Episode 1 School for Stars

Millions dream of fame, success and life in the spotlight.

But few realise what it takes to make it to the very top.

We're back inside one of the most famous stage schools in Britain.

Can we take it from the top, please, and give it everything.

We'll be taking you behind the scenes

as we follow all the highs and lows of the summer term.

It's heart, it's passion.

And show you what life's really like for those heading for the big time.

# If you're mine...

-High five.

-Yeah! Come on! Come on!

This is the School For Stars.

Coming up...

Syd's confidence is rocked.

I'm really gutted and quite upset.

Kedar lands an amazing TV role but he's under pressure to deliver.

Being decent at football wasn't part of the memo for the job.

And Sadie waits for some life-changing news.

I'm really nervous because this could change my life.

The highlight of the summer term is the end of year show,

when students get to perform in front of some very influential casting agents.

Ow!

Competition for the lead roles is huge.

This year's show will feature routines from Seussical,

a musical based on the works of Cat In The Hat author Dr Seuss.

# Wishing, enjoying the jungle's great joys

# With Horton the elephant... #

And there is one lead performance which Syd and Ella are competing for.

# Wadda-ooh-ooh ooh-wadda-dadda ooh. #

Ella has always been one of the school's best dancers,

so Syd knows she has tough competition.

Mine and Ella's friendship's really close.

Everyone says we're like sisters, like, we're really like similar

and we both want to be dancers when we're older.

Whoo!

Syd is an amazing person.

She's always friendly and she always makes you laugh.

# All the things you can think... #

Ella's a really talented girl

and when I see her perform it gives me competition

to be not only as good as her but maybe a little bit better.

Can I have Cat In The Hat down in the centre, please?

There will be an evening performance and a matinee.

Both girls badly want the evening show

because they think this is the one the casting agents will come to.

I'd prefer to have the night performance.

I'd rather do the evening because I think there'll be more people watching,

so I hope to get the evening.

It's really hard to have a best friend at this school

because you compete for every role that you do.

You compete for auditions that you go with,

so to have close friends in the school is very hard to maintain

but if you've got a good friend, then it will be fine.

Sharing the role of Cat In The Hat with Ella

is a bit of like a scare to me

because her performance is just amazing,

so I have to be as good as her or better than her.

# What is it When you think about Seuss? #

It's going to be down to Karen, the head of musical production,

to decide which girl it will be.

-# You're right on the brink! #

-# Overload! #

Do you know who's doing the matinee and the evening?

-I haven't even thought about that.

-I don't know who's doing what

and my mum needs a ticket, and that's all.

-OK.

-She's given her form in and said I'm not confirmed yet.

But Mum just wants to know if you know yet.

OK. All right, my darling. I will try and get onto that straight away.

-I don't need to know if...

-No, no, no.

You're both as strong as each other. Just work together as a team.

Well done.

# Something horrible and hairy... #

However, today, neither girl's performance is strong enough.

Oh. # Nobody here and the feeling of fear

# And the darkness of night Ooh! #

Girls, you need to be on the ball and learn all your lines

and make sure you are ready to step up.

# Overload! #

At the moment, Cat, you're going through your lines.

"Der-der, der-der, der-der, der-der,

"Der-der, der-der, der-der, der-der, der-der."

They're making no sense whatsoever.

OK? So you've got to think about still delivering.

If you were saying, "It's really scary!"

OK? You've got to deliver. There's a scary line!

And I need that energy in your voice.

At the moment it's, "And it's scary. And we're going to do this."

It's bland, it's monotone, there's nothing there.

Think a glimmer of light.

Think a glimmer of light. You're painting that picture.

You wouldn't say to me, "There's a glimmer of light."

-No, I wouldn't.

-Think a glimmer of light.

-That's the picture.

-So it's characterisation.

It's a characterisation but it also needs to flow with the music.

It looks like both girls have a lot to prove

if they want that evening role.

# Overload! #

All the students here are used to auditioning

and they learn to deal with success or failure on a daily basis.

It all starts with their audition to get into the school in the first place.

11-year-old Sadie has had hers

and she's waiting to hear if she was successful.

I just love singing, dancing and acting.

Every time I go to the theatre, I imagine me being on the stage.

Sadie goes to a normal school in the week

but she comes here every Saturday

and she's desperate to leave her school and come here full time.

# There's got to be more than a one-light town

# Where the light is always red. #

I think I'd say that my biggest talent would be singing.

# So clap your hands just-a-because

# Don't you know where I am ain't where I was

# Not for the life of me... #

I really want to come to this school because it's my ambition

to become a leading lady on the West End stage

and I know that this is the best school to come to.

