice in Wonderland was up for two awards, Best Home Produced Show and also Best Festive Show! Thanks to all of you who voted for us. Year 13 Musical Theatre students in Sister Act The Old Rep s founder, Sir Barry Jackson The season at The Old Rep is well underway. So far, we ve seen BOA students take to the stage to bring us incredible adaptations of Bring It On and Sister Act. Back in February, the theatre saw two sell-out performances of the classic tale, The Jungle Book. We have a brilliant line-up of programmed acts and shows spanning through to 2019, so please check our website for regular updates and booking information. We hope to see you at the Old Rep soon! PAGE 6

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8 New York, New York! Over the February Half Term, BOA took 64 students from Years 12 and 13 on a once in a lifetime trip to New York, allowing them to explore the Big Apple and take part in Broadway Workshops with industry professionals. The action-packed 5 days consisted of the students ascending the Empire State Building, visiting the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts, Central Park and Zoo, Radio City Music Hall, seeing the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, taking part in 2 workshops and shopping in Times Square. The students were also lucky enough to see two shows on Broadway - Anastasia and Hello Dolly starring Bernadette Peters. The students had a brilliant time on the trip, and really enjoyed their busy but exciting schedule. They even experienced some sun, which is very rare for February! Mr Penn would like to say thank you to the staff members who attended the trip, and to the students for their good behaviour and conduct. Photo (Above) - The students enjoyed the sunshine in Central Park, as they posed in front of the concrete jungle. PAGE 8

9 Photo (Above) - All 64 students gather in Times Square for a Jazz Hands moment. Photo (Below) - Exhausted students after their Steps on Broadway workshop. PAGE 9

10 Denmark Exchange... Due to the success of last year s exchange programme with the Danish students from Balletskollen, BOA welcomed a further 19 Danish students from 16th-22nd March, making this the 4th year of their visits. Arriving late on the evening of Friday 16th March, the Danish students checked in to their hotel and had a good nights rest before their busy week began. On the Saturday, the students and staff had a day of shopping in Birmingham, allowing them to explore the famous Bullring, art galleries and museums that the city has to offer before heading to dinner. On Sunday 18th March, the group of BOA and Danish students had planned to meet up at the Black Country Living Museum to spend the day learning about the famous industrial history of Birmingham. Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions on Saturday evening, we had to cancel this trip and reschedule it for Wednesday 21st March. (Above) - The Danish students really enjoyed the Black Country Living Museum trip, which included going down the mines and on the canal boats. PAGE 10

11 (Above) - The Danish students were introduced to traditional English fish and chips! The Danish students spent the following Monday and Tuesday shadowing their BOA partners during the school day, being involved in Dance lessons and other activities around the building. On the Danish students final evening in England, BOA hosted a Pot Luck Dinner, allowing the students a final night of celebrating new friendships and saying their goodbyes. The evening was a lovely end to a busy week and all students involved had a brilliant time. Plans are in place for 21 BOA students to visit Denmark in May 2018, allowing the students to experience education in a different country with a specific focus on dance. Whilst over in Denmark, the students will be participating in several dance workshops with the Danish students, and will also be visiting the Danish families for an evening. Keep an eye out for the follow up article in the Summer Newsletter! Birmingham Ormiston Academy Spring Term 2018 PAGE 11

12 Success Stories of BOA Alumni... I had the best two years whilst at BOA! Since leaving, I have got myself an apprenticeship with the Belgrade Theatre. I am now a Community Arts Apprentice, helping to run acting classes for children from the age of 8 to 16. I also help to run the Arts Gym Sessions which are acting classes for adults aged 50+. I really love what I am doing at the minute and I wouldn t be doing it without the support of the teachers at BOA! John Bennell, Acting, 2017 I had the best two years whilst at BOA! I m in my first year of studying Musical Theatre at Colchester Institute, the first BOA student to ever attend! I ve regularly been performing in my first term at University, which I wouldn t be able to do anywhere else. In the first term, I performed in a freshers week showcase, my year group performance platform as well as two Christmas concerts, with many more events lined up over the year. Due to our link with Essex University, I also successfully gained a place on the Cheerleading Team and will be taking part in three National competitions in early As well as this, I am finding performance opportunities outside of University. I performed in Dreamrole Productions Dear Heather Hansen at the West End Venue in January I m also officially spending my Summer abroad with travel company, Thomas Cook as an entertainer! I have to spend a month in Bulgaria for training in April and then I ll be based in any of the 23 locations on offer from June until September. I hope everything is brilliant at BOA, like always! Sophia Evans, Musical Theatre, 2016 I really love what I am doing and I wouldn t be doing it without the support of the teachers at BOA! PAGE 12

