A BUDDING actor is to follow in the footsteps of Lord Olivier as he prepares to tread the boards at one of the world’s most prestigious drama schools.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Max Ferguson has been accepted to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, securing one of just 15 places from more than 5,000 hopefuls.
After completing his A Levels at Richmond Sixth Form College, he will take up his place in October at a drama school that has launched a host of actors into illustrious careers, including Sir Lawrence Olivier and Dame Judy Dench.
The 17-year-old, of Middleton Tyas, successfully completed a panel audition and workshop to secure a second day-long trial. He then endured an agonising four-month wait before hearing the good news.
“At the auditions the pressure was intense because everyone wanted a place so badly,” he said.
“I came away feeling a bit deflated because I thought I had blown my chance. I was prepared to put it down to experience when the letter arrived. I must admit, I broke down in tears leaving my mother guessing whether I had got the place – she wasn’t sure whether I was acting or not. Then she read the letter and burst into tears.”
Max will study acting and collaborative and devised theatre, a qualification that he will use eventually to set up his own theatre company to tour the world performing plays written on issues of the day.
It’s a far cry from his first performance, aged six, as a sheep in the school play. In Year 7 he joined the Georgian Theatre’s youth group and over the years has covered everything from comedy to tragedy and panto.
Max was instrumental in winning the regional round of the All England One Act Play Festival and runners up in the nationals with his direction of Chat Room, a hard-hitting drama covering the dangers of cyber bullying.
“I love physical theatre and being involved in plays that have an impact on the audience,” he said. “I can’t wait to move to London to continue my studies.”
Assistant head teacher Leslie Richardson said: “Max’s determination and commitment to his acting has been an inspiration to us all and the whole school is bristling with pride at his achievement.
“It will be incredible for him to walk in the shadows of such illustrious actors and this can’t fail to raise aspirations among students.”
