What’s next for three Centre Stage graduates?

The curtain falls on studying in Singapore for three graduates from Centre Stage School of the Arts who are heading to the UK for further tuition. Here, they recall their memories and experiences.

As a seven-year-old I didn’t have any real ambition or interest in drama or dancing, but I joined with my best friend and I’m glad we did! Initially I was shy, but participating in classes at Centre Stage encouraged me to get involved in more activities and be willing to take risks. During my recent A-level exams, my parents asked if I wanted to take a break from Centre Stage to focus on my studies, but it was never a question for me. It was important to keep going and to look forward to each Saturday as a chance to forget about school and exams. It helped rather than hindered, I think. I’ll take away irreplaceable memories of my time at Centre Stage. One thing I’ll never forget is Pete’s saying: ‘Right or wrong, do it strong’. SORCHA YOUNG was just three when she started Creative Drama classes at Centre Stage. Now 19, she is leaving Singapore for Bristol to study psychology; she hopes to become a drama therapist.

My earliest drama performance was Little Red Riding Hood, and one of my favourite presentations was Harry Potter, in which I was a jelly bean! Over the years I learned a lot through jazz, ballet, theatre workshop (acting) and Trinity Exam classes. Without a doubt, Centre Stage has taught me to be confident in who I am and to express myself. The teachers are talented in building that confidence in students.

Centre Stage really is a family; the students are all incredibly close and the teachers are fabulous. My last drama performance was Anne Frank and last ballet performance was The Four Seasons in which I performed a solo as the Autumn Fairy; it’s always fun to do a solo.

My word of advice is to always have fun – and always learn your lines!

My Mum initially enrolled me so I could develop more confidence, and I’ve definitely done that. At school I don’t have a problem getting up and talking in front of people. Now I’m doing drama, musical theatre workshop, tap dancing and small group singing and I probably spend more time at Centre Stage than I do at home. On Saturdays I’m here from 8.30am until 5pm for classes and rehearsals, and we usually all go out for dinner afterwards.

My earliest show was The Magic Clock, in which I played a fairy, and most recently I played Carmen Diaz in the musical Fame. It was a big cast and wonderful to perform with the friends I’ve made over these years together.

My advice is to just keep trying, because you never know what will happen.