A talented young performer from North Edinburgh has been inspired to follow her dreams after meeting and performing for two of Broadway’s biggest stars in New York City.
Former Broughton High School pupil Sarah Docwra couldn’t believe her luck when The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, where she is currently on a three-year full-time vocational training course in Musical Theatre qualification, arranged for her to learn some tricks of the trade from Roddy Kennedy, star of the Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton, and singer Alysha Umphress.
The 18-year-old aspiring stage star travelled to New York with her classmates as part of the annual trip and was given the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops and question-and-answer sessions with high-profile industry professionals.
“I loved New York and didn’t want to come home,” said Sarah, who’s from Ferryfield. “It was amazing getting to see so many Broadway shows when I was there, and that reinforced my ambition to become a performer.
“The workshops arranged for us were a great experience. Dancing with Roddy from Hamilton was my favourite: he’s so passionate about his art and the things he has done in life. Getting to learn some of the material from a hit show like Hamilton was amazing.
“Singing with Alysha Umphress was also pretty memorable. I sang a couple of solo songs for her and got some good feedback. She said I was castable for both numbers I sang, and that was really nice to hear from somebody who has had so much success.”
Sarah began her professional-level training in acting, singing, and dancing at Edinburgh’s Fierce Theatre School, a term-time drama school at The MGA Academy’s Balgreen base for young people of secondary school age who are considering a career in performing arts. She was then successful in auditions for The MGA Academy and, after graduation, will aim to gain work on cruise ships or in London’s West End.
The MGA Academy, one of Scotland’s leading performing arts academies, is hosting an Open Day on Thursday 9 February to give those with similar aspirations to Sarah the chance to step inside their Edinburgh studios and find out more about the training on offer.
Sarah said: “I was at Fierce for two years, and being there definitely confirmed to me that I wanted to do musical theatre. I’m now in my second year at The MGA Academy and I love the course, being able to sing, dance, and act all the time. I really value the friendships I’ve made here and the opportunity to be a part of so many stage productions in the last couple of years.”
Andrew Gowland, Managing Director of The MGA Academy, said: “Our annual New York trip gives students the opportunity to experience and appreciate the theatre and culture of the USA while getting to enjoy all that one of the best cities in the world has to offer.
“This year, Sarah and her classmates got to take part in masterclasses with some top Broadway stars, including Roddy Kennedy and Alysha Umphress. The experience will stand them in great stead for future auditions.
“We are looking forward to hosting our open day, where prospective students can take a look around the facilities and speak to students like Sarah about their experience of training at The MGA Academy. We would love to welcome anyone from Edinburgh with an interest in a career in performing arts to join us.”
The MGA Academy is currently accepting applications for places on three-year full-time vocational training courses in Musical Theatre, Dance, and Acting, starting in September 2017, as well as a one-year postgraduate course designed for those who have already trained but who are looking to gain a professional edge and industry contacts.
Those interested in attending the Open Day on February 9 are asked to email registrar@themgaacademy.com in advance.
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