The world may have been put on hold but that hasn’t stopped children and young people dreaming of their futures.

For those with a passion for performing arts, Razzamataz, a local theatre school has helped keep those dreams alive with a prestigious scholarship worth £675.

Over the last few months, Razzamataz South Lakes (Penrith, Kendal and Appleby) has worked alongside the The Stage, a performing art newspaper.

Together, they have created an exciting scholarship opportunity for children and young people living locally, in and around the Penrith area.

The school is offering hundreds of pounds worth of free tuition, something which means a great deal to many families trying to support their kids.

Asha Richardson, Principal of Razzamataz South Lakes, said: "It’s been particularly challenging for business with all the lockdowns but we were all determined that our students and young people in the community would not miss out on this wonderful opportunity.

"Although the impact of Covid has hit small businesses like ours very hard, we felt that it was important to continue to offer as many opportunities as possible to support young people who have had to show incredible resilience over the last year and a half, a huge congratulations to our scholarship winner Emma.”

Each applicant filmed themselves doing a short performing arts piece of their choosing.

Emma impressed the judges with her commitment, hard work and dedication to her audition piece.

Emma’s application identified how the arts has helped her grow and given her a sense of belonging through what’s been a very difficult year for her.

The scholarships were open to all young people between the ages of 6-18, both current Razzamataz students and those that haven’t had any formal training, were eligible to apply.

For young people who have had to continue their practice at home while in lockdown or isolating, they have shown a huge amount of drive and determination.

Asha adds: "The performing arts is wonderful but competitive career but our students have proved that they have the resilience to work their way through the difficult times, we know what a positive impact that the performing arts can offer all children so we are so pleased that we have continued this exceptional offer.”

Former Razzamataz scholarship students have gone on to be successful in many West End shows including Hamilton, &Juliet, Matilda, School of Rock and many TV shows as well as starring in a Disney movie.