SCHOOLGIRL Sophie Cashman, pictured, has beaten competition from hundreds of wannabe stage stars to earn the chance of a lifetime.

Sophie, aged 16, of Cyril Street, Newport, was one of only 60 youngsters from 260 applicants chosen to attend the month-long course at the National Theatre of Wales Summer Course 2002.

It is a unique opportunity for students to benefit from the teaching and experience of some of the most inspirational tutors.

Training begins on August 12 and ends in September with a production of Buchner's Woyech under the direction of Firenza Guidi.

The production is part of an international project that Firenza is directing with theatre companies in the USA, Iceland, Italy and India.

Sophie was the only one from her drama class in St Joseph's Roman Catholic School at Tredegar Park to be selected for the course, at Aberystwyth University.

She has previously had work experience at the National Theatre of Wales in Cardiff. Sophie's mother Philomena said: "I am so proud of what she has achieved."