When Safa Khokhar, former 蜜桃直播 High School for Girls pupil, came across an advertisement for the National Youth Theatre鈥檚 (NYT) Audition Choice Award, she immediately shared it with a friend, and without hesitation, they both decided to apply. What started as a spontaneous decision turned into a life-changing opportunity.
This August, Safa will embark on a 10-day course with NYT. After completing the programme, she鈥檒l officially become a member of the Theatre until the age of 25. 鈥淭his provides me with a range of opportunities,鈥� she explains, 鈥渟uch as access to workshops and events, casting auditions for NYT shows, backstage roles, and even ticket offers and external castings.鈥�
The experience has already been transformative. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a massive confidence boost to have my work recognised in such a competitive industry,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he audition process gave me a real taste of what acting auditions are like, and how best to approach them.鈥�
This was her first time engaging with the NYT, making the experience all the more meaningful. 鈥淕etting in, and then winning the Audition Choice Award, was definitely an insane experience,鈥� she says.
The audition began with a three-hour group session where students worked together in a relaxed, ensemble-based environment. Later, they each performed solo. She chose Megan鈥檚 monologue from Broken Biscuits, a vibrant, comedic piece with hidden emotional depth. 鈥淢egan buys a drum kit from a hospice shop to try and reinvent herself. She鈥檚 confident and loud, but underneath, she鈥檚 deeply insecure and dependent on her friends,鈥� she explains. 鈥淭hat contrast drew me in, it鈥檚 funny on the surface, but vulnerable underneath.鈥�
She also found reassurance in connecting with others. 鈥淚 met so many new people from different places. It was comforting knowing we were all just as nervous as each other,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 hope to see some familiar faces again in the summer.鈥�
Safa chose to study at Xaverian College because it felt right, both academically and personally. 鈥淚t seemed like a place that promoted self-expression,鈥� she says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a place for everyone.鈥�
Currently studying A Levels in Film Studies and Spanish, and her favourite subject, Philosophy, Ethics & Theology. 鈥淚 love the conversations we get into and the big questions we explore, especially because there aren鈥檛 always definitive answers. Hearing different viewpoints is fascinating and helps me understand how people from different backgrounds interpret things.鈥�
When asked what sets Xaverian apart, her answer is clear: 鈥淭he community. It鈥檚 a comfortable environment with lots of support and opportunities.鈥�
Looking to the future, she鈥檚 aiming high. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to pursue acting as a career, and I hope to go to drama school after College to continue developing as an actress,鈥� she says. Xaverian, she adds, has been instrumental in helping her prepare. 鈥淚鈥檝e had so much support from staff with experience in the industry. They鈥檝e really helped me understand the steps I need to take.鈥�
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels, and several BTEC courses that can be studied as standalone subjects or combined with A Levels. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.