Dreams of one day treading the boards of the West End stage have moved a step closer for a Stockton student.

Budding actress Rachel Head has not only secured a place at one of the country’s leading stage schools, but a scholarship from The Stage newspaper will see the world famous publication foot the bill.

Off to study Professional Musical Theatre at the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD), Rachel said: “I still can’t quite believe it. Stage school has always been the dream, but with the fierce competition for places and then the fees, it just never seemed achievable.”

The 22-year-old, who honed her skills studying FdA Performing Arts at Stockton Riverside College in partnership with Teesside University, faced tough competition from some of the UK’s up-and-coming young performers to win her place at the prestigious theatre school. She then had to do the same again for a shot at The Stage’s financial backing.



“Each year they choose two students, a girl and a boy, to receive The Stage’s MADD scholarships,” said Rachel. “You hear about people who get these scholarships, but I never thought it would be me. It’s like a dream.”

Having been singing and dancing for as long as she can remember former Grangefield Academy pupil Rachel got her first taste of success on the BBC children’s fantasy drama series, Wolf Blood. More recently, as a higher education student at Stockton Riverside College, she has taken lead roles in College performances including the likes of Snow White and Robin Hood.

Editor of The Stage, Alistair Smith said: “Every year, The Stage Scholarships scheme gives away nearly £1 million of support to youngsters across the UK looking to pursue performing arts training. With our partner schools, we are delighted to be able to support this initiative so that aspiring performers like Rachel can get their first steps into the entertainment industry and we will follow her progress with interest.”