SPOTLIGHT%20ON%20PERFORMERS%20DECEMBER%202016

Issue
4
Performers College is delighted to announce that we have been
revalidated to provide the Trinity Level 6 Professional Performing
Arts Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre for a period of six years,
until 2022. The revalidation also means we will maintain our funding
from the Education Funding Agency enabling us continue offering the Dance and Drama
Awards to students meeting the relevant criteria.
Over a period of two days during October we were inspected by Trinity College London and our extremely
positive report reaffirmed that we are still an exemplary provider of this Level 6 Diploma. We really do
achieve fabulous results at Performers College and it is fantastic that we can continue to do so with the
support of Trinity College London.
Issue 3
Graduation Day took
place the day after the
last performance of
Souled Out, with a
champagne Reception at
the Mirren Theatre in
Basildon and special
guest Ruthie Henshall
presenting the
certificates and offering
words of wisdom. Ruth is a renowned Actress,
Singer and Dancer recognised for her work in high
profile musicals such as Cats, Miss Saigon, Chicago,
Oliver and a Chorus Line. Ruthie was an inspiration
and took so much time to stay and chat with
everybody.
There were plenty of opportunities for the ‘Cap &
Gown’ photographs with family and friends and
again quite a few tears as their hard work and
determination to succeed over the last three years
came to fruition. Their talent shone through and
many of them are already working in their chosen
field, whether it be dancing, singing or musical
theatre and we wish them all the best for a
successful career. If that wasn't enough for one
day, they had about an hour to change out of their
graduation outfit to something a little more
glamorous, as their graduation prom took place at
Orsett Hall Hotel where they partied the night away
in style. More tears, more goodbyes and big wide
world here we come! Tom Forder, Annabelle
Ennells and Harriet Bacon did a great job organising
the 2016 prom.
It seems a lifetime ago
now, but the end of year
show 2016 ‘Souled Out’
was actually only five
months ago, such a
shame we could not
feature them in our
Summer edition of Spotlight on Performers but
due to the print deadline it was just impossible.
However, the four shows played to a packed
house every time at the Towngate Theatre in
Basildon and the applause brought the house
down! The talented students from all year
groups were amazing. Guest choreographers
included Kendra J Horsburgh ‘Break Out’ and
Oliver Metzler ‘Dark Light’ whose pieces were
brilliant. The review of Souled Out in the August
edition of the Dancing Times by Laura Dodge can
be read on the following page.
The last performance on 9th July proved to be
very emotional, from staff and parents to family
and friends as the realisation dawned on our
Year three students that this was the final time
they would all dance together. Flowers and gifts
just kept arriving and the front of house staff at
the theatre did a fantastic job ensuring these
were delivered back stage before the shows
began. More news on our 2016 graduates and
where they are working now can be found in this
edition.
Make a date in your diary for our end of year
show 2017 entitled ’Living On The Edge’ from
6-8th July 2017 at the Towngate Theatre in
Basildon.
Performers College, Southend Road, Corringham, Essex, SS17 8JT - 01375 672053 - www.performerscollege.co.uk

Dancing Times Article
August 2016
Souled Out photographs courtesy of
Fiona Whyte Photography

