East Runton teenager’s national stage appearance
A north Norfolk teenager has stepped into the spotlight with the National Youth Theatre thanks to the support of local people.
Kirsty Clarke, aged 14 from East Runton, was chosen to attend the theatre's two week-acting and performance course at Greenwich in London last month.
More than 4,400 young people from across the country auditioned and Kirsty was one of 500 to be selected.
As part of her efforts to raise the?�900 needed to go on the course Kirsty and several of her friends under took a sponsored walk from the Coronation Hall in Mundesley via the Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier and the Little Theatre, Sheringham to the Auden Theatre Holt.
She attended workshops which resulted in a final performance of a show called Welcoming the World with other course members.
Kirsty said: 'I still can not really believe that I performed at the National Theatre's open air stage with the National Youth Theatre.
'I don't think I have ever felt so proud of a performance or so privileged to have been a part of one.'
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It was a 'very physical and demanding play that had very few words so the visual performance by the cast members was really important.'
Her course director was Amy Cudden who has recently appeared in Dr Who.
'We did activities like walking around the space then, as a group, deciding together, without saying anything, to clap together or jump or come to stop all at exactly the same time.
'They really made you see that without working together in drama the whole thing just doesn't work,' said Kirsty. 'I learned and experienced so much more than I would have ever imagined. We also met a panel of successful actors who were former members of the NYT.'
The two weeks were 'life changing' and means she can audition for parts in NYT shows.
Kirsty added: 'I would like to say a massive 'thank you' to all the people that helped me raise money to go on this course. I honestly couldn't have done it without you. It was everything I could have ever wanted to experience and more. I will always remember their kindness.'
