A SOLIHULL actor has been handed a top award for his hard work and dedication throughout his training.
Alex Cardall was crowned the winner of the first Rising Star Award at ArtsEd performing arts school in London for outstanding talent and effort demonstrated throughout all three years of his training on his Musical Theatre degree and was handed a prize of £5,000.
The 21 year-old will go on to make his professional debut in Sweet Charity at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury later this year.
Alex Cardall says: “I am delighted to receive this Rising Star Award.
“I can start my career at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury feeling more financially supported and I am really grateful for that.
“Being at ArtsEd has been a life-changing experience for me.
“I’ve received world-class training and have made friends and contacts for life – I can now go out into the world as a professional with the richness and diversity of this learning and make my dreams come true.”
The Rising Star initiative was created after an anonymous donor with a long-standing passion for musical theatre approached ArtsEd after seeing so many outstanding graduates in West End shows.
The award will give Alex and others in coming years to embark on their professional career with a degree of financial security.
Chris Hocking, principal at ArtsEd says: “Alex is not only an extremely talented triple-threat Musical Theatre performer but he also embodies the ArtsEd ethos of professionalism, dedication, generosity and humility.
“Having won the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition in June, it is no surprise to me that Alex is the recipient of this year’s Rising Star Award.
“We all wish him continued success as he steps out into the world to make his mark in Musical Theatre and the performing arts.”