We are delighted and extremely honoured to announce two new patrons of
Performers College, the fabulous Arlene Phillips CBE and creative genius Chris
Bailey who will be joining Kim Gavin, Creative Director for Take That, and The
London Olympic Closing Ceremony in 2012. Performers College welcomes both
Arlene and Chris in support of continuing our mission to promote excellence in
dance and musical theatre training.
Arlene Phillips is a showbiz legend, her dance group Hot Gossip revolutionised
dance in the UK and in 2013 she was honoured by the Queen with a CBE: for her
work with stars from film and TV, to theatre and arenas, choreographing hit West
End and Broadway musicals The Wizard of Oz, Starlight Express, Flashdance, The
Sound of Music, Grease, We Will Rock You and Saturday Night Fever; directing the
concert The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber starring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman; choreographing
for Hollywood directors on films from Annie to Monty Python’s Meaning of Life. Arlene has also
choreographed for over one hundred TV commercials in England and America including 7-Up, American
Express, Burger King, Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, Levi Jeans, Vidal Sassoon and Yellow Pages.
During the 80’s she created some of the most iconic videos for stars such as Whitney Houston, Elton John,
Queen, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, The Bee Gees, Duran Duran, Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, Kiss,
Donna Summer and later Robbie Williams. As a TV judge on So You Think You Can Dance, Strictly Come
Dancing in the UK and Over The Rainbow in Canada, Arlene has become a well-loved household name. This is
in no way an exhaustive list of Arlene’s accolades and professional credits, her incredible career spans over 45
years!
“I have been extremely impressed by the work Performers College is doing to turn their students into
serious triple threats. Not only do their students have the ability to cross all genres of dance but have a
great work ethic and self-discipline.”
Arlene Phillips
Chris Bailey is a Choreographer and Director who began dancing at the age of 7 in
his hometown of Leicester and headed off to London at the age of 17 to attend
Performers College here in Essex. His early professional work was mainly in
television but he also worked in the Music and Fashion industries. Chris’ first real
theatre experience was when he joined the UK cast of Tap Dogs and toured
Europe and Asia for 2 years. On his return to London he became part of the
Original West End cast of Contact. Chris then went on to become an original cast
member and dance captain of the West End production of Thoroughly Modern
Millie which is where he met Rob Ashford who Chris has been working alongside
for 12 years.
Chris has choreographed The Muny’s productions of Tarzan (2014), West Side
Story (2013) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (2012). Chris also choreographed the historic opening number of
the 2013 Tony ® Awards, and served as assistant choreographer for the 2013 and 2014 Academy Awards. Chris
was the associate choreographer for the Broadway revival of Evita; the Broadway productions of How to
Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Promises, Promises and Cry-Baby. In London’s West End, Chris
was the associate choreographer for Guys and Dolls, Evita, Once in a Lifetime and Candide. Tour credits as
choreographer include Evita, The Wedding Singer (US), Guys and Dolls (UK, Australia) and Thoroughly Modern
Millie (UK). On film, credits include Ted 2, Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella, and A Million Ways to Die in the
West.
Chris has had the pleasure of working with some incredible artistes such as Sir Kenneth Branagh, Charlize
Theron, Seth MacFarlane, Channing Tatum, Dan Radcliffe, Hugh Jackman, Eddie Redmayne, Michael
Grandage, Kevin Spacey, Aretha Franklin and many more.
“From an early age I always wanted to be a ‘Brian Rogers dancer'; because of this dream I only ever
wanted to go to one college and that was Performers. It was everything I expected and more. The training
taught me not only the technical skills to succeed in a career as a dancer and choreographer, but also the
values of work ethic, discipline and respect, something that I have carried with me throughout my career.
Performers College always felt like a family and was a joyous place to train and learn. I recommend
Performers College whole heartedly!”
Chris Bailey

The annual MT3 in house show is a well anticipated event and as usual it was a
brilliant, energetic and creative masterpiece! Back in July students were given
an artist; Paul McCartney and the Beatles and had to write, cast, perform and
direct a musical incorporating his songs. Rhian Gill was elected Director and
the audition process began on their return in September. ‘Penny Lane A life in
a Day‘ was born and the hard work began! The storyline written specifically to
accompany the music and song was genius and the attention to detail so
evident. Students even created a replica of Abbey Road in the corridor leading
to the studio to add authenticity. By setting the scene in their own ‘Penny
Lane’ complete with lamppost, bench, takeaway food outlet, barrow selling
flowers and even a newspaper kiosk they were able to take the audience on a
believable journey bringing authentic characters to life. The majority of the
dialogue and singing took place in studio 3 but mid way through we moved to
studio 8 where we were amazed to find a bar club setting complete with
candlelight, twinkly lights, mood lighting and Mikey Robinson on piano! This
created such a buzzing atmosphere the audience could almost taste the cocktails!
Utilising the songs ‘Come Together’, ‘Dance with Another’ and ‘The Girl is Mine’ they showed the chaos
taking place at a wedding. From the groom Jack Willmore and bride Chloe Evans dancing on the bar to
Grace Evans flirting like mad with best man Liam McHugh! Then it was back to studio 3 for the last act and
the song ‘Here comes the sun’ to depict the morning after the night before. ’Live and Let Die’ was their
finale tune with everyone singing their hearts out to a standing ovation. Many thanks to and Mikey
Robinson for the musical arrangements, Michael Gyngell for overseeing the process and of course the
students themselves who were fabulous!
The show raised just under £340 for St Barnabas a charity based in West Sussex close to their
hearts. St Barnabas provides palliative care to adults with life limiting illnesses, both in the
hospice and at home.

