Year 13 student Elliot took to the Scarborough College stage for the last time, taking on the iconic role of Miss Trunchbull in our December 2023 production of Matilda Jr. As he prepares for the next step in his academic journey, Elliot reflects back on the past seven years at College, and his passion for performing arts.
“Hey, my name is Elliot and I’m in my final year of studies at Scarborough College, having joined in 2017. Throughout my seven years here, I can confidently say that I have embraced every opportunity that has been presented to me – from experiencing the wonders of La Sagrada Familia with the MFL’s Barcelona trip 2023, to the U13’s Rugby Tour to Scotland in 2018 and getting the privilege to perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue in Prize Giving 2022.
“Performing Arts has been a fundamental element of my college life. To some degree, I have been involved with every College Production; being able to develop from chorus member in The Little Shop of Horrors to Agatha Trunchbull in Matilda Jr, with a short offstage interlude as part of the band in last year’s Zombie Prom. Every year, I am amazed at how the production brings together students from all year groups and, despite the frequent backstage dramas, how the cast and crew are able to form such a unified team.
“Alongside achieving my Grade 8 in Alto Saxophone and also the Drums, I have completed the LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) programme that the school offers, having recently obtained my diploma (PCertLam) in Performance. The diploma brings together all aspects of LAMDA (Acting, Musical Theatre, Verse & Prose and Poetry) in one overarching concept chosen by the candidate. Studying Music and LAMDA has given me the confidence to convincingly address large audiences, it has taught me how to process the complex emotions of the many characters I have portrayed and, ultimately, it has given me a deeply-rooted passion for the performing arts industry.
“My thanks for this journey have to go to the many staff members who have supported me.
– To Mrs Leeson, who guided me through my music GCSE and gave me my first exposure to performance at Scarborough College: the choir.
– To Mr Richardson, whose unrivalled talent for deadpan delivery of brutal critiques will stay with me forever.
– To Miss Cox, whose organisational skills are second to none; and who I’m sure took much pleasure in sticking 30 pins in my head each night for production.
– To Mr Weatherhill, whose ability to remain calm whilst chaos unfolds onstage will never cease to amaze me.
– Finally, to Ms Galway and Mrs Pears who have nurtured and encouraged me and my love of Performing Arts throughout the last seven years.
“These staff members have been my role models and have not only taught me so much about Music, Drama and Musical Theatre, but through this, they have also taught me so much about myself as a performer and as a young adult.
“The College production is a testament to the dedication, creativity and, above all, talent of staff, cast and crew. My time at Scarborough College would not be complete without Performing Arts; it has been an integral aspect of my College life and one which I will take forward with me and cherish.”
