A TILLY teen hopes to follow her dream of starring in the West End and Broadway after being accepted into London’s Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Nadine Blackie (17) applied to the well-renowned training school and beat off hundreds of other hopefuls to bag herself a spot on the Intensive course, which starts in the autumn.

The S6 Alva Academy prefect told the Advertiser, “I couldn’t believe that I had actually got offered a place. This is a chance of a lifetime for me and I might get to live my dream.” Nadine has always had a passion for entertainment. She took dance lessons before she was three-years-old with Katie Arthur’s Dance Attack and has went on to develop her skills with the Ian Maclean School of Highland Dance and Alloa Ballet Company.

The 17-year-old is currently honing her talent with Forefront Stage School, where she attends ballet, tap, modern and musical theatre classes weekly.

Nadine’s mum Donna said, “When she opened the letter I have never seen her so excited in her life and she has been so happy ever since.

“She has always dreamt of being a performer and her one wish is to perform on a West End or Broadway stage and this course takes her a huge step closer.” Nadine hopes to follow in the footsteps of successful Italia Conti alumni, which includes pop-star Pixie Lott, comedian Russell Brand and former Eastender and Laurence Olivier Award-winner Martine McCutcheon.

However, the teenager now faces the hard task of raising funds to pay for the one-year course. While the government will give £9000 towards the overall cost, the fees rack up to almost £16,000.

Family and friends have rallied round. As well as organising car boot sales and bingo teas, Donna is willing to sell her car and gran Heather Blackie and grandad Eddie Fordyce have offered to help out.

Donna added, “I am looking for a second job and Nadine is saving every penny from her part-time job, as this is the chance of a lifetime for her.”