Gale Force students have triumphed once again in examinations set by the New Era Academy.
In 2012 the theatre school, which is soon to celebrate its 25th anniversary, became the first in the island to be selected for examination by the west Sussex-based performing arts academy.
Gale Force founder and director Barbara Gale said the examination sessions were a ‘marathon’ that included disciplines in reading aloud, acting, comedy, serious drama and musical theatre featuring largely works by Andrew Lloyd Webber. A number of candidates also prepared three themed pieces – poetry, prose and recitation – for the academy’s new recital category which they accomplished, said Mrs Gale, with ‘great success.’
All 20 candidates were awarded either merit (75-84 marks) or distinction (85+ marks) grade with 12-year-old Francesca Warren and Andrew Halstein, 13, each gaining the highest points of the day, 88.
Andrew Halstein will be attending the Sylvia Young theatre school in London over the Easter holidays, while Francesca Warren has secured a place on the Youth Music Theatre UK summer programme, for which she had to compete against more than 1000 applicants.
Exam preparation was by Paul Bradford for choreography and Wendy McDowell for musical accompaniment and extra tuition with teaching direction throughout by Mrs Gale who said:
‘I was particularly pleased with the three students who tackled the recital class - Michael Bonham, Serena Bennett and Matthew Unsworth - who all achieved merit grades and have inspired others to attempt this ground-breaking exam, as it is well known that Gale Force students always push themselves that bit further than the norm.’
Adjudicator was Penny Lambert who had flown in from the UK. She said ‘ I had never been to the Isle of Man before and was looking forward to visiting very much but my schedule only allowed for me to admire the scenery on the journey from the airport to St Johns and back. More importantly, though, I was privileged to meet some of Gale Force’s beautifully mannered and well prepared students and I hope to be invited back for a much longer stay on another occasion.’
Mrs Gale added: ‘As usual I was extremely proud of all my students who, despite their busy lives with their academic studies and school activities, always succeed in doing themselves and Gale Force proud. But the work continues; it’s onward and upwards now for the Guild.’
Photo - Distinction-grade Gale Force students Francesca Warren, 12 and, right, Andrew Halstein, 13 with fellow student, Andrew’s brother, Jacob, 11. Picture Andrew Barton
