The photo above shows Elise and Darcy from Ella Together in the U.K. What follows is a recent update on each of their educational journeys.
Elise
“In September 2023, I started in the Hammond school in Chester. I have always wanted to be a performer. I love all things to do with performing arts, dance, drama, but my true passion is musical theatre.
In my first term, I passed my Grade 4 Ballet exam. I love to dance but when you add a song it becomes magical.
In October 2023, I took my grade 4 LAMDA Musical Theatre and passed with 94% which is distinction. I just loved preparing for my exam and then on the day performing for the examiner was AMAZING—she was lovely and helped put me at ease.”
“In February 2024, I had the lead in Oliver at the Brindley theatre in. It was my first lead role with Ellatogether. I have been with Ella since I was a little girl and have lots of really good friends there. My roots are within Ella and whatever happens in the future I will always want to be part of the group in whichever way I can be.
This month, I will return to the Liverpool Empire in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. I know how lucky I am to once again to be performing on the stage of this amazing theatre. Rehearsals have been so much fun, and I have the privilege of working with such an amazing cast.
The funding from The White Feather Foundation has enabled me to take singing and piano lessons, paid for my dance and drama exams and contributed towards my dance uniform. I am now a more confident performer and have gained so many skills that I know will help me in the future.”
Darcy
“In October 2023, I was a finalist at Music Con which is the world’s biggest musical theatre fan conference and is held at the ExCel London. I think I confused the judges a little as I was dressed and Wednesday Addams and then went onto sing the iconic “Don’t rain on my parade’ sung by Barbara Streisand. But I must have impressed them as I was awarded a scholarship to attend Michael Xavier (from Outlander) school. I travel to London every Sunday to work with him.
Exams have also been a big part of my life recently. Just before Christmas I took my intermediate grade 5 tape and was awarded a distinction. 2 weeks later I took my intermediate ballet and was awarded a distinction. The funding from The White Feather Foundation paid for both my exams and dance shoes. The scholarship has really helped in what has been a very expensive year for me and my family.”
Feburary 2024 was a really busy month. I played the Artful Dodger at the BrindLey Theatre. When I was 5, this was the role I dreamed of playing I only had to wait 11 years but as they say all good things are worth waiting for. This show ended on Sunday 18th February and on the 19th February I put away the rags of a Victorian character in exchange for the costume of a queen. I was lucky to be cast as Anne Bolwyn in Six The Musical at the Stoke Rep. What a role I hope one day to play it on the Westend.
Oh yes, and I recorded my first-ever album, “Curtain Call.”
We congratulate both girls on their continued success!
If you’d like to donate to the fund that supports this or become a monthly member of The Muse, which allocates all funds toward the scholarships each year, start here.
The application process for our 2024 Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls will open later this spring.
