When Safa Khokhar, former Manchester High School for Girls pupil, came across an advertisement for the National Youth Theatre’s (NYT) Audition Choice Award, she immediately shared it with a friend, and without hesitation, they both decided to apply. What started as a spontaneous decision turned into a life-changing opportunity.
This August, Safa will embark on a 10-day course with NYT. After completing the programme, she’ll officially become a member of the Theatre until the age of 25. “This provides me with a range of opportunities,” she explains, “such as access to workshops and events, casting auditions for NYT shows, backstage roles, and even ticket offers and external castings.”
The experience has already been transformative. “It’s been a massive confidence boost to have my work recognised in such a competitive industry,” she says. “The audition process gave me a real taste of what acting auditions are like, and how best to approach them.”
This was her first time engaging with the NYT, making the experience all the more meaningful. “Getting in, and then winning the Audition Choice Award, was definitely an insane experience,” she says.
The audition began with a three-hour group session where students worked together in a relaxed, ensemble-based environment. Later, they each performed solo. She chose Megan’s monologue from Broken Biscuits, a vibrant, comedic piece with hidden emotional depth. “Megan buys a drum kit from a hospice shop to try and reinvent herself. She’s confident and loud, but underneath, she’s deeply insecure and dependent on her friends,” she explains. “That contrast drew me in, it’s funny on the surface, but vulnerable underneath.”
She also found reassurance in connecting with others. “I met so many new people from different places. It was comforting knowing we were all just as nervous as each other,” she says. “I hope to see some familiar faces again in the summer.”
Safa chose to study at Xaverian College because it felt right, both academically and personally. “It seemed like a place that promoted self-expression,” she says. “There’s a place for everyone.”
Currently studying A Levels in Film Studies and Spanish, and her favourite subject, Philosophy, Ethics & Theology. “I love the conversations we get into and the big questions we explore, especially because there aren’t always definitive answers. Hearing different viewpoints is fascinating and helps me understand how people from different backgrounds interpret things.”
When asked what sets Xaverian apart, her answer is clear: “The community. It’s a comfortable environment with lots of support and opportunities.”
Looking to the future, she’s aiming high. “I’d love to pursue acting as a career, and I hope to go to drama school after College to continue developing as an actress,” she says. Xaverian, she adds, has been instrumental in helping her prepare. “I’ve had so much support from staff with experience in the industry. They’ve really helped me understand the steps I need to take.”
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels, and several BTEC courses that can be studied as standalone subjects or combined with A Levels. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.