A DETERMINED and dedicated Worcester girl has danced her way into a prestigious London arts school on her way to achieving her dream as a West End star.
Harriet Morton from Warndon has recently been awarded a place at the renowned Italia Conti Arts Centre to study a three year ‘Performing Arts with Teacher Training’ course, including a two year level 3 BTEC extended diploma in Performing Arts, starting in September 2016.
The 15-year-old auditioned for her dream role on Thursday November, 5 and only recently found out she had been accepted on the illustrious course.
She has always had a passion for musical theatre and started dancing at just four-years-old, before joining Academy Dance in Worcester, learning ballet, tap and modern dance.
Becoming a member of the Swan Youth Theatre at seven-years-old, Harriet then joined Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section (WODYS) at age nine, and through their academy scheme, she took part in major annual shows including Disco Inferno, Half a Sixpence, Me and My Girl and Copacabana.
On her way to success Harriet has gained a distinction at Level 5 with the London College of Music, learnt to play the clarinet at Nunnery Wood Primary School, adding to her impressive resume of skills, and joined the Barbara Speake Stage School in Acton, London in September 2012.
She was also awarded a scholarship in 2014 at the Italia Conti Theatre Arts School and featured on BBC’s School for Stars.
Living with a host family while in school in London, Harriet will take her GCSE’s in May and June next year.
“I’m so lucky to have been offered this opportunity,” said Harriet. “It has always been my dream to perform in the West End and I hope through the next three years, my hard work will help me achieve my goal.
“The most difficult aspect of going to London was having to stop performing with WODYS.
“I miss everyone there, but I’m so grateful for all the help and guidance I received, which, without doubt, has helped me to where I am now,” she added.
Founded in 1911, the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts is Britain’s oldest performing arts training school and is renowned throughout the world as a training centre of excellence.
