The team behind the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY) has organised a special masterclass and Q&A to help fill the void left by the shelving of this year’s contest due to the Covid-19 crisis.
The 70 students who had been due to travel to London for the selection process to find the 12 finalists to be shortlisted for the title of Student Performer of the Year 2020 will now be given access to a panel of industry experts.
The Chichester Festival Theatre’s artistic director Daniel Evans, actor Fra Fee, musical director Nigel Lilley, casting associate Charlotte Sutton and a previous winner of the prestigious award, Alex Young, will be offering advice and inspiration to all 70 of this year’s students via Zoom tomorrow (21 May 2020).
Announcing the project, Craig Glenday, chair of the Stephen Sondheim Society, said: “We really felt the disappointment of these students who had prepared their Sondheim pieces and were looking forward to competing this year. In view of the situation, it was clearly impossible to stage the competition, but we wanted to find a way to support this cohort of graduates entering the industry in such challenging times.
“We are grateful that one of our very successful SSSSPOTY winners, Alex Young, has been able to help us gather together this mega panel, with so much Sondheim experience: from performers to directors, and across areas such as musical direction and casting. They can give the valuable feedback and advice needed today.
“Due to time restrictions, only some students will be able to perform, but all 70 will be able to ‘attend’ this exclusive Masterclass and Q&A, created solely for their benefit. It’s a tremendous opportunity to learn from this incredible group of experts and something we hope will bolster the students’ understanding and confidence.
“At this stage, it is solely for the benefit of SSSSPOTY entrants only, but we hope to make it available at a later date on our educational platform to students and our members.”
Commenting on his involvement in the initiative, Evans said: “When our theatres and concert halls open again, we will need actors and singers to delight us. So, it is a particular honour to be supporting the next generation of performers through SSSSPOTY, which is bringing us all together online while we’re distanced.”
Fee commented: “I’m incredibly excited to be working with some of the best Sondheim-istas in the business. 2020 is a strange year for everybody and I feel particularly sorry for those graduating from college, sadly unable to share the fruits of their labour. It will be a real honour to be treated to their talent from my living room.”
Young added: “In these difficult and often sad times, it’ll be such a treat and a tonic to be sung to by some of the best graduates in the country. I’m very grateful to Charlotte, Daniel, Fra and Nigel for agreeing to offer an insight into their bountiful experience, kindness and wisdom.”
Co-produced by the Stephen Sondheim Society and Mercury Musical Developments, the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year usually concludes with a gala performance featuring 12 of the top student performers from musical theatre and drama schools across the UK each performing a classic song by Stephen Sondheim and a new musical theatre song, written by members of Mercury Musical Developments (MMD).
Now in its 14th year, previous winners include Taron Egerton and finalists such as Cynthia Erivo. Last year’s winner Stuart Thompson appeared as Geoff in A Taste of Honey, National Theatre tour and Trafalgar Studios; and finalists included Lily Kerhoas, Cosette in Les Misérables, The Concert and West End; Cameron Burt, Sky in Mamma Mia! and Oisin Nolan-Power, Ben in Rags the Musical, Park Theatre and cast recording.
Angela Thomas
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