13 I m currently a 3rd year Law student, specialising in Media and Entertainment Law as I was on the Broadcast Pathway at BOA. I ve been able to travel Europe with a Law firm dealing with clients and high end celebrities, aiding them in their social lives. I would love to talk to the Broadcast students about options they can take after finishing their course at BOA. Ilyass Belhana, Broadcast, 2015 I really feel that the academy has set me up for life in the industry Since the last BOA Alumni Newsletter, I have been offered a place at Birmingham School of Acting for the BA (Hons) Degree course. Before this, I found myself in a difficult situation, as I had just withdrawn from Bath Spa University before Christmas as I wasn t doing something I was passionate about. However, the lesson I have taken from this is that you should absolutely always follow your dreams, and never settle for less! Sometimes we need to make mistakes in order to find what really matters to us and my advice to current students at BOA is to be patient because sometimes making our dreams a reality takes time, but that s okay! I have also used my spare time to volunteer at the Black Country Living Museum, teaching children about our local history whilst being in costume and in character. Not only this, but I have also started to write a play, inspired by my family and their stories, being settled Romany Travellers from the 1900 s to current day, as a way of educating people about this race the best way I know how. Thank you for allowing me to keep in touch with BOA, as I really feel that the academy has set me up for life in the industry. Emaleigh Conn, Acting, 2017 In about 16 days, I fly away to Greece for 2 weeks to tour a show with the professional company I m in, The Actor s Wheel. We ve looked at a novel called The Book of Jon by Eleni Sikelianos and whilst devising our response, she got in touch with us and has sent us more material to work with and she s now flying out to Greece to watch our show and do a couple of workshops with us! Morgan Cusack, Acting, 2016 PAGE 13

14 Success Stories of BOA Alumni... I am afraid to say I am no longer involved with Performing Arts. I studied one year at The University of Warwick doing Theatre Studies, I really struggled and considered dropping out after Christmas, however, I stuck it out until the end of the year as I had worked so hard to get into Warwick and I thought that I would maybe feel different towards the end of the year. This was not the case and I decided to leave Warwick at the end of my first year. Since leaving, I have secured a place at Halesowen College to study Veterinary Nursing and hopefully, I will be a Registered Veterinary Nurse within the next 3 years. I know that my journey is not necessarily a BOA success story but I think it is important for current students to know that it s okay if they fall out of love with their pathway subject and pursue other career ambitions. They shouldn t feel like a failure because their career in Performing Arts was not meant to be. I loved my time at BOA, but I am happy and excited for the new opportunities and experiences coming my way. I hope BOA is still as crazy as it was when I left! Chloe Biddle, Acting, 2016 I hope BOA is still as crazy as it was when I left! After leaving BOA in 2013, I went on to study a BA (Hons) Technical and Theatre Production course at Hull College, graduating in Since leaving Hull College, I have been a Technical Assistant Stage Manager on One Day, Maybe which was a site specific performance in Hull about events that took place in South Korea under Chung-Doo Hwan and Roh Tae-Woo. The event showed the audience a fictional company called Kasang and featured many different experiences such as a shopping centre using a K-Pad (ipad) to buy items, VR experiences, a maze of prison cells and more. I assisted in sourcing and making props and looking after the technical equipment on my floor of the exhibition, such as making sure the lights, projectors and the VR headsets worked. I also helped with the reset between each show. I have also been an Assistant Stage Manager on Peter Pan at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton over the Christmas period. This involved helping with scene changes, sourcing and making props, and assisting the Stage Manager with the smooth running of the show. I am currently a casual technician at the Town Hall, Symphony Hall and the Alexandra Theatre and I m hoping to go out on tour this year. In the future, I aim to be a Deputy Stage Manager on musicals and I am hoping to study a Stage Management Association Course on cueing music this year to help with that. Conor Lavelle, Acting, 2013 PAGE 14

15 This past year has been quite successful for me. I am on the way to becoming an A student in my first year for Music Performance. I have been receiving dance training for performances on stage that require choreography. I have also been working as a backing vocalist and backing dancer for a few weeks now. I had my first performance as a backing singer and dancer last week, not including the several events that I have helped put on or performed at. I m currently in the studios working on some interesting stuff which will hopefully be released in a year or two s time. I have also had some meetings with industry professionals such as Sam Skirrow (Bass Player for Clean Bandit and Megan Trainor), Glen Matlock (Bass Player for The Sex Pistols) and Katie Holmes-Smith (Backing Vocalist for Adele). I know in a year s time there will be more interesting stories to tell! Lauryn Hunt, Music, 2017 I loved my time at BOA Current update on the album is that the tracks are nearly completed and hopefully if all goes to plan we should have the tracks ready to go by April! However, through some networking down here in Guildford, I ve also managed to discuss a joint charity promotion with another student who is also doing a lot for Cancer Research this year. This album is currently penned to release roughly 1-2 months from when we first receive all of the tracks. Then the wheels can start turning and we have an amazing marketing plan currently drafted which with some luck can inspire and move people, because we are doing this for a cause nearly everyone can get behind and support. The most exciting news is all of the promotion we will be doing in the run-up to the release! I ll have a small team in Birmingham going to places like the Bullring and directly selling physical copies to the public. I ll be doing some online games streaming to raise awareness and extra donations can hopefully be made through social media posts and videos. Joshua Howells, Music, 2017 PAGE 15