My mum supports me so much

and it makes doing theatre so much easier with her around.

And hold and hold...

Sadie's mum has been taking her to the school on Saturdays

for over a year.

Round you go. Go!

She's constantly, constantly dancing everywhere we go.

Her feet are moving, hands are tapping.

Rhythms are just oozing from this child.

# I wish I could be part of that world. #

She literally lives for Saturdays.

But even if she gets a place at the school,

she still needs to get a scholarship to help pay the fees.

# They said I would sing... #

And the school have very few to give out.

# So I always have this ticket in my pocket... #

She's still being closely assessed by the teachers,

so she has to make every lesson count.

That's brilliant, Sadie. Good luck.

THEY CHEER

-What do you think the answer's going to be?

-I don't know.

I know you've done your best and I do know that

and I know that, you know,

you've worked as hard as you could possibly work,

so what will be will be but that doesn't stop me worrying.

Well, you're supposed to worry but not as much.

For her to get to do what she loves doing every day

in such an iconic place would just be phenomenal.

I'm really nervous about whether I get in or not

because this could change my life.

Sadie could be at the start of her journey

and soon landing professional, paid work...

just like Kedar, who has an acting part in a new TV series.

I got this job through the school's agency called Wolfblood.

It's about these two school kids who turn into Wolfbloods

and I play Tom, which is one of the wolves' best friends.

For Kedar, this new role is a stepping stone into his dream future

as a major actor.

TV and films, basically, are what I want to do.

I don't think it's too much of a dream.

I'm gonna make it.

This is a massive opportunity for me. Wolfblood could be a huge hit.

So hopefully, people like my performance and it goes down well.

To do the job, Kedar had to relocate 300 miles away from home and school

to Newcastle.

I've been up here in Newcastle for about three months now.

I miss family and stuff. I miss my friends a lot

but it's work and it has to get done and I'm enjoying it, like.

I've made really close friends up here.

One of these good friends is the star of the show, Bobby.

This is my boy. I love this man.

Me and Kedar get on really well.

We've got a bit of a bromance going on.

We've spent every day for the past three months together.

I'm still not sick of him, so that can only be a good sign, really.

No, he's just a really nice guy.

Good job he's got support from his friends

because today is a big, big day for Kedar.

Today is a really big day because we've got football all day

and at the end of the day we've got a big match going on

and I have to score the winning goal, so it's a lot of pressure on me.

It should be fun but it's going to be hard.

It should be a good day.

He was picked for the job because of his acting

but now it's also about his football skills

and letting the team down isn't an option.

Hopefully, he doesn't mess it up but I have faith in him.

-I have faith.

-Thank you.

Love you!

But no. I hope he doesn't miss now because I'd feel really bad.

Kedar seems confident.

I'm supposed to be a really good footballer. I am!

I'm well good at football.

-Go on...

-THEY GROAN

You're going to have to do it again.

But it looks like there might be a problem.

Ah, he's missed again!

We're having a warm-up, a bit of a practice, and Kedar keeps missing.

I'm not sure what to do about that. He's meant to be a prolific striker.

But he's not up to scratch at the moment.

Being decent at football wasn't part of the memo for the job

but, yeah, it's interesting finding out how fit I am.

75 extras and a full film crew are on their way

so time is running out for Kedar.

If he doesn't score when he needs to, it will affect the entire filming schedule.

Ooh!

Best friends Syd and Ella are competing for a lead role

in the evening performance.

I'd prefer to have the night performance.

I'd rather do the evening.

It's been an agonising wait but it's finally decision time.

I want to say that before I let you know which show you're doing,

please remember both shows are sold out.

Usually people get upset when they have the matinee

because they think it's not as good as having the evening performance.

That's not true.

I also want to say to you that I am so proud of the work that you've both done.

You're both very, very different but you are equal in strength.

Sydney, you're doing the matinee.

But you have to remember and I don't want you being disappointed

because as I said, it's sold out.

I want to say congratulations to both of you.

You've done an amazing job. Well done.

All right? And I will see you later. Well done, ladies. Thank you.

Ella's got the show that I really, really, really wanted

but she's my friend so it's not like I'm not proud of her

because I'm so proud of her and I'm so happy for her

but obviously I'm really gutted and quite upset

and it's kind of knocked my confidence a bit.

One, two... Yeah!

Some of Syd's friends have already had professional roles on stage

and they get these with the help of Nina, who runs the agency based at the school.

Here at the agency we represent all the students that go to the academy

and we look to get people jobs in commercials on television,

in radio dramas, TV dramas and also films.

