English and Theatre Studies student Sophie Giscard (pictured) will take to the stage to fill three senior dancing roles in The Wiz – an adaption of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – while Leah Baker, a Media Performance student and Xanthia Ncube, Theatre and Professional Practice, are backstage with internship positions of Assistant Stage Manager and Wardrobe Assistant.

As the production’s main partner, the University of Bedfordshire has been able to sponsor four local performers in The Wiz, in addition to offering students Leah and Xanthia internships.

Stage Experience is an annual event run by the Theatre, which enables up to 130 local young performers aged 10-21 years to produce a full-scale musical theatre production within two weeks, led by a team of industry professionals, on an annual basis.

Leah’s post has included supporting the Creative Learning Team with the running of rehearsals and performances of the Stage Experience production.

Leah said: “I was really excited when I was given the news of the internship.

“To be given the opportunity of gaining some valuable experience with a theatre is just what I wanted.

“I would like to teach younger children the art of theatre-making, so to work with so many young performers on The Wiz will be great preparation for such a career.”

An excited Sophie, who moved back to the country to attend university after growing up in France, added: “It was tough being away from my mum and younger sister at first but I’m glad I stuck at my English and Theatre Studies course, because I’ve come on leaps and bounds, and the experience I’ve gained has led to this amazing opportunity of performing in The Wiz.”

Tickets for The Wiz can be purchased here