A TALENTED performer from Cambuslang has earned the opportunity to work with a celebrated Broadway composer.

Former Trinity High School pupil Max Gibson, who is training for a Musical Theatre diploma at The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh, was mentored by Jonathan Reid Gealt when he visited The MGA Academy.

The composer has released multiple albums and his songs have been performed as part of shows in sold-out venues across the world.

Max, who grew up performing in shows with Stagecoach East Kilbride, said: “I’ve been performing since I was a little boy and decided to audition for a full-time place at The MGA Academy after hearing about it online.

"When I received my acceptance letter, I was ecstatic and, since starting the course, there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by where I haven’t learnt something new.

“Having the opportunity to learn from Jonathan Reid Gealt was amazing as he is so experienced.

"It was really interesting to learn tips and tricks from someone who works in New York.

"I decided to sing a song called Beautiful Reason from the musical Godspell and he gave me some really helpful advice on how to put more emotion into my performance.”

The 18-year-old added: “When I finish my training, I’d like to gain employment as a performer on a cruise ship or be cast in a touring musical.

"I can’t think of anything better than travelling the world whilst doing what I love.”

Jonathan Reid Gealt, who is based in New York City, said: “I’ve been very impressed with the staff and students at The MGA Academy in the past and so I like to visit every time I’m in Scotland.

“Whilst mentoring Max and his fellow students, I tried to get them to think about how to best tell stories through songs.

"I encouraged them to try and relate songs and lyrics to things that they have experienced in their own lives.”

Last year, the Edinburgh-based academy became the first full-time professional training academy in Scotland to be awarded accreditation by CDET, the UK’s quality assurance and membership body for the professional dance, drama and musical theatre industries.

Andrew Gowland, Managing Director of The MGA Academy, said: “Jonathan is a good friend of ours and kindly offered to visit The MGA Academy whilst on holiday in Scotland.

"His knowledge of the performing arts industry is second to none and our students will have benefitted greatly from his expertise.

“We are currently holding auditions for places on The MGA Academy’s full-time courses and would welcome applications from local performers with similar aspirations to Max.

"The next audition will take place in Edinburgh on Sunday 18 March and application forms can be downloaded from our website.”

To download an application form, see www.themgaacademy.com/apply/