Students at North Hertfordshire College have been selected to take part in Connections 2018, the National Theatre’s annual youth theatre festival.

The level 3 acting pupils will be staging a new play written by some of theatre’s best playwrights and will be performing at a leading UK theatre – giving them a taste of what it’s like working in a professional touring company.

The performance will be appraised by a professional director with the winning productions will be given the opportunity to perform again at the National Theatre in London.

The students will take part in every aspect of putting the performance together, working as a company of actors and contributing to the marketing campaign, set design, costume design and stage management of the play.

Among the acting students taking part in Connections is Emily Sadler, a year 2 student from Baldock. Emily said: “I’ve been really looking forward to coming back to college. The acting course has already given me a lot of opportunities to perform and develop as a performing arts student.

“I am sure the second year will have just as many projects for me to take part in, including the National Theatre Connections project.”

Briony Marston, head of creative arts, is looking forward to the festival. She said: “The National Theatre Connections Festival will be a wonderful opportunity for our acting students to perform new material in a professional venue.

“I am sure our students will take hold of the challenge and create a performance that captures and engages the audience in their own unique style.

“The project will push their technical skills, as well as building confidence and teamwork which will support their progression to drama schools and universities.”

NHC principal Kit Davies added: “This is one of many exciting opportunities that NHC’s acting students get to experience.

“We’re incredibly proud that last year we had 100 per cent achievement on this course with all our students securing places at university, Past students have been offered places at drama schools and universities including LIPA, Mountview Academy and Rose Bruford College.”

It’s not too late to apply for NHC’s level 3 extended diploma in acting course starting this month. For more information or to enrol, go along to an NHC campus with your exam results, visit nhc.ac.uk or call 01462 424242.