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Could you be the next Connie Fisher?

When Andrew Lloyd Webber launched a nationwide contest to find a new star for his West End production of 'The Sound of Music', the question he posed was ‘How do you solve a problem like Maria?'.

In the contest, televised by the BBC, thousands of potential Marias were whittled down to just ten finalists. Connie Fisher won the final, in which more than two million votes were cast.

Since winning the contest she has released an album of cover versions called ‘Favourite Things’ and has thanked fans “for making my dreams come true".

Behind her effortless performances are years of training – three of which were funded by a Dance and Drama Award.

What are Dance and Drama Awards?

Dance and Drama Awards are available from some of England's leading private dance and drama schools. They can help with your course fees, whatever your financial circumstances. You may also get extra money to help with your living costs.

Awards are dependent on you passing an audition to get into the school.

“I had three excellent years’ training, which prepared me for the highs and lows of the business,” says Connie, whose Dance and Drama Award helped her attend Mountview Academy.

“Without my training I would never have succeeded… now I am going to be climbing every mountain at the London Palladium and following my dream.”

Find out more about Dance and Drama Awards

If you’d like to follow in Connie’s footsteps by studying for a qualification in the performing arts next year, now’s the time to apply for a Dance and Drama Award.

• More on Dance and Drama Awards

Useful contacts

• Careers Helpline for Young People

• Dance and Drama contacts

• 14 to 19 contacts