The future stars of the stage got their jazz hands out by taking over the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich.
Around 50 Suffolk New College learners who are studying performing arts courses performed in front of a packed house to celebrate the end of their course.
Earlier in the day, the group promoted acting to 25 Chantry and Stoke High School students as part of a day of hands-on experiences based around creative arts careers.
Other sessions provided by staff at Suffolk New College showcased potential jobs in TV, photography, music, prop making and art.
Prior to the evening stage performances, bands from the college’s music production courses entertained the public outside the venue with a variety of different music.
This was the fourth year in a row that the educational establishment had put on an event like this.
Charlotte Rossiter organised the event. She said: “We have delivered a range of workshops, led by specialist tutors and the point is to celebrate the creative industries and ensure the future workforce understands the opportunities that are available to them.
“It’s important to try and help recruit more people into creative arts careers and also to give young people new experiences of potential jobs they can have in the future.
“The response from the children has been very positive. Thanks to the schools for supporting and the New Wolsey Theatre for hosting.”
Lee Johnson is a careers advisor at Stoke High School. He said: “I think this is a great idea. Creative arts is a growing industry. The children brought great energy to this.” He added: “I think the college forms and moulds people’s futures.”
Sophie, 14, from Stoke High School. She said: “I’m interested in art and music. Today has been enjoyable.”
Skye – also from Stoke High School. The 14-year-old said: “It has been fun and exciting.”
Violet Alderson from Stowmarket performed in a band called The Apathy at this event. She said: “Today was my last day and I’m sad to be leaving the music course.
“But I think this event is really cool as from my experience there is not that many creative things happening in schools.”
Jazzy Able performed to hundreds of people in a show at the New Wolsey. The 18-year-old from Ipswich said: “It’s a great experience and shows what we are capable of in front of 350 people.”
Jazzy is now off to drama school and said leaving the college is ‘emotional’.