Max learns from Broadway artist
Tips from the top for musical theatre starlet
A teen musical theatre star who learned his craft at an East Kilbride stage school got the chance work with a celebrated Broadway composer.
Eighteen-year-old Max Gibson grew up performing in shows with Stagecoach Performing Arts and is now studying for a diploma in Musical Theatre at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh where he was mentored by Jonathan Reid Gealt.
The renowned composer has released multiple albums and his songs have been performed in soldout venues across the world.
Max, who lives in Cambuslang, said: “I’ve been performing since I was a little boy and decided to audition for a full-time place at The MGA Academy after hearing about it online. When I received my acceptance letter, I was ecstatic and, since starting the course, there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by where I haven’t learnt something new.
“Having the opportunity to learn from Jonathan Reid Gealt was amazing as he is so experienced. It was really interesting to learn tips and tricks from someone who works in New York.
“I decided to sing a song Beautiful Reason from the musical Godspell and he gave me some really helpful advice on how to put more emotion into my performance.”
Looking to the future, Max added: “When I finish my training, I’d like to gain employment as a performer on a cruise ship or be cast in a touring musical. I can’t think of anything better than travelling the world whilst doing what I love.”
Mr Gealt, who is based in New York City, said: “I’ve been very impressed with the staff and students at The MGA Academy in the past and so I like to visit every time I’m in Scotland.
“Whilst mentoring Max and his fellow students, I tried to get them to think about how to best tell stories through songs. I encouraged them to try and relate songs and lyrics to things that they have experienced in their own lives.”
Last year, the Edinburghcalled based academy became the first full-time professional training academy in Scotland to be awarded accreditation by CDET, the UK’s quality assurance and membership body for the professional dance, drama and musical theatre industries.
Andrew Gowland, managing director of The MGA Academy, said: “Jonathan is a good friend of ours and kindly offered to visit The MGA Academy whilst on holiday in Scotland. His knowledge of the performing arts industry is second to none and our students will have benefited greatly from his expertise.”