YOUNGSTERS from West Somerset were among more than 2,500 children, some travelling from America, who successfully took part in this year’s MTI Junior Theatre Festival, held in the International Convention Centre, in Birmingham.

Minehead M.A.D.S, standing for ‘Music, Acting, Dance School’, a youth drama and performing arts school for children aged eight to 13 years, ended the day by being presented with the ‘Best Ensemble’ award.

Ethan Williams also took the award for ‘Best Choreographer’, while Abi Jackson and Eliza Gibbs were selected to take part in a special ‘All Stars Workshop’.

The West Somerset youths were given an opportunity to perform a 15-minute excerpt from Frozen Jr in front of Broadway and West End directors, and also received professional feedback and encouragement on their performance.

Ethan Williams, of Minehead M.A.D.S. youth theatre, with his MTI festival best choreography award.
Ethan Williams, of Minehead M.A.D.S youth theatre, with his MTI festival best choreography award. (Contributed)

Throughout the day they took part in acting, singing, and dance workshops led by West End stars, choreographers, and directors who were supportive, inspiring, and encouraging.

Spokeswoman Sabrina Schwery said: “What a truly unforgettable day.

“We are so incredibly proud of our M.A.D.S. children and everything they achieved throughout the day.

“This was such an amazing experience and opportunity for them all.

“The atmosphere was incredible and provided such an amazing opportunity for the children to learn from such talented professionals.

“The children represented us brilliantly, they were polite, well behaved, supportive of one another, and gave every single workshop their absolute all from start to finish.

“In the evening, we attended the awards ceremony, where we were absolutely thrilled to win the award for ‘Best Ensemble’.

Minehead M.A.D.S youth theatre pair Abi Jackson and Eliza Gibbs were selected for the MTI Junior Theatre Festival's all stars workshop.
Minehead M.A.D.S youth theatre pair Abi Jackson and Eliza Gibbs were selected for the MTI Junior Theatre Festival's all stars workshop. (Contributed)

“This was an especially proud moment for us as a small drama group from Minehead competing against much larger theatre schools and well-known groups such as Stagecoach.

“To receive this recognition among such strong competition was an incredible achievement for our children, which every single child should be proud of.

“A huge congratulations also goes to Ethan Williams for winning the award for ‘Best Choreographer’ for his creativity and outstanding work, this was truly deserved and a fantastic accomplishment.

“We are also so proud of Abi Jackson and Eliza Gibbs, who were selected to take part in the special ‘All Stars Workshop’.

“Only two students from each school were chosen to perform at the awards ceremony, making this an incredible honour and opportunity for both of them.

“From the early start to the late journey home, the children never stopped smiling and made memories that will last a lifetime.

“Thank you to all the staff, chaperones, families, and supporters who helped make the day possible, we could not be prouder of every single one of them.

“A special thanks goes to Richard and the Rotary Club for their kind donation, which helped make it possible for the children to attend this amazing event.

“Your support is hugely appreciated and helped give the children an incredible experience.

“The children were an absolute credit to us all and they should be so proud of themselves.

“I for one am so lucky to have them all be a part of my ‘MAD family’.”