For their In-House Show, DT3 presented ‘Blurb’ which was
staged in a library setting, complete with books and
bookcases, even the corridor to the studio had been
decorated to resemble a library. The show was devised
completely by the DT3 students who took us on a magical
journey of fairy tales and upbeat song and dance to the
haunting stories of Anne Franks Diary and The Boy in the
Striped Pyjamas. Anne Franks Diary was choreographed by
Martha Taylor and Chelsie Dyer who complete with 1940’s
costumes took turns to narrate sections of this true story
while 6 dancers beautifully and tastefully bought it to life.
This was followed by the boys in their striped pyjamas
depicting life in a concentration camp through a haunting
routine choreographed by Amy Stokes Dyne.
In the second act we were treated to a beautiful
contemporary number ‘Ditto’ choreographed by
Katherine Thacker as well as a risqué number from both
the boys and girls entitled ‘50 Shades’. Brandon Hunt
devised a thought provoking routine ‘It gets better’ about
an abusive relationship and 3 girls and 3 boys bought this
to life so well. This was followed by a deep storyline
depicting a tale of ‘Dear Teddy’, an imaginary friend with
the dancers dressed in nightwear hugging teddies.
All the girls took part
in a dance to tell the
tale of a
‘Phenomenal
Woman’ Maya
Angelou a black
American poet and
civil rights activist
choreographed by
Kiki d’Marni and
Rhian Gill. After this
intense piece it was
straight in to a fast routine to ‘Jungle Book’ complete
with leopard print costumes followed by a dance mash up of Michael Jackson tunes including ‘Don’t stop till you
get enough’, Working day and night’ and of course Thriller and a fabulous Zombie finale! Excellent work from all
involved!
The event raised £334 for
Supportdogs which is a national
charity (Mainland UK) dedicated
to increasing independence and quality of life for people
with various medical conditions. They provide, train and
support specialist assistance dogs to achieve this. We
had a lovely thankyou message from them too.

This term is a particular
busy one for Year 3, who
not only devised their Inhouse
shows but also took
part in the annual fashion
show choreographed by
Jazz tutors Jo Darnell and
Jony Parrie. The Musical
Theatre students took
centre stage first in front of
staff and fellow students. They sashayed down
the runway in various outfits chosen from their
own wardrobes, ranging from categories in
evening wear, Boho, Florals, Men's leather
jackets, Ladies leather Rock Chic, French Chic,
suited and booted and a party finale. The
upbeat tempo and dance moves were great ,
with the boys bringing the house down with a
rendition of Mustang Sally whilst suited and
booted! The Rock Chic category featured ‘All of
the Day and all of the Night’ complete with
dance moves which left everybody wanting
more! The final runway walk with all of MT3 to
‘So Horny’ was brilliant.
Dance Theatre students didn't disappoint either and with much to
live up to put on a fabulous show a few days later. With categories
such as ‘Winter Wonderland’ featuring coats and jackets and
‘American Woman’ having a rock chic vibe with high waisted
leotards and leather jackets in USA colours the event was off to a
great start. Followed by Military clothing, the boys in khaki
strutted their stuff to the Kanye West track ‘Stronger’ and then ‘Off
the Wall’ had the girls in unitards looking amazing! The ‘Festival’
section included both girls and boys in some rather hippy chic
attire to an up-tempo beat so they could have real fun with it.
Some superfast changes went on behind the scenes and a
monochrome section came next followed by girls in their
underwear complete
with mood lighting to
create a boudoir
atmosphere. Last but
not least, the show
finale featured all
DT3 in glamorous
evening wear and a
fitting end to a lovely
evening.
The purpose of this
event is for students
to learn to ‘walk the walk’ particularly in heels and to remain focused whilst working in such close proximity to an audience. It
can be very difficult for dancers to slow things down and hold a pose, as they are so used to being on the move. It’s a great
experience for them and it certainly entertained the audience!

