Izzi Nicholson – West End Kids Troupe
Where are you from?
I’m Izzi Nicholson and I’m from Blackpool
Journey with West End Kids:
When did you join West End Kids?
My journey in West End Kids started when I was just 11 years old. During Covid, I tuned in on a masterclass on zoom which I had previously seen advertised on facebook . I really enjoyed the class and it ended up being my audition for WEK. I then started my 3 week trial for the West End Kids troupe , which I passed and has gotten me to where i am now!
What inspired you to audition for West End Kids?
I decided to audition for West End Kids because I saw a few videos on youtube of the troupe performances After seeing these performances I knew that this was where I wanted to be and I was inspired to audition .
Performance Highlights:
What has been your favourite performance so far and why?
My favourite performance with West End Kids has most definitely got to be CarFest! We performed for a crowd of 40,000 people and it was the most surreal experience of my life .
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances?
My most memorable performance moment was when we performed at the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde park . The children absolutely loved the set and it was so adorable watching their faces light up while we performed and try to copy the dances . It was so heartwarming knowing that I could make someone so happy just by doing something thatIi love!
Training and Dedication:
How many hours a week do you spend rehearsing and training?
Through the week I spend around 8 to 9 hours rehearsing my material . I try to at-least do two hours each night but it can sometimes be hard when working with a busy schedule. However , I manage to keep my schedule organised so I can keep on top of my material and make sure I come into WEK fully prepared.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about your training?
The most challenging part about my training is the notes and making sure I have applied all of my corrections. Sometimes it can be difficult remembering them all but it’s very rewarding when I know I have applied everything and the outcome of the choreography is slick and precise because I have worked hard.
Future Aspirations:
What are your future goals in the performing arts?
My biggest goal within performing arts is to one day be on the West End. I dream of being in shows like 42nd street because I love tap , Six because I love to sing or Starlight express because i love rollerskating!
Which role or production would you love to be a part of?
I would love to follow in the footsteps of former West End Kids (Esme, Rachael & Natalie) to be in Six, but I couldn’t choose just one role to play as I love them all
Personal Interests:
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of performing?
Outside of performing I take part in martial arts and figure skating . I have been a figure skater since i was 2 years old and I was runner up in the British International Ice Dance Championships in 2019. I also competed in many taekwondo competitions around the world like Italy and Spain and I am currently a black belt.
Tell us something that people might not know about you!
Something people may not know about me is that I have a love for inline roller skating . I can do many figure skating tricks on my roller skates!
Inspirations and Motivation:
Who inspires you the most in the performing arts world?
In the performing arts world i am most inspired by the WEK Alumni. Holly Hull is a huge inspiration to me, knowing that we both have received the same training and seeing how far she has come in the industry really has made me motivated to keep chasing my dreams.
What keeps you motivated to keep improving and performing?
For me , Improvement is my biggest motivation. I love to see how much I am improving weekly and it really keeps me motivated to keep going and keep performing. I love going back and watching old videos of me dancing or singing from a couple of years ago and seeing how much i have improved.
Experience with West End Kids:
How has being a part of West End Kids impacted you?
West End Kids has been some of the best training I have ever received. I have learnt standards like no other and I understand how important it is to work hard if you’re really wanting to achieve your goals. My singing and pick up skills have really improved whilst being at WKE and I really hope to keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to new members or those aspiring to join West End Kids?
Advice that I would give to new members joining West End Kids is to not give up and to keep pushing . The hard work you put in is always worth it and seeing the outcome of the hard-work is always so rewarding. No matter how hard it gets it’s always important to keep dedicated and to strive to be the best version of yourself.
—
This interview with Izzi Nicholson took place on Thursday 5th September 2024.
