Annie Hyde, former Performing Arts and Music scholar, is currently swapping the historic quadrangles of Rugby School for the neon lights of Manhattan. Now in her first year at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU), Annie is tackling one of the world’s most competitive musical theatre programmes.

Having studied English, Philosophy and Theatre Studies for her A Levels, Annie says her time at Rugby School prepared her for the “intense” world of conservatory training. The transition from the Macready Theatre to the global stage has been a chance in a lifetime for Annie who celebrates how she is able to live out her dream of studying for the big stage.

For Annie, the draw of the American university system was the ability to curate a degree that reflected her diverse interests. While Musical Theatre is her primary focus, the NYU curriculum allows her to maintain the academic rigour she grew to love at Rugby.

"I knew I wanted to study Musical Theatre, but I also wanted to keep my essay and creative writing going," Annie explains. "I can choose electives in anything from Philosophy to French. Living in New York while studying this is quite simply the best experience."

The journey to NYU was not without its hurdles. Annie recalls the "crazy" atmosphere of the auditions, which took place via Zoom in her family kitchen with her mum and dogs in the next room. Despite the low acceptance rates, her faith in her preparation at Rugby paid off.

"Rugby teaches you the value of honest hard work. As a Music and Performing Arts scholar, I often had a 40-hour extracurricular week on top of my A Level studies. You learn that if you manage your time, the reward is like no other."

Annie credits much of her success to the support system within Stanley House and the Drama department. Studying English, Philosophy, and Theatre Studies at A Level, she highlighted the "dream team" of Alix Scot-Martin, Chris Browning, Barnaby Chesterton and Tim Coker as pivotal influences.

For Annie, The Macready Theatre remains a firm highlight from her time at Rugby being the place where creativity comes to life through performances including playing Rapunzel in ‘Into the Woods’. These opportunities are further strengthened by participating in Edinburgh Fringe Festival. “This was a complete dream trip during my LXX summer. Even in New York, the Fringe carries significant weight with industry professionals”.

As one of only two British students in her cohort, Annie is embracing this new challenge of living and studying abroad and has already discovered a burgeoning interest in speech and language coaching - a passion sparked by her classes this semester.

Looking ahead, the goal is clear: Broadway. "I want to see what I'm most passionate about at the end of these four years," she says. "There are opportunities to study the London Shakespeare intensive or Italian drama in Florence - I want to try it all."

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Annie’s message is one of courage. “Don't be as afraid of failing as I was," she reflects. "I used to be anxious to try things because I was scared of the outcome, even when applying to be an academic scholar at Rugby. Put yourself out there. Hard work will always pay off and never be afraid to ask for help."

From grabbing a bagel and walking through Central Park to honing her craft in the studio, Annie Hyde is proof that the foundations laid at Rugby School can truly take you anywhere in the world.