In2Drama Juniors lead the way

Phil Waller looks back on In2Drama's first Junior Academy

Well, I think it’s fair to say that our first ever In2Drama Junior Academy at Cranleigh School was a resounding success and I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make it happen. 

First of all, there are our little singing, acting and dancing superstars. It was wonderful to watch their progression growing during the week. By Friday’s Showcase, the timidity with which they’d arrived on Monday morning had completely gone. They were all brilliant!

And then there’s the team who brought it all together. 

First, our Musical Director Jack Howells-Davies. Jack’s a former In2Drama student who recently graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He’s also been our Singing Coach for the last three years. With his talent and enthusiasm and some one-to-one coaching, he managed to get every student – the youngest of whom was only six! – singing with extraordinary confidence. They just loved singing songs like Oh, the thinks you can think (Seussical), When I Grow Up (Matilda), I Just Can’t Wait to be King (The Lion King), Love is an Open Door (Frozen) and Morning Person (Shrek).  Thank you, Jack.

Our acting coach, Christina White, who recently graduated with a Drama Degree from Bristol University, was brilliant with the young performers and her rapport and pastoral care was fabulous. She also helped to block the Friday Showcase. Thank you, Christina. 

The students also had the opportunity to run the tech with our Theatre Manager, Peter Humphreys - thank you Peter.

My thanks also go to Rupert Harding for taking some wonderful photos.

During the week, the students had time to play on the extensive front lawn (we were blessed with great weather!), have picnics for lunch, and take part in lots of drama games. Our two oldest students helped lead the way. 

The Showcase in the Vivian Cox Theatre was well-attended by family and friends and the students were richly applauded. 

Naturally, we had to have some awards, which included an In2Drama hoodie and t-shirts. I’m sorry we didn't have the right sizes for everyone so if you’d like a grey hoodie please let me know your size and I’ll organise it. They’re £30 each. 

We’re now looking forward to our second In2Drama Junior Academy in August. If you’d like to book a place, please click here.