On Sunday 13th November 2016 Performers College students together with
Principal Tracey Lee, Keeley East Pre-Vocational Co-ordinator and tutors Mikey
Robinson and Vanessa Leagh Hicks attended the Council for Dance Education
& Training (CDET) Dance and Musical Theatre Careers Conference. Held at
Urdang Academy and later on in the evening at the Shaw Theatre it was an
ideal opportunity for Performing Arts colleges from around the UK to showcase their talents and introduce
themselves to prospective students.
Young visitors to the conference together with their parents gained an insight into what it is like to audition
for a vocational college with mock audition classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre.
There was also a seminar on making informed choices when choosing a college, tips for auditions and
what to expect during training.
Mikey and Vanessa hosted a workshop on how to prepare and deliver a song when auditioning at a
Performing Arts College. They were assisted by Performers students Charlotte Neale and Callum
Kaczynski. With a fun approach and role play they really demonstrated how not to audition! Charlotte
wore baggy casual clothing, fidgeted, kept looking at the pianist while singing and did not give a tempo
beforehand to deliberately highlight how awful an audition can be if you don’t plan ahead. Charlotte sang
’Safer’ from First Date and various versions of ’Edge of Glory’ by Lady GaGa to show the most effective
way to perform at an audition.
The audience were encouraged to point out the mistakes and then Charlotte and Callum demonstrated
the correct way to maximise potential and make a lasting impression. Apart from the obvious tips they
also advised them to be confident, tell a story through the song, give tempo and be clear with any cuts in
the music.
Cast of F.E.A.R.
During the evening showcase at The Shaw Theatre
Performers College students (10 boys and two
girls) performed F.E.A.R. a contemporary piece
choreographed by Nikki O’Hara with additional
contribution from Emma Rogers who devised some
spectacular ‘flying’ lifts. F.E.A.R. was created
specifically for our 2nd & 3rd years students to
perform. The title relates to the phrase ‘Forget
Everything & Run. Face Everything & Rise. We
wowed the audience and stood out amongst the
other colleges as one to audition for! Many thanks
to those students who gave up their free time to
represent Performers College and talk to the
visitors about their experiences, training and life
living away from home:
Rehearsing those spectacular lifts!
Veronique Baumgarten, Ben Rutter, Callum
Bowman, Louis Gaunt, Chris Gopaul, Joshua Jung,
Jordan Jules Stock, Dale Moran, Declan Morgan,
Liam McHugh, Charles Lowe-Riddle, Charlotte
Neale, Callum Kaczynski, Tom Mann, Katherine
Thacker & Ashley Townsend.
Every college were asked
to nominate one of their
students taking part in this
event for a special treat. As
you can imagine it was so
difficult for Principal Tracey
Lee to single out one student from Performers College as they were all worthy of a
nomination. Veronique Baumgartnen was nominated and the very lucky winner of a
£50 gift voucher for Capezio to spend on whatever dancewear/shoes her heart
desires! Congratulations Veronique!

In October we welcomed students from
West Herts College in Hertfordshire to join
us for a Taster day. Sue Wright, Dance
Course Leader at the college was
accompanied by 7 students studying the
Extended Diploma in BTEC Dance. They
were thrilled to be invited and loved
touring the facilities, witnessing ballet and jazz classes in action
featuring various Year groups and they even took a full jazz class
with our resident Head of Dance, Tony Parrie. He certainly put
them through their paces, pushing them to the limit and giving
them a real insight into the training at Performers College. They
spent lunch time talking to some of our
students who answered lots of questions about
our audition process, living away from home,
the training at Performers and events and
shows organised during the course. Particular
thanks to Lucy O’Connor in Year 1 who was
assigned to be their guide throughout the visit
and was the perfect Performers College host.
Sue Wright said “this was the ideal opportunity
to witness first hand what life would really be
like for them at a performing arts college,
something which you cannot grasp from
websites or recommendations alone. Our
students loved every minute and we thank you for such a fabulous and informative day”.
Not only do we enjoy having college students visit us for Taster Days but individuals too. Jacob Curtis Smith and Tilly
Boys are past participants of our Easter Events and Summer School and both are considering a career in Musical
Theatre. They attend Hasland Dance Studios in Herne Bay, Kent a Dance School we are in regular contact with and
we were happy to offer them the chance to join us for a day. They were given a timetable just like our current
students and had the chance to chat to everybody to find out as much as they can about Performers College and the
way we train. This what they had to say:
'I absolutely love performers! The environment is safe and
family-like and I feel very comfortable when I visit. On the
Taster Day the students were so nice and helpful, along with
the amazing teachers, I got inspired and encouraged to
continue to follow my dream of being a dancer/performer.
I couldn't pick a favourite dance lesson, I loved it all. I can't
think of anywhere better to dance, I would highly recommend
Performers.' - Jacob Curtis-Smith, 15
'I was lucky enough to be invited by Tracey Lee to have the
opportunity to attend a Taster Day at Performers
College. When I arrived everybody was so chatty and
welcoming giving me as much help and guidance as possible
whenever I needed it . I was able to join in with Jazz, Ballet, Tap and Pilates. The Jazz class with Jo Darnell
was awesome , such a high standard of teaching and encouragement which has made me feel passionate
to work even harder. The Ballet class with Sophia Hurdley was beautiful, I adore her way of teaching and
again this was a great chance to improve my technique tremendously. Throughout the whole day
everyone made me feel part of their college family and I cannot wait to audition and hopefully be
successful to be able to join Performers College next year. Thank you all for such a wonderful day.'
Tilly Boys, 15