16 Success Stories of BOA Alumni... Shortly after leaving BOA, I joined a local Community First Responder Scheme where I m working towards a Level 3 Certificate in Ambulance Service First Responding this essentially means when I m on call if there is an ambulance call within 6 miles from me (further if required), I will be sent to offer basic medical attention and treatment. I also went to Ghana for 4 weeks over July to volunteer. I spent two weeks in a hospital where I aided in child birth, surgery, ward rounds and general patient consultation and treatment. I then spent a further week building a school nursery and another week teaching basic first aid and hygiene to local children ageing from 6 to 12 years old. I have booked a trip to India and Sri Lanka volunteering as well. I will be going to India for five weeks in June, Slum Teaching. This will be directly followed by four weeks in Sri Lanka where I am participating in a Rural Community Development Project. Joe Cope, Acting, 2017 I ve been on board a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship since November 2017, playing Kenickie in GREASE. We had rehearsals at the RCL Studios in Miami, Florida for a month before we boarded. It s a dream role and I am happy to say I love doing what I do. BOA gave me a great foundation in learning my craft now that I am working my professional career. When I finish the run in April, I ll be returning to London and hoping to be back in the West End. In 2016, I was in the revival West End cast of The Secret Garden and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2017 Vanessa Cavanagh Awards. I am hoping to be back in the West End and back into London life soon, but performing in GREASE has been an amazing experience. Matthew Nicholas, Musical Theatre, 2015 BOA gave me a great foundation in learning my craft PAGE 16

17 Upcoming Performances & Events... WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? Year 13 Digital Art & VAD Pathways - Final Major Project Year 13 Acting Pathway - The Last Days of Judas Iscariot BOA Theatre Old Rep Theatre 19th April 7pm 23rd & 24th April 7pm Year 13 Acting Pathway - Lord of the Flies Old Rep Theatre 26th & 27th April 7pm Year 13 Acting Pathway - Macbeth Crescent Theatre 16th & 17th May 7pm Year 10 Music Pathway - Summer Vibes BOA Theatre 26th & 27th June 7pm Year 12 Musical Theatre Pathway - Rise and Shine Old Rep Theatre 27th & 28th June 7pm Year 10 Acting Pathway - Our Day Out BOA Theatre 3rd & 4th July 7pm Year 12 Dance Pathway - Evolution Old Rep Theatre 4th & 5th July 7pm Year 12 Digital Art & VAD Pathways - Year One Year 10 Musical Theatre Pathway - Showcase BOA Theatre BOA Theatre 5th July 7pm 10th & 11th July 7pm Year 12 Acting Pathway - Late Shakes Old Rep Theatre 11th & 12th July 7pm Year 10 Dance Pathway - Kaleidoscope BOA Theatre 17th & 18th July 7pm Year 12 Music Pathway - Film Scape Old Rep Theatre 18th & 19th July 7pm Our current 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 We look forward to seeing you there! PAGE 17

18 Your Future in Photos Birmingham Ormiston Academy Spring Term 2018 PAGE 18

19 1. (L-R) Alumni Ellie Gilbert, Elise Jones and Dylan Hartnell are starring in their second year musical of Footloose as three of the lead roles! BOA would like to wish them all the best of luck with their run. 2 & 3. Musical Theatre Alumni, Matthew Nicholas (circled), is currently starring as Kenickie in GREASE with Royal Caribbean cruises. 4. Alumni Daniel Shorrock and Erin Wilkes also attended the Move It event in London. Daniel was happy to find a picture of himself in the BOA prospectus! 5. Dance Alumni, Dru Bennett (circled) who progressed on to study at Urdang Academy after BOA, performed on the main stage at Move It on Friday 16th March alongside his dance company. Thank you for keeping in touch with BOA after your studies. We really appreciate hearing your stories of success, and seeing which paths your careers take. Please feel free to update us by following our social media pages, or ing the address below. We hope you have a lovely, e: boa-alumni@boa-academy.co.uk PAGE 19

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