Students from The Studio recently showcased their talents at the National Association of Teachers of Singers' (NATS) Southeastern Regional competition, where they competed against over 400 participants from across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Among the competitors, eight local students stood out, securing top placements in both the Commercial Music and Musical Theatre categories.

Mary Claire Kelley from Rockwell Elementary clinched the 1st position in both the Kids Commercial Music and Kids Musical Theatre categories. Following closely, Ford Macklem from Fairhope West Elementary secured the 2nd spot in the Kids Musical Theatre category, while Nia Faith from Daphne East Elementary claimed 3rd place in the same category. Brady Mae Birdsong from Belforest Elementary and Priscilla Simmons from Silverhill Elementary tied for 4th place in the Kids Musical Theatre category.

In the Youth categories, Wynter Marlow from Fairhope Elementary emerged victorious, securing 1st place in the Youth Commercial Music category and 3rd place in the Youth Musical Theatre category. Adalyn Lyles from Robertsdale High and Madison Smith from Spanish Fort High shared the 4th place spot in the Lower High School Musical Theatre category.

These talented students have earned the opportunity to compete for over $84,000 in prizes at the National Student Auditions during the upcoming 58th NATS National Conference in Knoxville, Tennessee this Summer.

Additionally, several other students were recognized as Regional Semi-Finalists despite not advancing to the National Student Auditions. They include Addie Bolton from Spanish Fort Elementary, Ree Gibson from Fairhope Middle, Sara Barr from Renaissance School, Lily Melton from Daphne High, Portia Hollis from Gulf Shores High, Lily Grace Gordon who is homeschooled, Mary Carlisle Collins from Spanish Fort High and Molly Hughes from Bayside Academy.

The Studio, located in Daphne, is an award-winning educational performing arts studio, offering one-on-one lessons in various disciplines such as acting, dance, guitar, piano, stage makeup, violin and voice. For more information about The Studio, visit www.TheStudioAL.com.

Founded in 1944, the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada and more than 35 other countries. To learn more about NATS, visit www.NATS.org.