The Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) is delighted to announce its exceptional achievements at the MTI Junior Theatre Festival 2024, bringing home a total of three awards including the ‘Overall outstanding Production Award’.
The annual event, which took place last weekend at the International Convention Centre (ICC) was organised by Music Theatre International (MTI) in partnership with iTheatrics in New York and saw more than 2000 young Musical Theatre performers participate in the Junior Theatre Festival Europe.
The two-day event saw 60 schools and youth groups from across the globe attended workshops, adjudications and showcases of new works. This year, there were international groups from countries including the Czech Republic, Georgia, Italy, the US and of course Northern Ireland.
Festival Producer Ryan Macaulay said: It’s important to acknowledge that the arts can bring the world together in ways that no other medium can.’
The BSPA team, comprising of 31 dedicated pupils, aged 10-18, was led by a creative team; Peter Corry, Adam Darcy, and Oprah Devitt. Together, they devised a spectacular 15-minute production of Guys and Dolls Jr which was presented to West End and Broadway adjudicators.
The talented and hardworking students not only won the Overall Outstanding Production award, earning them the honour of performing on the main stage, but also received the prestigious Achievement in Acting Award.
Special congratulations must go to David McKenna aged 11, from North Belfast, who attends BSPA Lisburn AM school, for being awarded an ‘Individual Outstanding Performance Award’ for his overall performance at the event.
Amelia Galbraith, aged 18 from Coleraine and Charlotte Prentice, aged 14 from Bangor, were also identified on the day as ‘All Stars’ securing them a place on the main stage alongside ‘All Stars’ from other schools, which saw them rehearse and perform under the tutelage of renowned theatre educator, Emma Bishop and theatre creator, Tom Jackson- Greaves to rapturous applause!
BSPA Managing Director, Tina McVeigh, extended her heartfelt thanks to Music Theatre International – Europe for organising such a wonderful event,
“This is the 4th year we have attended the Festival and although we have always been successful, this year we are delighted but humbled to be returning home with a plethora of awards when performing against equally talented pupils!”
“The event has provided an incredible platform for our students to showcase their talents, engage in enriching experiences, perform for the top professionals from the West end, Broadway and iTheatrics, and connect with like-minded young performers from diverse backgrounds from across the world. These talented young people have one thing in common, a love of musical theatre and performing.”
“The festival was a busy and exhilarating day for all attendees, filled with learning, performing, and camaraderie. We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding achievements and look forward to future opportunities to shine on such prestigious stages.”
BSPA is Northern Ireland’s largest theatre school with a total of 10 schools across the province teaching upwards of 800 pupils aged 3-19 years every week in the disciplines of dancing, acting and singing. There is also a popular Performance Academy for older pupils aged 16-24 years.
To find out more about BSPA and the opportunities available please visit www.thebspa.co.uk
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