A talented performer from Crosby is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious acting prize. Amy Hoole (21), who is set to graduate from Liverpool Theatre School with a diploma in professional musical theatre this summer, has been named as a finalist for the Spotlight Prize 2020.

Amy is just one of 20 drama school students in the country to secure a place on the shortlist for the coveted prize, which has previously been awarded to acclaimed actors such as Dame Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, Zoe Wanamaker and Jodie Whittaker.

The former Sacred Heart Catholic College pupil was nominated for the Spotlight Prize after impressing the judges with her screen acting performance. During the next stage of the competition, she will be required to perform a monologue which will be submitted by video. Amy’s performance will be judged by an esteemed panel of casting directors and the Best Screen Actor Spotlight Prize winner will be announced on 16 October. 

Amy is thrilled to have been shortlisted for such a high profile industry award. She said: “I am absolutely over the moon about being nominated for this year’s Spotlight Prize, which has been awarded to so many great performers over the years.

“I’ve loved performing for as long as I can remember so training professionally at Liverpool Theatre School and being shortlisted for The Spotlight Prize is like a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to deliver my next performance for the final stage of the competition.”

Maxine Ellis, Principal at Liverpool Theatre School, whose graduates have gone on to appear in hit shows such as Wicked, Les Miserables, Blood Brothers and Tenors of Rock, added: “Amy has done exceptionally well to be shortlisted for The Spotlight Prize, which is open to all graduating drama school students across the country.

“She is a hugely talented performer and I am confident she will impress the judges during the final stage of the competition. We’re all extremely proud of her achievement of being nominated for such a prestigious prize and we wish her every success.”

The Spotlight Prize is an annual event, which gives graduate nominees an opportunity to have their performances judged by industry professionals with the overall winner receiving a £2,000 prize. More than 70 drama schools and universities were invited to nominate a graduating student for this year’s Spotlight Prize and the 20 finalists were selected by a panel of experts based on the quality of their video auditions.    

Liverpool Theatre School, based at Liverpool Central Studios, is the only place in the UK to offer professional training, validated by Trinity College London, in all three specialisms of musical theatre, acting and dance.

Find out more about Liverpool Theatre School at www.liverpoolcentralstudios.com.

Related read: Liverpool Theatre School stages virtual open day for prospective students