The Jo Reyes Musical Theatre Bursary

We are honored to present The Jo Reyes Musical Theatre Bursary. To learn more about Jo and the lasting impact she had on us, please see the information below.

This bursary is a way to celebrate and share Jo's passion and love for Musical Theatre. We invite all individuals over the age of 18 to apply and experience the joy that Jo brought to this art form.

DETAILS OF BURSARY

The Joanna Reyes Bursary Fund is open year-round to individuals who have not previously enrolled in any Musical Theatre courses at City Academy. A range of bursaries are available, covering single or multiple courses depending on individual suitability.

To apply for consideration, please email abi-mt@city-academy.com with the following:

• Two video recordings of you performing contrasting Musical Theatre songs to a backing track.
• A cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you believe a bursary would be beneficial to you.

We welcome applications from all individuals over the age of 18. We encourage you to apply and share this opportunity with anyone who may benefit from this opportunity.

For any questions, please contact Abi Welford at abi-mt@city-academy.com . 

IN THE WORDS OF JO: #hardworkpaysoff #nodaybuttoday #slay

About Jo

On 17th November 2016, we tragically lost our dear friend, Joanna Reyes, a kind and beautiful person inside and out. Jo was instrumental within the Musical Theatre Company, both as a talented performer and fellow student, always keen to help others and inject positivity on stage and behind the scenes.

In celebration of Jo’s remarkable life, we are thrilled to offer an opportunity to support individuals on their musical theatre journey at City Academy.

Jo loved musical theatre and was keen to support and nurture talent so we feel this is a lovely way for Jo’s spirit to live on within the Musical Theatre department at City Academy.

Rebecca Wicking former Head of Musical Theatre, and close friend of Jo shares her memories:

“I first met Joanna Reyes in 2011 when she took Improvers Musical Theatre at City Academy. She was larger than life, dedicated and determined to get everything right. The energy that she brought into a room with her was infectious and you were always guaranteed lots of laughs when she was around."

I never knew at that moment how long her journey with City Academy would be, but following her course, she joined the Musical Theatre Company and landed many leading roles such as Joanne in Rent, Smitty in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and my personal favourite role that I saw her do, Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret. I remember seeing her play this role in our very first run through, Pippa (the Director) and I burst into tears as it was so powerful.

Her journey continued as we launched The Studio Company, where she played Sarah in Company and of course coming to visit the Main Musical Theatre Company on a regular basis to check that everyone was still ok and keeping her ‘Mamma MT’ role which she naturally took on.

It was when she was in rehearsal for her next role in our Studio Company production of Urine Town that the unexpected happened. Following a rehearsal, Joanna was tragically hit by a car on her way home.

To this day, it still doesn’t seem real and City Academy will never be the same. Joanna WAS City Academy. The friends she has made and the impact she had on so many will live on forever.

Joanna will never be forgotten, neither can we forget that life can be short so let’s live each day to the full and not be afraid to follow our dreams.”