THE SPOTLIGHT beckons for two gifted young writer-performers from a Rugby stage school who have reached the final of a prestigious national competition.
Lauren Rogers and Ela Bahceci, who are learning how to tread the boards at the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in Rugby, have progressed to the final of the National Youth Monologues Competition after impressing judges by performing their own works at a regional qualifier.
Triumphing over thousands of entrants nationwide, Lauren and Ela have respectively made it to the last five and four in their age groups for the Original Monologue Award.
They are now preparing to take to the stage at the Trafalgar Theatre in London on Sunday June 14, where they will compete alongside some of the country’s most talented young performers.
Lauren said: “I can’t believe that something that I care about and wrote got acknowledged – it’s just the best feeling!
“My monologue is about the fact that our world is changing into a terrible place, and it’s up to the young people to either change it for the better or be forced to live in it.”
Ela said: “I am really grateful for this experience and that I got chosen for the finals. I can’t wait to perform in the final round in London at the West End!”
More than 4,000 young performers entered the competition, which challenges young performers to write and perform their own monologues.
Earlier in the competition, 26 students from PQA Rugby were either commended or progressed to the regional and national stages, placing the academy within the top 10-15 per cent of the North Region Category.
And at the regional finals at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe last month, PQA Rugby was also crowned Best School.
PQA Rugby Principal Olivia Medlock said: “The effort and enthusiasm poured into each self-tape was remarkable.
“Students took ownership of their ideas, refined their performances, and committed themselves fully to the process.
“To see that dedication recognised at a national competition is incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.”
