A graduate from the BA (Hons) Acting course at Arts University Bournemouth is celebrating after landing her first professional stage role in the West End, playing the schoolgirl Thea in the British production of the award winning American Musical ‘Spring Awakening’.

Evelyn Hoskins will make her debut on the West End at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on 23rd January 2009. She had to undergo a rigorous casting process before securing her part in the production which has received eight prestigious Tony Awards during its Broadway run.

‘Spring Awakening’ is set against a backdrop of religious and parental repression in 19th century Germany. Based on the Frank Wedekind play of 1891, it tells the story of young friends on a voyage of personal discovery and sexual awakening.

Following nearly a year of castings for the musical, Evelyn was selected for the part after attending a week-long workshop at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre with the director Michael Mayer and other prospective cast members. She commented “We had to learn songs from the production and rehearse scenes together. It was unbelievably tough and very intense, but one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in my life.”

Evelyn, who still can?t believe that she has landed the part, continued “They took the video of us all back to the United States for the creative team over there to look at and to make the final decision.” After an additional nail-biting week, Evelyn was finally given the good news that she had won the part, “I have never been so nervous in my life! When I finally heard the news that I had got the part I was in shock.”

Evelyn noted that the acting course has provided her with valuable skills which will carry her on in the role of ‘Thea’, “My lecturers were really supportive through the casting and I’m grateful for the skills and confidence the course has given me.”

Doug Cockle, BA (Hons) Course Leader at the Arts University commented “This is a great success story for Evelyn and highlights that fact that our acting students can compete alongside the best in the country. We are very proud of Evelyn, and wish her the very best for her future career.”