THE chance of turning a lifelong theatrical dream into reality has been offered to a Weymouth student.

Earlier this year, Jack Goodwin was just one of hundreds auditioning for a handful of summer placements with the prestigious National Youth Theatre.

His ambition was to be accepted on the technical induction course – and this week he heard that he had won one of the 12 coveted places available at the theatre’s London headquarters.

The course will involve intensive training in theatrical lighting and sound. Once completed, members of the technical department can work on any NYT production taking place throughout this summer season.

They will then remain qualified members of the NYT until the age of 21.

Jack, 17, hopes to complete an initial two-week technical training programme and then progress to a three-week production course.

He needs £1,500 sponsorship to realise this dream – and has come up with a novel way of reaching his target.

His mother, dance teacher Jane Goodwin, said: “With the current economic climate, large £500 sponsorship cheques may be hard to come by.

“So he has flipped this idea around and decided to start his quest with Challenge 500, which will involve finding 500 people to sponsor him for £1 each.”

Jack, who is studying for a BTEC national diploma in television production at Weymouth College, is already well known in Weymouth for his theatrical and technical talents.

A former All Saints School pupil, he starred in school productions of We Will Rock You and Disco Inferno and as Marius is WOW Youth Musical Theatre’s highly praised production of Les Miserables.

On the technical side, Jack has worked with the Chinese Stage Circus, for several large-scale shows at Weymouth Pavilion, at the Thomas Hardye School, for Weymouth musician Ed Hintze and as a light rigger for the Dorset Business Awards.

He has also produced a short promotional film for an official 2012 Olympic festival held in Weymouth.

His mum Jane added: “Jack is so chuffed to have won this place. He has always loved the theatre, so it is a wonderful opportunity for him.

“He is aware that people may not be willing to hand over large sums of money in the current financial climate, which is why he came up with the £1 sponsorship plan.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Jack’s £1 sponsorship campaign can sign their sponsorship form and leave their money at Ed Hintze’s music shop at 9 Great George Street, Weymouth.

Companies able to support Jack with a greater sum can contact him at jackg1@hotmail.co.uk

  • The National Youth theatre is a charity that promotes artistic excellence, cultural enrichment and personal development