Talented teen on his way to LA

A YOUNG Southside boy is travelling to Los Angeles, California this summer to represent Ireland at the forthcoming World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA).

Luke Andrew Feeney (14), of Grange Manor, Rathfarnham recently found out that he has been selected, following auditions, to represent Team Ireland at the WCOPA in July.

Now in its 18th year, this is the only international talent competition of its kind held annually in Hollywood.

Contestants at the World Championships can win gold, silver and bronze medals in the disciplines of dancing, singing, acting, modelling and instrumentals in the junior age categories (15 and under) and seniors (ages 16 and over), as well as solos and groups.

In addition, for the lucky few, a total of over e130,000 in scholarships can be won at the event for the Millennium Dance Complex in North Hollywood, California and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts School of Film and Television.

Luke, who will be travelling to the competition in a team of 14, said he was excited and extremely proud to be representing Team Ireland in the World Championships in the categories of drama, dance, vocal and costumes.

He has been involved in drama and the performing arts since the age of four with the Croine Flaherty School Of Speech & Drama in Marley Grange and since 2011 with the Talented Kids Performing Arts School run by Maureen Ward and her team in Clondalkin.

Luke is in second year at St Benildus College, Kilmacud having attended primary school in the Divine Word, Marley Gra­nge.

Since joining Talented Kids, Luke first appeared on stage in 2011 as an orphan in

‘Oliver!’ at the National Concert Hall and the following year played the parts of a puppet and altar boy in

‘The Sound of Music’ at the same venue.

In 2012 Luke sung, danced and presented a sketch at the

‘Talented Kids 10 year Anniversary Show’ in the Gaiety Theatre and last year was a member of the Talented Kids crew performing at the

‘Young Performers Showcase’ in Her Majesty’s Theatre, West End, London.

Luke has done most of his work as a regular on RTE’s children television programme

‘Elev8’, co-presenting, reporting and interviewing.

He has also had the role of presenter of the children’s series

‘101 things to do before you are a teenager’ as well as his biggest acting role to date as

‘Noddy’ in the RTE comedy show

‘Damo & Ivor’.

Luke loves dancing, drama and singing, particularly hip-hop and also enjoys sport playing football, Gaelic games and chess with Leicester Celtic, Ballinteer St Johns and St Benildus Chess Club.