Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!
Stone born and raised actress Melissa Potts has landed her first professional role since graduating from a prestigious London stage school – she’ll be playing the rags-to-riches princess in a panto at a Norfolk theatre. Oh yes she has! *sorry!*
Melissa, who trained at Stone’s Rooftop Studios before going on to win a sought-after place at The Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, won the Cinders role following a tough round of auditions. In an interesting twist, the director of the panto – which will run at the Sheringham Little Theatre in Norfolk – is a former teacher of Melissa’s, Rooftop Studios head of drama, Nick Earnshaw. Oh yes he is *sorry – going to stop now!*
[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Nick said: “When open auditions were held at the theatre in Norfolk, the last thing I expected was for the star of the show to hail from Staffordshire, let alone Stone, and one of our former pupils! Melissa won the role fair and square – the audition process was gruelling and there was some tough competition, but she really stood out as our leading lady.”
“I think I speak for everyone at the studio when I say we’re super-proud of Melissa – she has always been exceptionally talented, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make it as a professional performer. I’m really excited to be working with her once again, and I’m sure this will be the first step of a very promising career.”[/box]
Melissa added: “I have so many fond memories of my years growing up at Rooftop. I was always taught to express myself through performing, whether that be in a song, dance or pure acting piece.”
“The teachers were always so passionate and caring, but equally they taught me discipline and the importance of hard work. Each one taught me so much about myself and the industry, and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without their guidance. Excited doesn’t begin to describe how I feel ahead of my first professional leading role – and to be working alongside Nick makes it even more special.”
[box type=”info” ]Rooftop Studios offers a wide range of performing arts classes for 3-18 year olds, including drama, dance, singing and music, throughout school term time. The studios’ Little Stage Academy and Pop School & Stage Academy (PSSA), offers Saturday lessons for 3– 18 year olds focused on helping children develop confidence and have fun, whilst honing the skills they will need for a future career in the limelight.
For more information visit www.rooftopstudios.co.uk or call Laura on 07966 539555. For more information on Cinderella at the Sheringham Little Theatre, visit https://sheringhamlittletheatre.com/show/cinderella-pantomime/[/box]
