Lamont pupil Erin Clarke never ‘rests on her laurels’. For the last few years, hard-working Erin has spent her summer holidays honing her craft at various dance and drama summer schools in London and in the North-west.

But the enterprising teen hasn’t stopped there, she is now gaining valuable experience as a member of YEP, the Young Everyman and Playhouse Programme for 11 to 25-year-olds.

Says Erin, “I love trying new things and learning as much as I can about performance. As part of the YEP programme, I’ll be working with professional actors, script writers and directors and will take part in performances at the end of each term.”

Energy, ambition and commitment – Erin has the lot! What a brilliant ambassador for the school.

Congratulations to former student Andrew Fraser who has successfully auditioned to study for a BA Honours in Acting at LIPA.

Andrew, who joined Lamont Drama as a teenager, but quickly established himself as an excellent actor, will begin his 3-year course in September.

Said Andrew, “Around 2500 people audition for the acting course at LIPA and there are only 36 places awarded! People come from all over the world to audition so I am absolutely delighted to have been selected. In my first year I will be building on my acting techniques and in the second and third year, I will be focusing on professional performance. It’s a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Andrew added, “I’d like to say a big thank to Lamont because the monologue work and, of course, the improvements to my diction, and all the many other things that you taught me, made all the difference on the day!”

Mrs Lamont, friends at the school and former duologue partner, Rory Rushton, wishes Andrew every success in this exciting next step in his career. We’re all looking forward to seeing you on the West End and in the movies. Go Andrew!

Lamont Drama pupils had a whole lotta fun – and success – at Burnley Drama Festival!

Pupils all did particularly well in the Verse Speaking and Acting Classes. However, their success was topped by our lovely Francesca Medlicott (pictured), who had an exceptional festival!

Francesca’s infectious personality and talent for comedy-timing wowed the judges and gained her the highest mark of the festival for her brilliant solo acting piece. She was awarded The Lawrence Herbert Trophy , the Adjudicators’ Choice Burnley Gilbert & Sullivan Trophy and has been invited to represent Burnley Speech and Drama Festival at the North West Regional Championships 2015. Francesca will join fellow Lamont Drama School pupil Josh Reais at this prestigious event at the Festival Hall, Alderley Edge in September. Josh was nominated for this honour at the Southport Drama Festival and so both pupils will be representing drama festivals from the North-West.

Said Mrs Lamont, “I’m absolutely delighted with Francesca’s fabulous results from Burnley. She has been a pupil at the school for many years and always works hard and brings a fresh, creative energy to her drama pieces. Of course, I’m also immensely proud of all my pupils who performed at Burnley Drama Festival. Their professionalism shows in their excellent results.

Catarina Cardeira (also pictured) was congratulated on her performance by the Mayor of Burnley. Catarina was runner-up for the highest mark of the festival. She scored an impressive 90 for her solo acting piece but was just pipped at the post by Francesca. However, at Catarina’s young age, being awarded 90 is no mean feat!

Lucas Frost

Anna McKenna

Anna McKenna and Lucas Frost’s superb acting abilities have been recognised by NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association).

Anna received her award for her performance in Be My Baby, a play by Amanda Whittington. Anna took the lead role of Mary, a 19 year old single girl who is seven months pregnant and who is sent away to a religious Mother and baby home to have the baby in secret. Anna played the part with great sincerity and authenticity despite only being 13 at the time! The play was reviewed by NODA and Anna was nominated for “best youth performer in an adult play”.

Lucas was nominated for Most Entertaining/Comedy performance in a Youth Musical  for his part of ‘Fat Sam’ in ‘Bugsy Malone’. He was 12 when he performed the part.

At NODA’s recent awards ceremony, Anna and Lucas were voted as winners in their categories.

Well done, Anna and Lucas!

CONGRATULATIONS! to everyone who took part in the Southport Festival.

You all really looked the part!

Dong, Owl and pussycat – were spectacular! (Lily, Loulou and Elizabeth).

Mr Toad – still smiling with a broken collar-bone – showed nothing was going to stop him! (Catarina and Lydia).

Alice and Humpty were gorgeous! (7-year-old Sadie and 6-year-old Lori-Jo).

Brian definitely ‘pulled it off’! (Amelia, Francesca, Josh and Charlotte).

And in the pink were……. Spiker and Sponge! (Francesca and Amelia).  Fabulous!

Congratulations to Christie Clark and Erin Clarke (pictured) for being awarded Arthur Johnson Memorial Fund Bursaries.

Christie is using her donation to fund her NYT summer school and Erin is taking up a performing arts school place in London.

Erin summed up their feelings, “We are over the moon to be awarded such generous bursaries. We will both train hard to be better performers and are looking forward to it immensely.”