Creator of Fame drops in to thrill of student

Jun 26 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

A STRATHAVEN Academy student, who also attends the UK Theatre School in Glasgow, was in awe after he met Elmore James – the award-winning writer and director of the musical Fame, which spawned the TV series and movie.

Callum Potter (17), of Strathaven, was one of the Theatre School’s pupils who took part in two professional workshops earlier this month with Elmore James.

The school’s very special guest teacher has received accolades for directing, acting, opera singing and song-writing.

He was a pupil of the famous School of Performing Arts in New York, and at just 17-years-old James Šwrote and directed Fame the musical.

Elmore has 40 years of Broadway, US and International experience, and now adds teacher to his impressive CV. Š

Callum was one of a small group of 16 to 18-year-olds who were part of the class.

He said: “I’m having a fantastic time learning from Elmore.”

UK Theatre School principal, Lizanne Thomson, was thrilled Elmore agreed to work with the pupils.

She said: “The pupils are all about the same age that Elmore was when he actually wrote and directed Fame, so they are very impressed by him and everything he has. There is so much to learn from him that we hope he comes back soon.”