A NEW showcase will be held to give the best young performers the chance to 'take the stage' at a renowned local venue.
Preparations are underway for the launch of Take the Stage Wycombe, scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 17 at 7.30pm. The showcase promises an "extravaganza of dance and musical theatre" at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe.
‘Take the Stage’ marks the seventh year of performances from the production company of the same name, created by TV presenter Amy Burrows. Amy has first-hand experience of how performing at nationally recognised venues – such as the Wycombe Swan – can have such a significant impact on young performers.
She said: “I loved performing locally right through my childhood, and took every opportunity get onstage – whether it was in pantomimes, amateur dramatics, or speech and drama festivals.
“I passionately believe that children should have the chance to get up and perform, as the discipline, confidence, teamwork and performance skills you learn in a professional theatre really do stay with you forever.”
As a result of her experiences, Amy created her production company in 2016 to bridge the gap between young performers and otherwise inaccessible venues. With the ultimate aim of allowing the talent of tomorrow to ‘take the stage’, Amy had no difficulty in deciding on a name.
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The showcase will feature singing and dancing from performers aged between 4 and 20, representing some of Buckinghamshire’s most esteemed performing arts schools.
One such performer is Henry Woods, aged 11.
Henry said: "This is a really exciting opportunity, as not many people get the chance to perform at the Wycombe Swan, especially at our ages.
“I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with so many other young performers!”
One of the key barriers which traditionally prevents local schools from organising such performances is the financial strain it can put on the school itself, as well as the parents of performers.
From the pressure of selling enough tickets to fill a large venue to the financial outlay of travelling up to London or organising coaches, it is easy to see why the opportunity for local schools to perform at professional venues is rare.
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‘Take the Stage’ will instead take pressure away from the teachers and performers, giving them the chance to focus entirely on the creative aspect of the event.
Interest from local schools has been so high that Take the Stage has already booked dates for its eighth year of performances at both the Wycombe Swan and Cliffs Pavilion in 2025 and is looking for performers who want to be involved.
As well as featuring each performing arts school individually, this year’s ‘Take the Stage’ will close with a grand finale of all performers, choreographed by Tom Broderick, who toured globally with Matthew Bourne and Fran Dearlove, who has also performed globally with artists such as Dua Lipa.
To find out more about Take the Stage, the next performances and ticketing information, head to the Wycombe Swan Box Office, where tickets are priced at £26.
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