2018 was quite a full year for Isla Spencer, a Year 6 pupil at Denstone College Prep School in Staffordshire. In January, she started attending a drama group in Derby and has thoroughly enjoyed it. They do everything from performing, to script writing, to directing. She performed with them in July at Derby Theatre in their ‘Razzle Dazzle Show’. She absolutely loved this opportunity and decided that this is what she wants to do.
In April, she went to High Wycombe to audition to become part of a casting agency. The audition process consisted of being interviewed, having head shots taken and having to sing and perform a script, which was being videoed. Isla won a place on their books. Since then Isla has received an invite to a musical theatre workshop, at which casting agents were present.
Isla recently auditioned to sing with the vocal group G4 on their UK Christmas tour. She won a place and was singing with them in their backing choir at Derby Cathedral in November.
The agency asked if Isla could provide them with a recording of her singing, so they can forward this on to the casting agents for the UK Tour of ‘Matilda’. Isla received a recall for a face to face audition, which she attended in London. The competition was fierce and after a three-hour audition which involved being taught a dance routine, singing a song acapella and performing a poem, she found out, unfortunately, that she had not made it through to the next stage. They have said that they will bear Isla in mind for any other productions that they think would suit her. However, she has gained so much experience from this, and she had a fabulous day. Although it wasn’t the outcome she’d wished for, Isla has not let that get in the way of her spirits and would love to attend any other auditions which come her way.
Isla has attended another audition for the West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The show is called ‘Troubles a’Brewin’. Isla had to sing a song and perform a script in a Dallas accent. We are currently waiting to hear whether she has been successful.
Isla has started dance classes recently as this will really help her towards her dreams of being in musical theatre.
Isla entered Burton Vocal Festival, in which she came third. She was asked to perform at the winner’s concert, which was held at the Brewhouse. Isla has been asked to enter this festival next year in a duet, with an ensemble group and also as a soloist. Isla was very proud to receive an award for this festival and to have her singing acknowledged.
Isla is also a proud member of the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain, along with the school’s choir, in which she is one of the head choristers.