Chesterfield Festival of Dance and Musical Theatre judge praises ‘stars of the future’

Twelves schools, including Chesterfield’s Directions Theatre Arts, Ripley’s JL Academy and Susan’s Danstudio from Eckington, took part in the event at Tupton Hall School last week.

Geoff Cox, joint organiser of the Chesterfield Festival of Dance and Musical Theatre, said: “As this has been only our second year at running a festival we have been overwhelmed at the response from all the schools attending. We have had amazing feedback from the parents. Roll on 2016.”

Adjudicator Sharon Wood said: “It was a great privilege to be asked to judge these very talented young people over the five days and to witness the dedication and determination that they obviously have given to dance and musical theatre. I’m sure they will go on to become our stars of the future and have amazing careers in the business.”

Directions Theatre Arts scooped the majority of the 23 trophies, including Dominic Stevenson who won the bursary and best vocalist award, Josh Crowther winning the potential professional trophy, Melissa Lye winning best choreography award and the school’s Avenue Q entry winning the musical theatre award.

Emily Whittle from Harlequin School of Performing Arts in Alfreton was presented with the adjudicators’ choice award and the teachers’ award went to First Stage, Derby.