Episode 2 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 and give it everything?

We go behind the scenes as we follow the highs and lows of summer term.

It's heart, it's passion.

And we show what life is really like for those heading to the big time.

-# You've taken my heart... #

-High five!

-Up! Up! Come on!

This is the School For Stars.

Coming up...

Tyler has a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I'm the only one going for it.

-Head girl Georgia is under pressure.

-I don't want to let anyone down.

And Year 7 Johnny struggles to adjust to being in a new school.

-You need to sort it out.

-Sorry.

-I should think so.

Italia Conti only take the best.

# How do you think I feel when you call my name... #

Those who are selected to attend have potential for stardom,

but their families have to pay fees.

There are a few scholarships available where all fees get paid,

but competition for scholarships is fierce.

It could mean the difference between staying on at school or leaving.

Tyler is in Year 11 and he's been given a very special opportunity

to apply for a scholarship.

Tyler has always wanted to be a star.

His father is a stuntman and Tyler wanted to follow in his footsteps,

but this year, Tyler has decided to focus on his acting.

I would love to be an actor. That's my main ambition.

To be able to become as famous as someone like Johnny Depp

or get my name known in the industry. If you want something

and you work as hard as possible for it, you can get it.

Anything is possible.

The school chose Tyler as the one and only student to be put forward

for the Andrew Lloyd Webber scholarship.

He created some of the world's most famous musicals

and wants a student to sponsor.

It's an honour to have been asked to apply.

Never in a million years did I think I'd be asked to do this.

I'm the only person in the school going for it. It can change my life

and if I don't get the scholarship, I might not be back next term.

If he has any chance of getting it, he has to prove his potential

as a singer and as an actor.

So he does last-minute training with drama teacher Miss Evaristo.

It came to me like a...an epiphany.

-You're a robot, aren't you?

-OK, stop.

Try to be as natural and in the moment as you can be.

When I asked you out, were you already going out with Nicholas?

-You were, weren't you?

-OK, you'll be fine. Just go in.

Do what you do and very good luck.

It's integral that he gets this.

If he gets it, it's the next three years of his life sorted.

'I want to do this for me and my parents.'

To be able to say to them, "You don't have to pay my school fees

"for the next three years," would be one of the best gifts to give them.

I want to make them proud.

Each and every student is here because they have a special gift.

Catty was chosen to come into Year 7 because of her singing and charisma.

# It's not about the money... #

My goal is to be, like, a celebrity singer, a pop star.

# Hey, la la la la la... #

When I perform, I get a buzz. I'm just enjoying it.

# Ain't about the...cha-ching Ain't about the...bling, the bling

# Wanna make the world dance Forget about the price tag... #

I would consider myself a bit of a show-off,

but if you're at this school, you are.

Becoming a success takes talent, but you also need drive

and with Max to support her, Catty is ready to go for the big time.

'Catty really focuses'

on what she wants to do. She goes for it and never gives up.

-High five! That was good.

-Thank you.

My ambition is to be one of the best in the school

at singing, dancing and acting.

This school helped Pixie Lott and Leona Lewis to become pop stars,

but it also produces stars for the West End stage and Broadway.

And for that you must be triple threat -

good at singing, acting and dancing.

At the moment, Catty is struggling with her dance.

To be prepared for any audition,

you have to be good at all styles of dance, including tap.

Catty has a tap exam coming up and she's dreading performing her solo

in front of her teacher as she doesn't feel ready.

With just minutes to go, Catty still hasn't got it right.

If she asked me to do this by myself, I wouldn't be able to do it.

-That wasn't right, though.

-In tap, timing is key.

Every move must be made to the music.

With each tap of your feet being heard, it's kind of easy to spot

who is dancing out of time.

I can't fail this exam. I actually can't.

I'm not sure I'm ready for it yet.

I really don't know this.

It's just getting really stressful.

The dance, I'm trying to keep up and it's really hard.

Later on, you will come with me for extra tap

-and we will do it one at a time.

-Oh, no!

-On your own.

All the way through. Thank you very much.

Catty will have to do that dreaded tap routine in front of Miss Ward.

I thought I'd got away with this and not doing it by myself,

but she wasn't going to let me go.

I'll do it later and see how it goes.

Confident with his acting, Tyler's off to a singing lesson

with Miss Sanders to prepare for his big audition.

I have two songs I need to sing and this class is my last chance

to get them perfect.

VOCAL EXERCISES

But as the lesson starts,

the confidence we saw in the acting class has left the stage.

