Students from the New England Stage and Screen Academy (NESSA) are celebrating a wonderful run of success at this year’s Armidale Eisteddfod speech and drama competitions.
Across a wide variety of events, every NESSA student achieved strong results, earning numerous awards including Highly Commended, Very Highly Commended, Third, Second, and First places. Demonstrating the strong ethos NESSA has built in just its second year, teachers and organisers alike praised the positive atmosphere amongst competitors.
Their teacher, Julie Miller, said the results reflected the students’ talent, teamwork, and dedication to performance throughout the year, both in class and through practice at home.
“I am incredibly proud of every student who stepped onto the stage, and of the kindness and encouragement they showed one another throughout the competition,” she said.
A particularly special moment came when a brand new senior performer placed Third in the prestigious 15–23 Years Championship. It was her very first experience performing solo pieces in competition, making the result an extraordinary accomplishment and a promising sign of things to come. Another first-time solo competitor finished just half a point away from a podium placing in his championship event.
Another major highlight of the competition was the exceptional achievement in the Junior Championship section, where NESSA students dominated the podium, receiving Third, Second, and First place honours in a memorable result for both the students and the academy.
“The students are the reason I love what I do,” Julie said. “Their positive attitude and contagious joy of performing make them an absolute pleasure to teach.”
Julie also extended sincere thanks to the many parents who support her and the students through rehearsals, travel, costumes, and long competition days.
“I’m so grateful for the supportive and encouraging culture that surrounds NESSA,” she said. “The encouragement and community spirit shown by our families plays such an important role in helping young performers grow in confidence and creativity.”
Congratulations go to all students who represented Glen Innes’ own drama academy with professionalism, courage, and enthusiasm throughout a brilliant start to the New England eisteddfod season.
