A drama student who prefers to shine from behind the scenes has taken up an invitation to join the UK National Youth Theatre.

Natalya, a pupil at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, will now be responsible for lighting shows put on by the prestigious company.

The 16-year-old from Ross on Wye said: “I love the idea of being a lighting technician because I feel like I can be involved in performances without being there on stage.

“Being part of the UK National Youth Theatre will be the best experience I could ask for to help start a career in theatre lighting.

“When I found out I’d been accepted I felt really proud that someone thought I was capable of doing a professional course.

“I would definitely like to work in the theatre in the future and being a theatre technician would be an added bonus.”

During her time at HMSG, Natalya has worked on numerous school productions including Hairspray, Trojan Women and The Odyssey, to build up her lighting experience.

She added: “I love watching a production evolve from auditions to the last night.

“Being at HMSG has inspired me to do this. Back in Year 8 the previous Head of Drama, Ms Wragg, supported me when I asked if I could do the lighting instead of acting.

“And an Old Girl who is now a professional lighting designer offered to give me a short two day course on how to operate the board.”

Elin Leyshon who took over from Ms Wragg this year was delighted to hear Natalya’s news.

She said: “Natalya has been lighting several drama exams and performance in school so it’s great that she is now getting an opportunity to do this on a much bigger scale as she would like to pursue a career in this field.

“I’m really thrilled for her.”

Click here for more information on the National Youth Theatre.