# I was half convinced I'd waken

# Satisfied enough to dream you

WOBBLY: # Happily I was mistaken... #

Sorry.

# Happily I was mistaken... #

His voice is shaky and he keeps forgetting the lyrics.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation wants perfection,

but Tyler seems to be struggling.

# Do they think that walls can... #

What's going on? I know it all.

Calm down. OK, breathe.

-Concentrate on breathing.

-# I've... #

Stop for a minute.

Take a minute to breathe.

When you forgot the words, you stopped breathing and it got worse.

Your body had no oxygen. Sit down, chill out.

-I'll go sit outside.

-Yes, but I want you back in five minutes to do it.

Who's up next?

Can Tyler pull himself together?

He doesn't want to waste this amazing opportunity.

He just puts himself under a lot of pressure to be perfect.

He's not used to singing auditions, so to go in at his age and sing

is quite a big deal for him.

If this happens tomorrow, I don't know what I'm going to do.

He will be fine. He just needs to find that confidence.

It's the summer term, a testing time for all our pupils

with those dreaded exams looming, but Year 11s have a tradition -

they have a huge prom party to organise, giving one last chance

to have fun before summer term ends.

It's our last year, so we need to make it really good.

It's the last time we see each other.

Last year's Head Girl did really well. She organised everything.

Everyone said, "Best night of my life!" They really enjoyed it.

Organising a prom is a lot of stress to deliver the best possible prom.

So, the Year 11s currently have got a lot to live up to.

The huge task of organising the prom goes to Head Girl Georgia.

My ambition is to be an actress.

Do you like me, Dexter?

But I don't want to just forget about dancing and singing.

With all this training, you don't want to throw it away.

My friends would probably describe me as a bubbly person.

A bit of an idiot, maybe. I'm quite...blonde.

George's lovely, she's really bubbly and cheers you up.

-I'm friends with everyone.

-For her to do the prom is really good.

I know she's a really nice person and will try to cater for everyone.

She's got the backing of her friends but will it be a night to remember?

# Let's just do it right now Do it, come on... #

The prom, at the moment,

is a shambles. They don't know what they're doing.

So with the pressure growing to hold the party of a lifetime,

Georgia holds a crisis meeting with Rhys, Bel and Cayman.

-Let's go. So...

-Guests, sleeping arrangements,

food, music... Like, decorations.

The worried look on Georgia's face is a bit of a giveaway.

Lots to organise and not much time.

-How long away is it? Not far.

-No.

-We need a date!

-Apart from sorting out the night it's on,

there is another pressing matter. Unless they use the school hall,

they need to find a venue.

What kind of place do you want?

-Have you been to see any?

-No!

No!

So Georgia has no date, no decor and, most importantly, no venue.

They could find themselves all dressed up with nowhere to go.

-I feel bad in a way.

-Why?

Because last year, Tate had everything organised and ready

and she just sort of took charge, whereas I haven't.

In two weeks, we'll have a venue and...I can't remember what else.

But we'll definitely have a venue in two weeks!

In Year 7, there's a new arrival.

He's the only boy in the class and the youngest boy in the school

-and he's causing a big stir. Here's Johnny!

-Aaargh!

In my year, I'm the only boy and there's five other girls.

I don't mind them, but sometimes they can get annoying.

When I grow up, I would love to be an actor.

Acting is a great blast to me.

It hypes you up into a good mood if you make a scene which is fun.

But you're a mouse, too, Bruno. Look at your paws.

My classmates would say I'm hyper.

And a bit of a... random joker person.

I do kind of, like, run around being happy and try to make people laugh.

Johnny is embarrassing.

Aaargh!

He gets in trouble all the time in classes.

-Can you do anything about this?

-About what?

When Johnny's around, he can be quite distracting.

He can be absolutely hilarious and makes us all laugh all the time.

Johnny!

# I'm in trouble, whoops... #

His schoolmates may love him, but he gets in big trouble with teachers.

-# I'm in trouble again... #

-Sit down at the front.

And today, it's a bad day for him in ballet.

Having forgotten his kit for the second time, he has to sit it out.

Get Mummy...

-I can't do it.

-Johnny!

Johnny, Johnny!

-OK, I'm unhappy.

-OK.

-All right?

You forgot your leotard last week.

I told you if you forgot it again, you'd get a de-merit.

You've got to start to have a look at what's happening.

You need to sort it out.

It's never, ever too late to turn things around.

-Yes?

-Mm-hm.

