After three months of call-outs and auditioning over 100 young performers nationally, Scottish Youth Theatre has finally unveiled the line-up for its first ever National Ensemble – and Edinburgh’s Amy Curran (19), Annie Bowes (16), Hana Mackenzie (22), Hannah Cumming (23) and Katee McCulloch (20) have made the final 24.
The five talented performers were unveiled alongside the other selected members of Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble last weekend.
Back in December 2016, when Scottish Youth Theatre celebrated its 40th birthday, the company opened registrations for the Ensemble, inviting 16 – 25 year olds who live, work, study or have family in Scotland to register for an open audition. Over 130 young people put themselves forward including the lucky five.
The Ensemble members’ previous experience ranges from school plays and local theatre to degree level and working in theatre.
Annie Bowes (above) is one of the younger members of the Ensemble. She has previously performed in shows at her high school and also as part of Balerno Theatre Company. “I feel hugely honoured to have been selected for the first ever National Ensemble.
“I think this is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with other creative, artistic young people to create something cohesive that is greater than the sum of its parts. I’m really excited about what we might achieve in the year ahead”.
Amy Curran, who is studying Drama and Performance at Queen Margaret University, began performing as a member of PACE Theatre Company and Smiths Theatre School. She is delighted at her selection.
“I was so excited to be invited to join SYTs National Ensemble and I am looking forward to working with and meeting new people”.
Drama and Performance graduate Hannah Cumming was very surprised to hear she had made the grade: “I am over the moon to have been picked for the National Ensemble 2017. I was convinced that I had messed up my audition but then I got the acceptance email. I can’t describe how excited I am to start.
“I can’t wait to create theatre with like minded people. Once we get started, I am looking forward to inventing original pieces of theatre and having the chance to travel round Scotland whilst doing so.”
Hana Mackenzie is a recent graduate of Edinburgh Napier’s BA (Hons) Stage and Screen course. Over the past few years she has gained roles in both film and theatre.
Despite her experience, Hana doesn’t take her Ensemble selection for granted: “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to develop new skills with industry professionals, as I love learning new things. For example I’ve recently been teaching myself hula hooping tricks… it’s harder than you think!”
Katee McCulloch who has already begun her career in performance and drama work, sees the Ensemble as an opportunity to develop her ability: “I’m really looking forward to working with new people, the variety of workshops, honing and learning new skills, creating new work and feeling inspired!”
Scottish Youth Theatre’s Artistic Director Mary McCluskey said: “We auditioned in Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries and were so inspired by the talent we saw. It was a very hard job whittling the numbers down to just 24.
“It goes without saying that the young people selected have exceptional ability and I am very much looking forward to seeing how Amy, Annie, Hana, Hannah and Katee grow as theatre makers during their time as an Ensemble member”.
The young people have a busy year ahead, taking part in eight development weekends throughout the year and five weeks in the summer which will culminate in a performance in August. Their commitment will be rewarded with workshops, Q and A’s and training from some of the most admired Directors, Actors, Designers, Choreographers and Writers working in theatre today.
Mary urged those who missed out on auditioning or joining the National Ensemble this year not to despair: “We will open registrations for auditions for the 2018 National Ensemble in August so please visit our website then to register.”
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