Stage Academy Newbridge get the gold!

On Sunday 30th of April, Director and Producer Brenda Malone Gilroy and Director Tanya Gallagher took 80 students from Stage Academy Newbridge to the TLT Theatre Drogheda for the first ever ShowTops Variety Competition Final and came away as champions!

ShowTops Variety Competition, by Kim Rice Shorthall, is a brand-new variety competition showcasing some of Ireland’s top stage school talent. Each show is between 50-55 minutes and consists of a variety of dances, comedies, songs and scenes of all different genres and styles. Stage Academy competed in the heats on April 15th against 4 other schools and successfully made it to the final last Sunday against Funky Feet from Dundalk. Not only did they take home Overall Winner but also a plethora of other awards such as Best Creativity, Best Group Dance (Hip-Hop Medley choreographed by teacher Shauna Walsh), Best Group Vocal (composed by teachers Caoimhe Gately and Fiona Ryan), Star of the Show- Alex Sheppard and Top Solo Vocal- Shauna Walsh. Judges special mention went to Lauren Smullen. Each child was also made feel extra special with Showtops Medals! 

All members of the team from 5 years to 24, put in a trojan of dedication, time, and commitment to make the show possible. Rehearsals began before Christmas and took place almost 3-4 per week since outside of their regular weekly classes. In the weeks before showtime, parents and past students were brought in to help with props, costumes, lights, running orders and backstage. It really takes an army! 

Stage Academy, opened in 2006, is a multi-award-winning stage scho ol based in Newbridge Co Kildare. Directed by Brenda Malone, Stage Academy are no strangers to variety competitions having won 3 All Ireland Titles in 2014,2015,2017. Outside of Ireland they have had huge success in the states having compete twice as Team Ireland at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. In 2016 they were crowned Vocal Champions of the World. They pride themselves in having a friendly family atmosphere and strive in creating the perfect environment to build, learn and grow whilst receiving top level training in a variety of dance, tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, drama, singing and ballet. Their students have gone on to train at prestigious colleges across the UK, America and Ireland and have made appearances on international television and radio.

Stage Academy are currently preparing for their end of year show on May 27th. They will also be holding a summer camp the two weeks of July. Information can be found on their social media pages! They will be accepting new students in September. Anyone ages 3+ is welcome to join! 

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