-Do you have anything to say to me?

-Sorry.

-I should think so.

Apology accepted. Go. See you next week.

I just got told off for not having my stuff.

It wasn't a pleasant talk,

but I do agree with what she's saying. I have to improve.

This is preparing them for a life in the performing arts.

All of it needs discipline.

At the moment, if he doesn't show that discipline,

then he's going to go down a rocky road

and we're trying to rescue him from that, really.

The school is great fun and I love being here.

But they might kick me out of school if I don't start being good.

I'll try my best to be good because I do want to stay in the school.

And it's not just the teachers who are unhappy.

There's someone else waiting to have a word with him. It's his dad.

I hear you let yourself down again today.

-I didn't let myself down.

-Jonathan, come here a second.

You've got... No, don't smirk. You've got such great talent.

You could be top of the class, academically.

-You could be a top actor. You just have to turn it round, OK?

-Mm-hm.

# I'm in trouble again... #

Something is troubling aspiring pop star Catty.

To be put forward for professional roles, she must pass her tap exam

and she's been dreading doing her solo

in front of Miss Ward today, so the pressure is on.

I really don't know this.

-And we will do it one at a time.

-Oh, no.

-On your own.

I'm about to have my extra tap class with Miss Ward. It'll just be me.

So I will have to do it on my own.

I'm feeling a little bit nervous,

but kind of excited, so I can really get down and do it.

She's got the determination,

but can Catty show Miss Ward she's ready for the exam?

Eugh! Go from...this bit.

So, so, so, so.

You've got to get a bit more on the balls of your feet.

-It's a bit heavy-footed, a bit flat-footed.

-OK.

-You'll get more marks if you get the rhythm spot-on.

-Every beat?

-Yeah.

Every beat in time with the music and also with a nice, light quality,

a nice style with it, rather than too heavy and into the floor.

OK.

Lighter.

Lighter.

Yeah, good girl. It doesn't necessarily mean quieter.

It just means a bit more bouncy. That's better.

As the lesson goes on, things start to come together.

Yeah, good girl. And a one, two, three and four.

Good. And go back like that.

# Why don't you like me? Why don't you like me? Walk out the door!

# I could be brown, I could be blue, I could be violet sky

# I could be hurtful, I could be purple

# I could be anything you like... #

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba! Ba-ba, ba-ba!

As the saying goes, you get out what you put in.

And for a more confident Catty, the hard work has paid off.

Well held. Yes, good girl. That was much better.

You got the end bit, yes? That was much better. Well done.

-Thank you very much.

-Take care. Bye!

-Bye!

'I think I've got my tap now.'

I just need to start working on my modern, because that is bad,

so I'm just going to work on it, I think.

Things aren't looking quite so positive for head girl Georgia,

who is struggling with the stress of organising the prom.

When the pressure is on, you really need your friends to talk to,

and luckily for Georgia, Siv is here to help.

Basically, everything, the prom and that, is getting a bit too much.

-Have you got a venue yet or anything?

-No.

I'm going a bit crazy.

I just want everyone to be happy.

Even though you are head girl, all the pressure shouldn't be on you,

so don't put it all on yourself.

Everyone expects me to live up to the expectations of what Tate did

and if I don't, then I'll get laughed at, do you know what I mean?

No, but that's different. Don't compare yourself.

Things are different every year. Do you know what I mean?

We've had a lot going on.

You shouldn't put all that pressure on yourself,

because you'll feel worse about yourself and it's not your fault.

-Other people should get involved. I'll help you out.

-Thank you.

I love everyone in my year. I want everyone to have a good time.

I want everyone to have a good send-off and a good goodbye.

I don't want to let anyone down,

so I'll just have to pick myself up and get on with it.

After a stressful day, Georgia and Ellie head home

to work on the prom some more

and Georgia's mum is worried about her workload.

-How's your prom going?

-It's all right.

You need to relieve some of the pressure off of yourself now.

-You've got GCSEs, you've got the show.

-Yeah.

Knowing the pressure she is under,

Georgia's dad has stepped in and found a potential venue.

They're quite happy for you to go and have a look at it.

Have a look at the rooms, see what you get, make sure you're happy.

-Would you personally pick it?

-Personally, if it was me, yes.

But it's not me.

It's been a tough week for Johnny. He is being watched by the teachers.

-His dad is not happy with him.

-I hear you let yourself down again.

And now Karen's looking for him. So what's he been up to?

