Stage Stars: Young Performers Chase Big Dreams at Tring Park School

CBBC is launching a new documentary series called 'Stage Stars,' which gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Tring Park School in Hertfordshire. This school is known for its focus on performing arts, and the show follows students as they balance their academic studies with training in dance, acting, musical theatre, and music. The series was filmed over the course of the 2024-2025 school year, with a small crew capturing the students' experiences, from exciting performances to the challenges they face. The classrooms are lively, with students dressed in white shirts and turquoise jumpers, practicing on a floor that looks like a chess board.

Rachel Drummond-Hay, the executive producer, says the goal of 'Stage Stars' is to show young people what can happen when they work hard and follow their dreams. The school is designed to help students focus on their passions, and the show highlights both their successes and the effort required to achieve them. For example, one student competes in a world-famous ballet competition and is the only finalist from the UK. The series also shows how students manage the pressure of schoolwork while trying to build careers in the spotlight.

Tring Park School has a history of producing successful performers, including Dame Julie Andrews, Lily James, Daisy Ridley, and Thandiwe Newton. Students can join the school from Year 3 and stay until sixth form, with each day split between regular lessons and performing arts training. The school is selective, and boarding fees from Year 7 are about £15,000 per term, though scholarships are available for talented students. Louie, a current student who specializes in music, hopes to represent the UK at Eurovision one day. He believes that being surrounded by others who share his dreams makes those dreams feel more achievable. The filming crew has become part of the school community, and more episodes are planned for next year. Teachers like Elizabeth Odell are proud to see their students succeed, and she finds it inspiring to watch young people pursue what they love. The show captures everything from auditions and band formations to hundreds of stage performances, giving viewers a glimpse into the hard work and excitement of life at a performing arts school.