We do a lot of theatre work as well.

Once the pupils move up past year 11, they go into the senior school,

and when they leave here, they need to get their own agent.

So Nina invites the cream of the casting agents in to audition them.

Just do your best and have some fun.

They need to be focused. They need to remember they're very talented

and they need to remember that these agents want to sign new talent.

So they shouldn't be too scared, they shouldn't be too intimidated.

The should go in and believe in themselves, enjoy the day

and take what they can from it.

Could we go again on that one, girls?

Today it's senior student Diana's turn in front of the agents.

I would like to do a bit of everything, I think.

I'd firstly like to dance,

whether that be musicals, pop videos, cruise ships.

And then as I get older I'd like to veer more into the acting side.

I have given up a lot to be here.

I've moved away from my family and my friends and my home

and I moved down here on my own.

I've made a lot of good friends and they've become my second family.

And to make sure it was worth the sacrifice,

she needs to land a contract with an agent.

They represent you when you leave, send you for auditions,

work on your behalf.

It's not essential but it's really helpful,

especially, you know, we've trained but we don't have a massive knowledge of the industry

or lots of connections.

The agency she wants to impress has found work for people in top West End musicals

like Wicked and Shrek.

At the end of this process, if they ask to represent me,

I would be over the moon.

The students have to pull out all of the stops today.

These agents are looking for triple threats -

performers who can sing, act and dance.

For Diana, dancing is her strength

but she's worried about the singing element of the audition.

Today's really challenging because we have all three -

we have dancing, singing and acting.

I'm not a singer, I'm more of a dancer-singer.

Sometimes in singing auditions, I get a bit nervous.

The students are called in first to dance.

# What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

# Stand a little taller

# Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone... #

And then they have to show they can act.

So, I comes out the toilet, right,

and he's says, "Your skirt's all caught up in your knickers at the back."

I said, "That so happens to be the latest of fashions.

"I read it in a book."

He says, "What book?" I says, "Cosmo, that's what book."

-That's brilliant. Thank you, Diana.

-Thank you very much.

That was absolutely brilliant.

And now the moment Diana has dreaded.

She has to show she can sing and she knows this could be make or break for her.

I'm about to sing and I'm very nervous -

a bit shaky in the knees.

But hopefully it will go well.

# He's foolish, unworthy

# And yet appealing, I like it

# I feel alive... #

-Stop. Does this song go anywhere or does it just...?

-Not really.

It doesn't go anywhere?

When you go up in front of people, you've got to absolutely hit them between the eyes

as soon as you walk in the room, as soon as you open your mouth.

-You can't go into an audition and do that.

-OK.

So do something, sing me something that will do that.

-OK.

-Thanks.

She has just seconds to find a new song.

This mistake could cost her the chance to sign to the agency

she has tried to hard to impress.

# Standards

# I still have standards

# But man by man Every standard meanders from me. #

-Brilliant, brilliant. Fantastic.

-Thank you very much.

I think it went well. You can't really tell, though, can you?

We'll see. You never know.

If she doesn't get signed to an agency

it will make getting professional work when she leaves very tough.

In Newcastle on the set of the CBBC drama Wolfblood,

it's game on for Kedar.

There is just time to limber up, then it's the big moment he's dreaded -

scoring that winning goal.

I hope you're good at football, because we'll know.

Before the all-important shot is filmed, there's a rehearsal...

Get the ball and let's have a practice. Let's have a practice.

..where the director and the cameramen work out what they're doing before they start filming.

Kedar, go to your left. Look right in the lens, right?

# You only get one shot, so make it count... #

Kedar takes a practice shot but he misses.

THEY GROAN

You've got the whole film crew, you've got so much pressure.

I can only imagine what pressure he's got

because he's got to get that winning goal.

And I just... I don't know. Best of luck to him.

On action, just dribble, dribble, dribble,

speed up and knock it into the goal.

This is the set-up for my final goal.

Rhydian, who's played by Bobby, throws it out to me

and from that I make a run down the pitch and score the winning goal

for the team.

-A Camera.

-CHEERING AND WHOOPING

He has to get it right and fast.

If Kedar misses, the shoot could go behind schedule

and cost thousands of pounds.

And with 75 extras and a full film crew watching him...

-Action!

-..the pressure is on.

Hey, Rhydian! Move!

They think it's all over... It is now.

That was a big scene, it's done now, I scored the goal.

I'm happy with that. It went quite well.

It's days like this that make me think this is the career I want.

I love it so much, for definite.

Definitely.

Kedar's day has ended on a high

but for Syd, however, hearing that she didn't get the evening performance

for the end-of-year show

has left her finding it hard to force a smile.