SHE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR

I'm so sorry to interrupt. Could I speak to Johnny, please?

Very, very quickly. Two minutes of your time, please.

I have a huge problem.

I'm hoping that you're going to solve my problem.

I'm looking for somebody to play the part of Jojo.

So he's not in trouble.

He's been given a huge opportunity to audition for a lead role

in the school's end of year show.

-Do you think this is something you're going to be able to do?

-Yes.

So will you learn that for me at home this evening?

-The whole song?

-Even if it's just the first part.

I want to see the character,

and if you prove to me that you think you can do this

and I see that in you tomorrow, we'll start work on it right away.

-Right.

-Deal?

-Deal.

-Fantastic.

-I'll try my best.

-Go back to your lesson and I'll see you tomorrow.

Landing a lead part in the final show would be a big deal.

Casting agents are always on the lookout for young performers.

It could be a massive break for Johnny.

If Johnny can really focus, he is a very talented young man,

and if I can just draw in all that energy and put it into one practice,

I think he'll do really well,

so I'm hoping to see the character of Jojo from Johnny tomorrow.

# An underground river that starts here and flows... #

Johnny starts to practise straight away

as he knows how important the opportunity is.

# Anything's possible...

# It might go along down where no-one can see

# Right under state highway 203... #

From the possible to the seemingly impossible,

Georgia is finally getting to see the prom venue suggested by her dad.

She takes a trip after school to check it out

with Rhys, Bel, Siv and her mum and dad.

Pretty much everything rests on it being right tonight.

If it's not, then we've got nowhere.

We've got literally nothing for prom

Everyone's ordered their dresses and everyone's really hyped for it.

If it's not what we want, then it's a bit of an issue.

-I'm really scared.

-Why?

-What if it's really horrible?

# I dream of para, para, paradise... #

It's really pretty.

Ohh!

# Para, para, paradise... #

Might be a bit posh for you lot.

But posh is what they want. Will it measure up inside, too?

It's really good. Look at the chandeliers!

-DJ over there.

-Mm-hm.

-There are not really that many chairs.

-These are all right.

Time to check out the gardens

as they'll need somewhere nice to take pictures in all their finery.

It's so pretty. It is what we wanted. It's perfect.

So, I'm really happy!

-Good choice.

-We love it.

Good. I'm pleased.

Aww!

Thank you.

It's the day of Johnny's big audition.

He's up for a lead role in the school's end-of-year show.

-Deal.

-Fantastic.

-I'll try my best to do it.

But he only had a night to learn his song

and it's a part normally played by an older pupil.

It's a massive opportunity for Johnny, being able to play Jojo,

because he's in Year 7 and all the other main parts are Year 9.

It is a big deal to me, because it's a good role to have.

And I'd love to play the part.

-Hi.

-You did learn it all last night?

-Yes.

-Do you know the song?

I'm kind of known as someone who's naughty,

but I think I can prove to them that I'm very talented

and I do listen and I can be good.

With the big moment only minutes away,

there's one more chance for Karen to check he's ready for it.

There's just a big question mark over you to see if we can do it.

-Do you think you can do it?

-Mm-hm.

-I've got a lot of faith in you.

You're a very talented young man. Shall we go for it?

-Yes.

-Fantastic. Opening positions, everyone, please!

Karen was once a pupil at the school herself

and went on to play some major stage roles.

She knows what this break could do for Johnny.

Johnny is looking nervous.

So here's his big chance.

# It might go along down where no-one can see

# Right under state highway 203

# Right under the wagons, right under the toes

# Of Mrs Umbroso who's hanging out clothes

# It's possible... #

He's learnt the part, but has Karen seen enough potential

in this performance to offer him the role?

# Anything's possible

# Anything's possible! #

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

-Do you think you'll be able to do it?

-Yes.

Big challenge, babe. Let's do it!

All right, so, can I just see the Whos, please?

I was nervous because everyone was watching me.

Then when I just did it, everything just went away

and I didn't think of anything except for that song.

He absolutely nailed the performance.

He just did it. I don't know, I've never seen him like that, so, wow!

Happy!

We all feel the pressure sometimes.

And when you do, just like these guys,

you can turn to family, friends or teachers

to help you face your challenges.

And before you know it, that pressure will just ease away.

Next time, it's dance exam overload for Catty.

I think everything is going to go wrong.

Tyler faces the biggest audition of his life.

I'll try and do the best I can.

As he goes up in front of the West End's toughest casting directors.

-Push it!

-This is life at the School For Stars.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd