LMA launches scholarship scheme for budding young stars

Talented youngsters dreaming of success on stage or screen will have the chance to land a special scholarship to hone their skills at LMA.

For the second year running, the Liverpool-based university specialist centre is inviting teenagers aged 14-19 to compete for a place on its year-long programme, as part of a £250,000 fund.

The scholarships, which are each worth £2,500, are available across LMA’s portfolio of courses – Acting; Digital Film and Production; Games Art and Animation; Musical Theatre; and Music Performance and Industry.

Young hopefuls can apply online now, with successful applicants being invited to audition or pitch on 29 June.

Leah Andrews, from Chorley, secured a place on the Musical Theatre course last year and has been attending sessions once a week. The 15-year-old said: “I really enjoy Saturdays at LMA – I’ve been on the scholarship for a year now and it’s absolutely amazing. I personally feel like I’ve progressed so much not only in my abilities, but also in confidence and I’ve made so many new friends.

“The tutors have been really supportive and it’s been great to be taught by people who have had such successful careers in the industry.”

Following the auditions, the judging panel will choose 100 youngsters for the programme, which will see them receive expert training every Saturday from September.

Principal Richard Wallace – who founded LMA with his brother, Simon, and created the scholarship fund in 2018 as part of LMA’s 10th birthday celebrations – said: “LMA has rapidly become a real landmark for talent in Liverpool and we’re extremely proud of our students’ achievements.

“Over the past 10 years, our alumni have gone on to work with the BBC, star in West End shows, released critically-acclaimed albums and become major players in the gaming industry, and we’re confident that this track record will continue.

“Our scholarship programme is now in its second year and it’s proven to be a fantastic way to introduce talented individuals to all we have to offer, helping them to perfect their craft and access training that is truly second to none.”

The scholarship launch follows an exciting start to 2019, as a group of LMA students were selected to perform alongside the original cast from TV series Fame, as part of the Fame UK Reunion concerts in Liverpool earlier this month.

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Four acting students were also chosen by film giant Warner Bros. to voice The Beatles in upcoming Polish-made film, BB Forever, which tells the story of Hollywood star Brigitte Bardot.

Simon Wallace added: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for LMA as our students are fresh from sharing the stage with the original stars of Fame, securing voiceover roles as The Beatles, and so much more.

“We’re proud of our family culture and it’s something that we instil in both students and tutors, so we’re looking forward to welcoming new members of the family with the scholarship programme.”

For further information about how to apply for a scholarship at LMA, head to www.lma.ac.uk or click here.