A performing arts academy in West Lothian has tripled its intake of students after moving to a new multi-million pound facility. The academy, which offers courses in music, dance, drama and theatre, has seen a surge in demand from young people who want to pursue their creative passions.
A dream come true for the academy
The academy, which was founded in 2015, had been operating from a rented space in Livingston until last month, when it moved to its new home in Bathgate. The new facility, which cost £3.2 million to build, features state-of-the-art studios, classrooms, rehearsal rooms and a theatre with a capacity of 300 seats.
The academy’s director, Fiona Macdonald, said that the move was a dream come true for the academy, which had been struggling to accommodate its growing number of students and staff. She said that the academy had been looking for a permanent base for years, and that the new facility would allow the academy to expand its curriculum and offer more opportunities for its students.
“We are absolutely delighted to be in our new facility, which is a huge step up from our previous space. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from our students, parents and staff, who are all enjoying the benefits of having a modern and spacious environment to learn and perform in. We are also very grateful to the West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government for their support and funding, which made this project possible,” she said.
A boost for the local community and economy
The academy, which currently has 450 students aged between 3 and 18, plans to increase its intake to 600 by next year. The academy also employs 35 staff, including teachers, administrators and technicians, and hopes to create more jobs in the future.
The academy’s move has also been welcomed by the local community and economy, as it is expected to attract more visitors and businesses to the area. The academy hosts regular shows and events, which showcase the talents of its students and provide entertainment for the public. The academy also works with local schools and organisations, offering workshops and outreach programmes to promote the arts and culture.
The leader of the West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said that the council was proud to support the academy, which he described as a “fantastic asset” for the region. He said that the academy was not only providing high-quality education and training for young people, but also contributing to the social and economic development of West Lothian.
“The academy is a shining example of how the arts can enrich the lives of individuals and communities, and how investing in the arts can generate positive outcomes for the society. The academy is creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills and confidence, and to pursue their dreams and aspirations. The academy is also bringing more visitors and revenue to the area, and enhancing the cultural and creative profile of West Lothian. We are delighted to have such a prestigious and successful academy in our region, and we look forward to seeing it grow and flourish in the years to come,” he said.
A bright future for the academy and its students
The academy, which is one of the largest and most popular performing arts academies in Scotland, has a reputation for producing talented and successful graduates, who have gone on to pursue careers in the arts and entertainment industry. Some of the academy’s alumni include actors, singers, dancers, musicians, composers, directors and producers, who have worked in various fields such as theatre, film, television, radio and music.
The academy’s director, Fiona Macdonald, said that the academy had a bright future ahead, and that she was excited to see what the academy and its students would achieve in the new facility. She said that the academy’s vision was to provide the best possible education and experience for its students, and to inspire them to reach their full potential.
“Our aim is to nurture and develop the talents and passions of our students, and to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the arts and entertainment industry. We want to give them the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen fields, and to make a positive difference in the world. We are very proud of our students and staff, who work hard and show dedication and enthusiasm for their craft. We are also very optimistic about the future of the academy, which has a lot of potential and possibilities in its new facility. We are looking forward to welcoming more students and staff, and to creating more amazing and memorable shows and events for our audiences,” she said.
