18-year-old Rhiannon Knight was nominated for TrinityTalent Class of 2021 in the Progress category. She completed her Grade 8 Musical Theatre with distinction. Rhiannon took her exam at the Aberdeen Academy of Performing Arts and has successfully completed a total of eight Grades in Musical Theatre. She has also been an inspiration to the younger students she has supported, leading a group through preparing for a performance.
Rhiannon was nominated for TrinityTalent by Rachel Mearns, Principal of the Aberdeen Academy of Performing Art,who said: “Rhiannon has worked through her Trinity Musical Theatre examinations from Grade 1 through to Grade 8. In June 2021, her final year of school, she gained her Grade 8 with distinction. Her last performance on stage before the last lockdown was in March 2020 at Disneyland Paris with our younger students. Rhiannon led them through a performance in the park and competed for our school. Her performances were amazing.”
The Trinity Talent panel said: “Rhiannon achieved a high mark at Grade 8 within a short rehearsal time. She has shown personal achievement in her subject and has made space and time to ensure younger peers have a positive learning experience alongside her own progression."
How do you feel about being selected to be part of TrinityTalent Class of 2021 and being recognised in this way?
I feel happy that something I’m so passionate about has been recognised. Gaining such an achievement has pushed me to work harder and has made me really enjoy what I’m doing. I feel more confident in myself because other people have believed in me.
How do you feel you have developed creatively and artistically in 2021?
2021 showed me a new way to be creative through musical theatre due to Covid. Instead of performing, I had to film videos of myself singing, and I found this challenging and exciting. I tried to explore different ways I could enhance my performance using editing and figured out how to use the space I had at home. I had to turn my room into my “stage” and give the same performance I would in front of an audience. This has made 2021 quite a unique year that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
What impact did your Trinity qualification have on your artistic development?
My Trinity qualifications have really given me the confidence to explore a more creative side to myself. I enjoy the challenge and they really help me with other parts of my life, especially for preparing to perform or being in new environments like school and university. I really enjoyed working with the younger members of our group. I have always had seniors to look up to and guide me, so to be able to do the same feels really good.
I also enjoy that I still get to be part of the groups I may now be too old to be part of, helping them also keeps me busy and focused. I think an effective arts leader needs to be good at communication, but also really care about the people you work with. Someone who can see the good in everyone and try to get the best from the students I have supported. I feel that you need to be able to help others with their confidence to achieve.
Has taking part in a Trinity qualification helped you to develop wider skills, such as communication skills, creativity or confidence?
Taking part in the Trinity qualification has helped me with various skills, especially with organising and communication. It has helped me strengthen my ability to memorise things which was really helpful for school exams. Whenever I have taken a Trinity exam, I feel more confident in my musical theatre performances as the feedback always helps me improve.
What are the next steps for you artistically and creatively in 2022?
My next steps are to work on performing more mature characters as I am now at the age where I can take on big subjects. I am also looking forward to helping other young people prepare for their exams, showing them tips along the way.
What are your longer term aims, for example for your future studies or work?
My future aim is to work alongside some of my teachers to help and support other young people who enjoy musical theatre while I study at university. Hopefully I can pass on the knowledge I have gained over the years.
Have you got any advice for other young people working towards a Trinity qualification?
My advice for other young people working towards their Trinity qualification would be - don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and always aim to put everything into your performance. Researching a character is key.
Read more about the talented young people selected to be featured as part of the TrinityTalent Class of 2021.
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