Hollywood actress Karen Gillan poised to pick successful Highland candidates from over 100 hopefuls vying for scholarships in association with TFX Performing Arts Academy
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More than 100 hopefuls have entered a competition to receive free acting classes in the Highland capital.
TFX Performing Arts Academy launched a search for pupils to take up four scholarships, supported by Hollywood star Karen Gillan in association with our sister paper, the Inverness Courier, at the beginning of July.
Ms Gillan is a former pupil of TFX Performing Arts Academy, which was offering the opportunities of top-class singing, dancing and acting tuition for free.
The Avengers, Jumanji and Dr Who star is a driving force behind the initiative where a quartet – aged between seven and 18 – will get access to a three-hour musical theatre performance class every Saturday for a year at Old High Hall.
The application stage ended on Monday and organisers say more than 100 people have submitted a video clip and application form.
All entries will be viewed by Ms Gillan, who will choose the winners.
The places are fully funded, including uniforms, with two places going to pupils who would otherwise be unable to afford the classes and two for those who show outstanding talent and promise.
Ms Gillan, who is originally from Inverness, said: “I have been fortunate enough to have a career in the performing arts.
“This is largely due to my training at TFX. I want to invest in the new generation of young performers in the Highlands.
“I hope this will be the beginning of something really exciting for the successful applicants.”
It is hoped that the winners will be announced later this month, with successful applicants taking up a place after the school summer holidays.
Sally Robertson, principle and founder of TFX Performing Arts Academy, said: “The response has been fantastic.
“Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.”
Assistant director Kayleigh Redford said: “Every single person who applied and sent in a video should be so proud and no matter what the outcome is, never give up!
“Karen is going to have a hard decision to make.”
