A TALENTED teenager hailed for her performances in tackling mental health issues has made it onto an actor development programme.
Zensi Alleyne, 18, from Sunningdale, is one of several young actors who will be graduating from the actor development programme at youth arts charity, Peer Productions and going to drama school in September.
The budding actor has developing her skills since she was 12-years-old and decided to pursue her career professionally at schools whilst studying her A Levels.
Her development programme with Peer Productions, means she gets to tour and star in plays which challenge issues affecting young people including topics such as healthy relationships and mental health.
Zensi said: "I knew a bit about mental health and self-harm, but performing in the play was a real eye opener. I also like the fact that we performed the play to younger audiences, who were in year seven to eight, as it is important for them to learn how to deal with these issues.”
The play Hidden is very timely, inspired by a report from Out of Sight by the National Youth Agency,which found that one million young people between the ages of 8–19 have self-reported mental health issues.
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The report expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on the youth suicide rate, which is already high, and the ‘normalisation of self-harm’.
Ms Alleyne added: "The actor development programme was recommended to me by my dance and singing teacher, as I wanted to get some practical experience before applying to drama school. The course is a very good preparation for drama school as it has given me the opportunity to tour as a working actor. It has also helped me improve my musical skills as I play the piano and guitar, and played them when I was touring.”
Suzanne Parke, leader of learning at Peer Productions, said: “We are delighted that Zensi has been offered a place at drama school. We specialise in supporting young people to develop as artists and to take their next steps in their careers.”
“Despite the pandemic interruptions, this years’ team have had drama school offers from East15, Italia Conti, Rose Bruford, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Mountview, Guildford School of Acting and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. We could not be more proud of them!”
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