A Carlisle youngster has won a scholarship to help her follow her dream of performing on the stage.
Ella Ashurst, 15, a pupil at Richard Rose Central Academy, won the scholarship, worth up to £855, for Razzamataz Carlisle, which means she will get free tuition at the performing arts school.
The scholarship scheme is run in partnership with industry bible The Stage.
Each applicant filmed themselves doing a short performing arts piece of their choosing.
Judges said they were impressed by Ella’s focus and well-prepared audition.
Ella said: “It’s such an honour to win the scholarship this year. Dancing has been my passion since I was three along with singing and acting. It is my dream to be able to pursue performing arts in the future and this scholarship puts me one step closer. I could not be any more grateful.”
Ella’s parents John and Alyssia added: “Over the years Ella has gained so much confidence, had the best experiences and made great memories thanks to Razzamataz.
“She is so passionate and dedicated and we are so very proud of her winning this scholarship.” Runner-up was Rosie Hogg.
Debbie Mitchell, principal of Razzamataz Carlisle, said: ““We are so proud to once again offer these prestigious scholarships in association with The Stage newspaper.
“It’s been particularly challenging for business with all the lockdowns but we were all determined that our students and young people in the community would not miss out on this wonderful opportunity.
“Although the impact of COVID has hit small businesses like ours very hard, we felt that it was important to continue to offer as many opportunities as possible to support young people who have had to show incredible resilience over the last year-and-a-half. A huge congratulations to Ella and Rosie.”
