CRAVEN College has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for its production of Little Shop of Horrors.

The college’s performing arts department will find out if it has won the Music and Drama Education Awards for Excellence in Musical Theatre at an online ceremony in March.

The college’s musical theatre project has been running since 2009 at the next door Mart Theatre, run by ex-student Andy Lynam.

Little Shop of Horrors, in February, last year, was its most recent T production.

Rehearsals ran from October, 2019 to the February at the college itself, before the production transferred to the Mart Theatre.

In normal times, the Mart Theatre operates from Thursday to Sunday, when it is not being used for its intended purpose, as an auction mart.

On the Wednesday of a production week, the auction ring is dismantled, cleaned out and the set, props and costumes put in place for performances on the Friday and Saturday.

On the Friday afternoon a free performance is given to local schools and college students giving them the chance to experience “live” theatre.

Giles Atkinson, the college’s performing arts manager said: “The production itself did not only involve performing arts students but also students who are studying make up and media and took on a truly cross curricular approach.

“It also gave an opportunity for the students to work with industry professionals such as lighting and sound designers and the wider community of Skipton as live music for the production was provided by band musicians from Ermysted’s School.”

He added: “Our performing arts students come from a whole range of areas and backgrounds, some have been involved with performing arts since a very young age and others have not been on stage at all until, they arrive at Craven College.

“As well as performing in a full-scale musical it gives the students opportunities to engage in the arts no matter what their background or experience. We promote an inclusive and welcoming environment in which everyone can be themselves, build confidence, develop new skills and express themselves through the arts.”

The online ceremony will take place at 6pm on March 24. Go to: musicdramaedawards.com, or on Facebook Live.