Mansfield pupil reaches for the stars after being accepted onto prestigious theatre course

Tiana Harrison, who currently attends West Nottinghamshire College, will be taking her love for all things theatre and dance to Liverpool Media Academy (LMA) in September to embark on a three-year long BA (Hons) in musical theatre to pursue her dream career.

Once she completes the BTEC National Foundation Diploma in dance and musical theatre at college, Tiana will be taking her skills in singing and dancing to the academy, which offers a wide range of level three and BA (Hons) degrees in media, music and performing arts, and is co-owned by singer Robbie Williams.

Tiana was successful in obtaining a place at the academy, which is based at the Metquarter complex in Liverpool, following submitting an audition via videotape which she filmed in college.

Tiana said: “All the material I used was what I had been working on with my college tutors, so I felt really prepared. I sent my audition off on November 30 and found out the next day that I had been accepted at the academy. It felt like a dream.

“I can’t wait to join. I know that the course is very intense with some days being around eight hours long, but I’m so excited.

"I’ll be 19 by the time I move to Liverpool and I do feel ready to spread my wings. I am already an independent person and lockdown has given me plenty of opportunity to brush-up on my cooking and cleaning skills.

"I will be staying in student accommodation and I’ve already booked my room and have been in contact with my flatmates. They’re so lovely and I can’t wait to meet them.”

Tiana’s love of all things theatre blossomed at a young age. She recalls her nana taking her to shows at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre as a little girl and she began honing her dancing skills from the age of three at the Harlequin School of Dance in Shirebrook.

Her tutor Charlene Roberts said: “Tiana is a highly motivated student who participates in class with creativity and a great deal of enthusiasm.

"Her willingness to lead, organise, and inspire others is well noted.

"I'm really confident that she'll see equal success on her degree in Liverpool.”