A long-running competition to find the island’s best young thespian takes tomorrow (Sunday).

The Young Actor of Mann competition will see 11 of the island’s top youth actors pit their stage skills against each other at the Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen High School, from 1.30pm.

Organised by the Manx Amateur Drama Federation and held in conjunction with the One Act Play Festival, the afternoon will see the actors, aged between 13 and 19 years of age perform two different acts.

Last year’s runner up, Joseph Long will take part again, with Alex Reynolds, Michael Britton, Abbie Williams, Amy Gravestock, Gabriella Germishuys, Roman Trimble, Feena Wilson, Meisio Germishuys,Abbie Harrison and Ryan Coates, and the actors will perform sections of plays that will put their skills to the test, in front of adjudicator Chris Baglin.

Michael Lees, the president of the Manx Amateur drama Federation, says that the competition provides the actors with an experience that will stay with them throughout their careers.

’Taking part in the Young Actor of Mann competition encourages them to have the confidence to speak on stage,’ said Michael.

’The confidence to speak and the confidence to portray themselves in front of people will stay with them for the rest of their lives, whether it will be at a job interview, on the radio, or in auditions.

’We will see some quite different approaches throughout the competition and although they may do the same play, they may approach it very differently. It’s fascinating to see.

Jack Smollen is the reigning Young Actor of Mann, and previous winners also include such recognisable names as Alexandra Slater, Michelle Jamieson, Jonathan Eio and Lisa Kreisky. The winners receive a bursary to attend a London theatre summer school.

’This is the most prestigious prize in theatre for young people on the island,’ said Michael.

’We’ve been doing it for 26 years now, and have seen a lot of recognisable figures come through, who have kept at it, with some excellent results throughout their careers.’

by Mike Wade

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