A young performer from Cumbernauld will start the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh in September - after being spotted by the Head of Admissions in a college performance.
Zac McGuire, 19, who attended Our Lady's High School and studied HND and NQ Musical Theatre at Glasgow Kelvin College's Easterhouse campus was asked personally to audition for The MGA Academy after putting on an incredible performance as the lead in American Idiot, his college end of course show.
The young performer, who was a goalkeeper for Celtic Boys as a youngster and once had ambitions of becoming a footballer, discovered his passion for acting when he joined Cumbernauld’s local theatre group Shakespeare’s Kids, where he became Assistant Director at the age of 16.
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Zac was over the moon to be asked to audition for a spot on the sought-after course at The MGA Academy.
He said: “I was very grateful that they came to see my show and supported me and asked me to come along for what I thought was an amazing opportunity. I just thought they would just be the best thing for my career path. I would say as soon as I walked through that door [at The MGA Academy], I felt like I belonged there”
The Cumbernauld local is most looking forward to exploring and further improving his voice and dancing skills, adding: “I feel like it'll be a great opportunity for me to extend my dance knowledge. I think the thing that I need the most experience in is dancing. I'm a natural mover but I just feel like I need that little push to try and get where I need to be and I feel like MGA could do that.”
And Zac has big dreams of one day pursuing a career in film or on the West End.
He said: “I think coming out of MGA I'd like to go straight into the industry and do like as many shows as I can, possibly West End then and maybe a bit of film too. And the end of my career, I'd like to be a dance lecturer. I need a lot more experience but I feel like that's my forte. I love the energy and the passion that everyone has on stage and the family vibe.”
The MGA Academy of Performing Arts was established in 2005 to provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges.
The school, which attracts aspiring performers from around the UK and across Europe, is now recruiting for its 2022-23 intake for BA (Hons) Dance, Musical Theatre, and Acting, with auditions set to take place on Sunday 7 August.
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In 2017, The MGA Academy achieved full accreditation from the London-based Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and its full-time degree courses are accredited by Bath Spa University.
School principal Marcella Macdonald said: “We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for our final audition for courses starting this year. There is still time to apply for auditions taking place on Sunday 7 August in Edinburgh, and there is also an opportunity to attend virtually.
“At the audition, we are looking for potential rather than perfection and would encourage aspiring performers from Glasgow and beyond who have similar aspirations to Zac to apply.”
Recent graduates of The MGA Academy include Disney film star Thomas Doherty (The Lodge, Descendents 2), West End stars Fergal McGoff (Matilda, Mamma Mia and The Bodyguard), Caitlin Tipping (Frozen the Musical and the UK tour of SIX) and Rhiannon Chesterman (Mrs Henderson Presents and Grease), and Rebecca Stenhouse, who recently played Sandy in Grease aboard Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.
To apply for a place at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts before auditions on Sunday 7 August, visit their website here.
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