Emily Ridge headshot. Photo credit: Andy Brown
Emily Ridge, a graduating member of Leeds Conservatoire’s Musical Theatre cohort, has been named as a finalist in The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition. The gala final, hosted by Alex Young, will be held in the Sondheim Theatre on 11 June.
This year, The Stephen Sondheim Society asked for the first round of auditions to be made via video. More than 250 submissions were received, 80 of which qualified for a live, in-person audition with critic and broadcaster Edward Seckerson and Musical Director Nigel Lilley.
To support its students, the conservatoire’s Musical Theatre department organised an internal audition and from that recorded video submissions. Leeds Conservatoire tied with another institution for the most in-person recalls. In total, five students from the conservatoire’s Musical Theatre course were invited to attend. Further assistance came from the Employability and Enterprise team who contributed towards students’ travel costs.
The 12 finalists, including Emily, will perform for a panel of highly respected judges drawn from West End directors, musical directors and performers. The winner will receive a £1,000 first prize, and the chance to headline their own Sondheim-infused cabaret in London. The runner-up is also awarded £500.
The competition has an impressive track record for identifying young talent. Cynthia Erivo is an example of a finalist; Taron Egerton is one of the winners.
Each finalist will be required to sing one song by Stephen Sondheim, plus a new song chosen by them from the selection at NEW UK MUSICALS - the organisation founded by composer Darren Clark to showcase the UK’s best new musical theatre writing for the stage.
