Scholarships delight for boys at Stagecoach

A leading Carmarthenshire performing arts school has said a big ‘hello’ to the winners of its 2011 scholarships.
“As always, competition for our scholarship places was massive,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies.
“The scholarships are highly valued and offer a fabulous chance for youngsters who love to sing, dance and act.
“Everyone taking part in the bid for scholarships had to take part in special workshops here at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen.
“The workshops were great fun and picking winners for two sections of the school – Early Stages and Main School – was a very difficult task indeed.”
The scholarships, which run for a year at Stagecoach Carmarthen – were won by Morgan Lockton Sallis (Early Stages) and Rhys Horton (Main School).
Morgan is five years old and is the youngest of four brothers.
According to his family, Morgan is always talking and singing or humming and doesn’t like to miss out on anything that is happening in school or at home, so the Stagecoach scholarship competition seems the ideal opportunity for him to show off his outgoing personality.
Winning the Stagecoach scholarship has given him the opportunity to take part in singing, drama and dance classes within the Stagecoach Early Stages classes on a regular basis.
Rhys Horton said after winning his scholarship: “I feel very privileged to have been given this opportunity to do something I enjoy. I am also delighted to have been cast in the role of Bill Sykes in the forthcoming Stagecoach Carmarthen production of Oliver.
“Winning the Stagecoach scholarship has given me access to professional theatre training with the team at the Carmarthen school.”
Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies added: “Both Morgan and Rhys were very well deserved winners of our scholarship this year, both showing great enthusiasm and passion.
“They have settled in well into Stagecoach Carmarthen. Not only are they showing great development in their performance skills but also in confidence and general life skills. We often see that the skills students are able to develop in Stagecoach also help improve their academic achievements.
“At Stagecoach, we are currently working towards performances of Oliver at The Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, on July 22 and 23.
The Stagecoach Carmarthen School is now enrolling for the Autumn Term. Very limited spaces are available. For more information about the school, call Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies on 0845 604 1422 or visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/carmarthen.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has its base at the Model Church in Wales School.
The school opened in May 2009 and became an instant success. The school now attracts students from the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
The principal said: “Our aim is always to nurture and develop 4-18 year-olds to fulfil their potential through dance, drama and singing.
“It’s not all about treading the boards on stage. Early stages classes focus on allowing the children to express themselves, while at the same time building up confidence, poise and self-esteem. Above all, we make sure the experience is fun! The children love it.”

Morgan (left) and Rhys.