LMA launches scholarship scheme for budding young stars

TALENTED youngsters dreaming of success on stage or screen will have the chance to land a special scholarship to hone their skills at LMA. For the 2nd year running, the Liverpool based University specialist centre is inviting teenagers aged 14 to 19 to compete for a place on its year long programme, as part of a ₤250,000 fund.

The scholarships, which are each worth ₤2,500, are available across LMA's portfolio of courses:- Acting; Digital Film and Production; Games Art and Animation; Musical Theatre; and Music Performance and Industry. Young hopefuls can apply online now, with successful applicants being invited to audition or pitch, on 29 June 2019.

Leah Andrews, from Chorley, secured a place on the Musical Theatre course in 2018 and has been attending sessions once a week. The 15 year old said:- "I really enjoy Saturdays at LMA; I've been on the scholarship for a year now and it's absolutely amazing. I personally feel like I've progressed so much not only in my abilities, but also in confidence and I've made so many new friends.  The tutors have been really supportive and it's been great to be taught by people who have had such successful careers in the industry."

Following the auditions, the judging panel will choose 100 youngsters for the programme, which will see them receive expert training every Saturday, from September 2019.

Principal Richard Wallace, who founded LMA with his brother, Simon, and created the scholarship fund in 2018 as part of LMA's 10th Birthday Celebrations said:- "LMA has rapidly become a real landmark for talent in Liverpool and we're extremely proud of our students' achievements. Over the past 10 years, our alumni have gone on to work with the BBC, star in West End shows, released critically acclaimed albums and become major players in the gaming industry, and we're confident that this track record will continue. Our scholarship programme is now in its 2nd year and it's proven to be a fantastic way to introduce talented individuals to all we have to offer, helping them to perfect their craft and access training that is truly 2nd to none."

The scholarship launch follows an exciting start to 2019, as a group of LMA students were selected to perform alongside the original cast from TV series Fame, as part of the Fame UK Reunion concerts in Liverpool earlier this month. 4 acting students were also chosen by film giant Warner Bros. to voice The Beatles in upcoming Polish-made film, BB Forever, which tells the story of Hollywood star Brigitte Bardot.

Simon Wallace added:- "It's an incredibly exciting time for LMA as our students are fresh from sharing the stage with the original stars of Fame, securing voiceover roles as The Beatles, and so much more. We're proud of our family culture and it's something that we instil in both students and tutors, so we're looking forward to welcoming new members of the family with the scholarship programme."

For further information about how to apply for a scholarship at LMA, visit:- LMA.AC.UK/LMA-Scholarship.

Leading Live Music Agency Announces Auditions for Local Bands

ALIVE Network, the UK's most successful live music agency, behind the UK's biggest private event bands, have announced auditions, in Manchester. Aimed at local cover bands and original artists, the agency hopes to recruit more regional musicians to take advantage of work in the area. In 2018, Alive helped UK musicians earn ₤10 million, with around ₤500k worth of wedding, private and corporate events booked in the North West.

"We want gigs in the North to go to local bands, and so do our clients. But we just don't have enough artists based here to meet demand. Clients don't want to have to book a band in London if they can have home grown talent. We're keen to find that talent, and ensure that local opportunities go to local musicians." says Alive founder Dave Bevan.

As well as bands that play covers professionally, original bands are also being encouraged to apply.

"Private events can be a lucrative source of income for musicians. We work with artists that tour with Beyoncé, JT, Rag N Bone Man, Stormzy; the list goes on; as well as session musicians, and recording artists. For all of them, commercial work is just 1 part of a varied music career. Many rely on private events to fund their passion projects, as it's 1 of the industry's most reliable ways to make money." explains Dave.

Manchester band The Upstarts joined Alive after auditioning in 2018. Already a professional band working in private events, they've booked almost 60 extra gigs since joining the agency.

Guitarist Mark says:- "This has been an amazing opportunity for myself and my band. We've had lots of support and guidance from the team, and the biggest thing for me personally is that we've done it all with friendly people. It feels like you're working with your mates. It's been a big step forward for us professionally."

Bands that successfully audition will join Alive Network at no cost, and become part of the UK's most successful booking agency, which was founded by musicians in 1999.  To apply to get an audition place go to:- AliveNetwork.Com/Recruitment-NorthWest.

Calling all young musicians and singers

IF you love playing an instrument or singing, and are between 8 and 18 years old, you could become this year's:- 'Southport Young Musician of the Year.' Trinity Arts, who organise the event, is now accepting applications for the competition, now in its 5th year and sponsored by Whittakers Schoolwear. The winner receives a trophy, ₤100 and the opportunity to perform in the iconic Holy Trinity Church. The 2018 winner Victoria Woodier said:- "It's been an excellent experience, it's given me confidence in performing and a chance to try different types of music."

Categories include:-

► Voice.
► Brass.
► Strings.
► Woodwind.
► Percussion.
► Piano.

Plus you don't have to live in Southport to enter!  Students between Year 3 through to 6th Form may enter the competition. Heats will be held between 1 July to 4 July 2019 with the final, on Friday, 5 July 2019, at Holy Trinity Church, Southport. It costs ₤3 to enter.  There is also a runner up prize and a Most Promising prize. Each Individual class winner also receives a trophy. For more information or for an application form please go to:- TrinityArts.Org.UK.

Prescot Festival Invites People to Play Their Part

A Merseyside arts festival is keen for audiences to be at the heart of the action, that takes place in June 2019. As well as showcasing performers and artists from across the North West Region, the 10 day Prescot Festival always provides plenty of chances for people to get involved. On Saturday, 22 June 2019, sopranos, altos, tenors and basses are invited to 'Come & Sing' Vivaldi's enduringly popular:- 'Gloria,' with the Prescot Festival Chorus. The esteemed James Luxton, of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, will conduct, and in the 2nd ½ of the evening concert the sublime Liverpool Cathedral Choir will sing. For those not up to singing classical music in a choir, there's still an opportunity to exercise the lungs, on Sunday, 30 June 2019, that the Proms-style finale. Maghull Wind Orchestra and soprano Danielle Louise Thomas will lead the audience in such patriotic favourites as:- 'Jerusalem' and 'Land of Hope and Glory.'  The annual Short Story Competition may tempt those of a literary bent. The theme for 2019 is:- 'Magic, Myth and Mystery,' and non professional writers of all ages in the 6 boroughs of:- Knowsley, St Helens, Liverpool, Sefton, Halton and Wirral are welcome to enter. A ₤100 prize is on offer for the best story. "A sense of community is at the heart of what we do at the Prescot Festival... So we delight in creating these opportunities, some big, some small, for people to get involved." said Director Dr Robert Howard. Robert and his team are always on the lookout for:- "Friends of the Festival" to steward at concerts and volunteer with other tasks behind the scenes. "If you think you have something to contribute, why not get in touch?" Dr Robert Howard added. Full information on how to get involved, including:- 'Come and Sing' applications and 'Short Story Competition' rules, can be found online.