Sandwell students celebrate NYT success

Staff and students at George Salter Academy are celebrating the news that four of their students have secured a spot.

Prior to lockdown, a number of students had the opportunity to work with an Associate Artist from NYT who visited the Academy to undertake auditions as part of their nationwide search for new and emerging talent.

The successful students, Tyrese Haynes, aged 16, Louis Elsmore, aged 17, Chenai Murray, aged 14 and Abi Otesanya, aged 14, will now participate in a week long remote online course with professionals from NYT.

This will then be followed by access to professional auditions, workshops, mentoring opportunities and castings until the age of 26.

Louis said: "I am thrilled and proud. The best piece of advice I can give is be prepared to take risks. If you have the right attitude, it doesn’t matter what you do or where you come from – you can succeed."

Miss Clark, head of drama at George Salter Academy, said: "The news that four of our talented drama students have successfully auditioned for a place within the leading youth theatre organisation in the country is just phenomenal.

"This outcome is testament to the tremendous resilience, determination, and creativity of our young people at George Salter Academy and the wonderfully committed teachers that have helped them on their journey to success."