It is quite hard to be happy

because I know that I haven't got the show that I wanted.

I feel like I have to pretend to be happy

because I don't want to look spoiled or something.

but my confidence is a bit low at the moment.

ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC

And as the rehearsal continues it looks like her focus is lost

and she is visibly upset.

Karen pulls her out of the lesson to have a quiet word.

I just want to have a little chat with you.

OK, what's happening?

Because your confidence seems to have gone...

I just don't think I'm good enough.

-Why?

-I didn't get the evening.

You didn't get the evening so you think that you're not good enough?

Being given an opportunity to have a solo is a really big ordeal

and it's understandable what you're going through

but I now need you to start thinking of the positive

and think how fabulous it is that you've been given a solo

and really start to build on it and show me why I picked you.

I already know but you just shine now, OK?

So can I see a different little girl in there now? Come on, sweetheart.

# I won't give up on us

# Even if the skies cave in... #

# When the dog bites When the bee stings

# When I'm feeling sad

# I simply remember my favourite things

# And then I don't feel so bad... #

Karen believes in Syd but with the show approaching, she'll be watching her closely.

I actually need to make sure that she is going to be able to achieve the part of Cat.

If not, she could end up losing it.

Do you need a hug from Auntie Ella?

Diana auditioned for an important agency.

She had to dance...

act...

That so happens to be the latest of fashions. I read it in a book.

..and sing

but it's her singing that could have let her down.

Stop. Does this song go anywhere or does it just...?

-Not really.

-It doesn't go anywhere?

For Diana, it's the moment she's been waiting for.

The agency are on the phone.

Thank you very much. OK, thank you. Bye.

I've just been offered a contract and I'm so excited.

# Oh, sometimes I get a feeling... #

Yeah, fine, I just got...

First to hear Diana's news will be her dad.

They've offered me a contract.

DAD CHEERING

Can you hear that?

My dad's my biggest fan. Yeah. He's over the moon.

I can relax now. It's done.

# Sometimes I get a feeling. #

Diana is celebrating success

but year-nine Syd feels like she's failed.

She's been struggling with her confidence

since she found out her best friend Ella got the lead role

in the evening show instead of her.

I was really low last time

because I just felt like I kept on doing things wrong

and I felt quite a lot of pressure on me for some reason

and I just didn't feel myself.

OK, guys, let's try this whole section from the top, please.

Syd is still performing the lead in the matinee

and Karen is watching her closely.

If she can't get back on track,

Syd could be in danger of losing that role, too.

I really want to show Karen that I can play the role of Cat In The Hat

and how good I can be.

Our story begins with a very strange sound.

The drums of the jungle beginning to pound.

DRUMS BEAT

Syd, that's lovely. It's getting stronger. Six, seven and one.

In this business, the show must go on

and Syd has pulled herself together.

# Oh, because it's bad news... #

I am feeling much more confident.

I'm getting into it now and it's getting better.

# I just want you to dance with me tonight. #

It's great to see Sydney back to her normal self.

She's now appreciating the performance.

She's appreciating that she's got so much to learn

so that's why we're seeing the best come out in Sydney now.

I'm really happy and I'm really excited and I just can't wait.

Someone who would do anything to be in Syd's shoes is Sadie.

She's on her way back from school with her sister

and is about to find out if she's got that vital scholarship.

The letter arrived today.

I'm waiting for the girls to come home so we can open it and see what it says.

I'm extremely nervous. I feel really, really sick

and I'm tempted to open it myself.

If Sadie doesn't get the scholarship she won't be able to go

and it will be absolutely devastating.

Ooh!

I'm so excited!

-I can't open it.

-Quick!

I can't open it.

"Sadie has been awarded the school's scholarship award."

OK, can you let me read it, please?

OK, I still don't know what this means.

In September, I will be going to Italia Conti.

It's just made me realise

that I'm going to be doing this for the rest of my life

and I'm so happy.

I'm extremely emotional. I am so proud of her.

This is life changing.

-Thank you.

-Well done.

I'm so proud of you.

Losing your confidence can feel hard to get over

and picking yourself up can seem impossible.

But that is no time to give up.

Believe in yourself and meet any challenge head on.

When you give everything your best shot,

each moment becomes a winning one

and things can only get better.

# We're invincible

# Invincible

# Invincible. #

-Next time. Mark's got Layton in his sights.

-Come on, Layton.

Jonny has to prove that he can knuckle down.

Sad face. It's not good.

And the year 11s put on a performance to remember.

It feels like the end of an era.

This is life at the School For Stars.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd