Two shows open in Oxford this week that will keep your children spellbound – Fame and George’s Marvellous Medicine. Both casts include local youngsters, so we spoke to some of the budding stars.

Today the New Theatre becomes New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts as it plays host to a brilliant new production of Fame – The Musical starring more than 150 local young people aged eight to 18. With a brand new show and a brand new director, the New Theatre Stage Experience is back!

Follow the journey of a group of ambitious and talented young students as they chase their dreams of becoming Broadway’s brightest stars in the stage version of the iconic ’80s TV hit. Featuring unforgettable songs, drama and breathtaking dance routines, this promises to be the most challenging and rewarding of the Stage Experience productions yet.

We caught up with four of these rising stars to find out if their knees will be shaking when the curtain goes up.

1) Myles Osborn-Banton, 16, Cokethorpe School, plays Tyrone Jackson “Tyrone is a very angry but talented individual. He comes from the ghetto, where they ‘just moved to hip-hop’. His main ambition at New York Performing Arts is to achieve his fame through only caring about himself.”

How do you get into character?

“I put myself into his shoes, either by watching related movies or speaking to people who have actually been through a similar type of lifestyle.”

How do you remember your lines?

“I learn them well in advance, the worst thing you can do is leave line-learning to rehearsals because you learn new dance moves and songs, which can be hard when you’re holding your script.”

Which bit do you like best: singing, dancing or acting?

“Singing would have to be my favourite because I never stop. Dance is not my favourite discipline but I enjoy doing it anyway. I believe I have the drive and determination to succeed in dance, I just need a little help to get there.”

Do you have to wear leg-warmers?

“Probably! I know I have to wear a leotard, tights and ballet shoes, which are all new experiences to me. I’m happy to try anything. I’ve gone costume crazy for the production, raiding the charity shops for anything I could find and co-ordinating about eight outfits.”

How are you feeling about opening night?

“Excited but nervous at the same time. They say its normal to be nervous but it doesn’t feel normal when you’re shaking like a leaf, breathless and out of control.

2) Georgina Smith Blacker, 15, Blessed George Napier in Banbury, plays Mabel “Mabel is training to be one of the dancers, but she is bigger than the rest, not just in size but in personality. She has a heart of gold and is always there for her friends, especially Carmen (I'm not going to say why as you should come and watch the show and see for yourself!).”

How do you get into character?

“The more you say the lines and get the American accent going, you feel that you have finally connected with your character.”

How do you remember your lines?

“Sometimes I’m mean and get my friends on the bus on the way to school to help me! They love it!

Which bit do you like best: singing, dancing or acting?

“That’s a hard one – I have to say my strongest aspect is singing and acting but to be honest I love all three. If I didn’t attend my drama school and get the chance to do these, I don’t know what would happen to me. Musical theatre is my life and my dream.

How are you feeling about opening night?

“There’s a bit of nerves which I’m sure is expected but of course I’m excited, to get the chance to perform in front of thousands of people in a big theatre.”

Have you made lots of new friends or is theatre a dog-eat-dog world?

“Even if you’re down you have all the team to bring your spirits up again. It’s like one big happy family – wow that sounds cheesy!”

3) Eve Helyer, 17, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, Banbury, plays Iris “Iris is described as the ‘best dancer in the school’. Many think that she has a superior attitude however she comes from a family that can barely afford to keep her in pointe shoes.”

How do you get into character?

“Before a show I get really energised with a good physical and mental warm-up. I like to go over my lines in my head, making me think of my character and the whole performance.”

Which bit do you like best: singing, dancing or acting?

“I absolutely love all three. I am most trained in dance but I also do a lot of acting and singing. I wouldn’t ever drop any to just do one thing.”

How are you feeling about opening night?

“I am absolutely terrified but so excited. I’ve never performed on such a big stage but hopefully all the rehearsals go really well and it’s going to be an immense show.”

What are you doing for the rest of the summer?

“I am working on audition pieces for next year because I’m hoping to go to theatre college and study Musical Theatre.”

4) Edd Bird, 17, Cokethorpe School, plays Nick “Nick is a young aspiring actor who wants to be taken seriously. His love interest is Serena (played by Eve Norris). Their developing partnership is a key storyline in the show.

How do you remember and learn your lines?

“I just practice and practice and practice… My family all get roped into playing the other roles and we get to the point where between them they could quote every single line for every single role!” What do you find most difficult about the whole experience? “Making sure I get enough sleep and remembering to set my alarm!” Have you made lots of new friends or is theatre a dog-eat-dog world? “In my previous experience in other Stage Experience productions the cast and directors are like a happy family with lots of encouragement and support all round. This year will be no different. It really is about being part of a team.” What are you doing for the rest of the summer? “I’m off to the Edinburgh Fringe to hopefully get some inspiration!” Pictures: Mark Brome

Fame – The Musical opens today at the New Theatre. Box office 0844 847 1585 or newtheatreoxford. org.uk