Little ones destined for the stage? Muscat is home to some incredible performing arts schools where kids can learn to dance, sing and act.
Some tiny tots seem to be born to entertain – turn up the music and they instantly start to shake their stuff, watch a Disney cartoon and they sing along to their favourite songs at the top of their voices (Let it Go being a firm favourite) and they can’t wait to put on a play for you with their friends and siblings.
We speak to West End actor Tarinn Callender, who has appeared the award-winning musical Hamilton; we get some top tips from Lisa Scott-Lee whose band Steps has just released a brand-new album and we round-up some awesome dance academieswhere they can polish their skills all to help them achieve their dreams.
Good luck kiddies, or should that be, break a leg?
The interview
Tarinn Callender, West End performer and Hamilton star
What age did you first realise that you wanted to be on the stage?
I started singing and dancing at my all boys’ school in London. The feedback I got made me think that I could possibly turn this into
a career.
What path did you follow to get where you are today?
One of my teachers told me that the best place to train for the performing arts was ArtsEd, so I was determined to win a place there. I worked incredibly hard, got my place and earned a degree in musical theatre in 2017. I then went straight into Hamilton, then Kiss Me Kate and Come From Away. I then came to Dubai to work with students at GEMS Educations’ ArtsEd partner schools and it’s especially exciting to work with talented students at the start of their journeys.
You dance, sing and act, but do you have a favourite discipline?
I really love bringing the three disciplines together to create an emotional story for the audience. If I had to choose just one it would be singing, because of the range of music that can be performed. I love performing rap, hip-hop and of course musical theatre.
How did you feel when you heard you’d got a role in Hamilton?
Well, I was still at ArtsEd, when I heard that auditions were taking place for the original London cast of Hamilton, so I thought that I’d missed out. Then I was invited to meet the team, for the role of Hercules Mulligan and was thrilled. I saw Hamilton in New York and was overwhelmed when I was invited to join the West End cast. I knew that I’d be joining not just a show, but a movement that would change theatre and society. It was a truly fabulous moment.
What has been your favourite role to date?
Coming straight out of ArtsEd and into the biggest show in London was a really wonderful experience. The cast and crew were fantastic, and I made friends for life, so I have to say that playing Hercules Mulligan has been my favourite role so far.
You do panto too, that must be fun?
Panto is most people’s first experience of the theatre. I played Dick Whittington at the Hackney Empire, one of the UK’s biggest pantomimes. I love the audience interaction and the camaraderie of the cast. Panto is always hard work, with up to 15 shows a week, but it’s great fun and you know that you are a big part of many families’ winter holidays. Hopefully, also inspiring performers of the future who have their first taste of
live theatre.
Who inspires you?
I’ve been inspired by many teachers and performers but to be honest, I’ve been inspired most by my Mum. She always worked so hard for her three children and helped make sure that I could follow my dreams. Without pressure, she made sure that I could take every opportunity to train and perform and has been a big part of my career so far.
Do you ever see yourself on TV or in film?
Despite theatres being closed at the moment, the demand for content by Netflix and Amazon has grown significantly. It would be great to act in TV and film and show another side of my personality and range of skills. Performing is all about story- telling, whether it’s on the stage or screen, and I love to tell stories.
What next?
Since theatres have been closed, I have done as much work with students as possible. This trip to the UAE and Italy, with ArtsEd Partner Schools, has really inspired me to give back as much as I can to the next generation. Back in London, auditions for next year are kicking off, so I hope that you’ll see be back on the West End stage for 2021.
What tips do you have for kids wanting to follow in your footsteps?
There is no secret about this, you have to work really hard and nurture your talent. I told the students at GEMS Wellington Academy, that they should focus on what they want to achieve and really go for it. When I was at college, we used to get thrown out of the studio as they wanted to lock up at night and I was still rehearsing. I used to rehearse with my friend, Miriam-Teak Lee, who won an Olivier Award this month for her role in the musical &Juliet, we were really tough with the feedback we gave each other – wanting each other to do better every time. So, having friends who support and challenge you is really important.
Was this your first trip to Dubai?
Yes, and I had a fantastic time, I even extended my stay. I’ve visited ArtsEd partner schools and spent a week teaching at GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis to champion their Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts, where they have the most fantastic teachers, students and auditorium. I’ve also had time to see many of the sights – I’m already planning my return visit.
What did you want to tick off your Dubai bucket list while you were here?
I really wanted some sun, having left a grey and wintery London, so that box is definitely ticked. Also, Atlantis, a Dubai brunch, jet skiing around the Palm and the Creek. Next time, I plan to visit Dubai Opera and ride your version of the London Eye. See you soon.
The top tips
Lisa Scott-Lee shares her tips for becoming a successful performer
Before making it big as a singer in the world-famous band Steps, Lisa Scott-Lee, who is now based in Dubai and heads up the Dubai Performing Arts Academy, trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.
Having successfully managed to fulfil her own dreams of being a pop star and professional performer with 13 numbers ones and a BRIT award under her belt (amongst other things) the British star now encourages a future generation of talent to achieve their goals of a glittering career on the stage.
The mother-of-two, who has just released a brand-new album with her bandmates, shares her top tips on the benefits of performing, plus tells us what kids and young people should keep in mind if performing is their ambition.
Training
Keep an open mind and pursue an all-round training programme. Don’t just train in dance if you consider yourself a dancer, it’s important to be a strong all-rounder and to be competent in all three areas of dancing, singing and acting, especially if your dream is to audition for musicals and perform in the West End. It’s known in the industry as a ‘Triple Threat’ performer and something we encourage and nurture at DPA.
Examinations
At DPA we recommend our students take annual examinations in dance, drama, singing and musical theatre. We are affiliated with all the leading globally recognised examination boards such as ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance) which Johnny (Lisa’s husband and former member of the band Hear’Say) and I hold our Teaching Qualifications in, RAD (Royal Academy of Dance), LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and Trinity College London.
I’m proud to say that five of our DPA Students just gained the highest marks across the recent Trinity Musical Theatre examination for the academic year 2018/2019 across Dubai and the UAE.
Taking examinations improves confidence and discipline, and with LAMDA and Trinity Exams from Grade six you can convert your marks into UCAS points for when you apply for UK Universities.
Audition technique
Do your homework, research monologues, and find songs that suit your voice, are in your range and are age appropriate. Have a varied repertoire of sheet music so you are prepared going into an audition and explore the story line and characters you are auditioning for so that you understand the back story and can answer questions.
Discipline and hard work
Dance is definitely a sport and as such takes discipline, hard work and dedication to achieve results. As with all sports, the shared benefits include fitness, confidence, team playing, leadership, making new friends and being part of a club or dance school.
Want it
You have to really, really want it. That means you have to train hard, work hard, dream big.