An annual event on the Performers
College calendar is the Year 3 Cabaret
evening, which is attended by staff and
fellow students. The studio is arranged with tables & chairs, drinks and snacks to replicate a
cosy club atmosphere. Both Dance and Musical Theatre students are literally under the
‘spotlight’ with songs of their choice, ranging from classics and top 40 hits to musicals. This
year over 60% of Year 3 students took part. Helayna Liviero bought the house down with her
funny version of I’m not pregnant, just fat’ and Liam McHugh sang his version of Me and Mrs
Jones, tweaking the lyrics to create a hilarious version which gave him a standing ovation!
Jordan Jules Stock did a fabulous rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition and Boogie Woogie
Bugle Boy performed by Tess Attrill, Grace Evans and Rhian Gill was really fun! This is a great
opportunity for our Dance Theatre students who do not usually sing on stage to stand up in
front of a live audience. Its wonderful to hear colleagues and students comment on how far
they have come since Year 1.
It was a wonderful evening, with their talent shining through. Well done to students Tom Mann
for the stage management, Tom Brook for lighting & sound and Tutor Vanessa Leagh Hicks for
putting everything together. Last but not least Tutor Mikey Robinson for doing an amazing job
playing live piano for every song!
In October Year 3
students Liam
McHugh and Mollie
Thorpe visited a
dance school in
Cologne, Germany
to assist with
delivering a
workshop called
‘Step Ahead’. Annie
Rogers, principal of
the dance school in
Cologne is in regular
contact with us and
her students love to
come over for our Easter Events and Summer
School. Mollie and Liam danced a jazz duet
choreographed by Keeley East and Mollie a solo
jazz number choreographed by Tony Parrie.
Liam also sang a solo of ‘Its hard to speak my
heart’ from Parade and ‘Run away with me’.
They put their skills to the test helping the
teachers to create a piece for the students to
learn and they really enjoyed the experience.
Well done!
The following Year 3 students had fun helping in the
community recently at the switching on of the Christmas
lights at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon.
Megan Barnes, Beth Mitchell, Chloe Driscoll, Chelsie Dyer,
Abigail Fisher, Bonnie Gunter, Tessa Atrill, Charlotte Neale,
Rianna Jean Abbey, Jessica Baxter & Kyeirah D’Marni.
The Performers College annual Choreographics, Singing and Acting
Finals will take place on Sunday 29th January 2017 at the Thameside
Theatre in Grays, Essex. Students have begun to prepare their
audition pieces ready for the heats when we return in January.
Entrants are from all year groups and must choose the pieces
themselves, write their own material or create dance routines
recruiting fellow students through an audition process, much like in
the real world. Good luck everyone!

On Sunday 30th October
2016 100 of our Performers
College students performed pre-match
entertainment at Wembley Stadium
for the opening of the NFL
International Series between the
Washington Redskins and Cincinnati
Bengals.
Mass Movement, are a London based dance production
agency who create spectacular ceremonial pre match
entertainment for huge sporting events and we were
delighted they invited us to take part.
The timing of the event was so close to Remembrance
Sunday and the selling/wearing of poppies that Creative
Director, Christian Storm created a beautiful tribute to
honour the fallen entitled ‘In Flanders Fields’.
The dancers were dressed from head to toe in white and
held very large pop-up poppies, beginning the routine in
strategically place straight lines which resembled white
gravestones. It was a fantastic routine and the stadium
erupted at the end and all the dancers were ‘buzzing’ from
the atmosphere. The whole event could be seen on Sky Sports 3 and some of the students were even
interviewed by Fox News!
Many thanks to all our students who gave up 4 days of their free time during half term to rehearse and
our member of staff Jo Stonebrook for her brilliant organisation skills, arranging costume fittings and
chaperoning them to the event.
Mass Movement will also be using our students again
for the FA Cup Final in 2017 which we are very excited
Four tutors from
Performers College
recently visited
Read Dance &
Theatre College in
Reading and Miskin Theatre North Kent College to talk to
prospective students through the audition process, to help
calm nerves and give them an idea what is expected of
them on an audition day at Performers College. They also
take a class to make it more fun and set the scene! Eileen
Thorogood took the ballet class and Keeley East the Jazz
class at Read College. In Kent at Miskin Vanessa Leagh
Hicks advised on singing audition technique and Keeley
took a Jazz class. We are really looking forward to
auditioning these students over the next few months.
Our elected Student Reps for 2016-2017 are:
Year 1: Samuel Cornick & Lindsay Woodman
Year 2 MT: Akeem Hyman & Isabelle Hetherington
Year 2 DT: Georgie Cox & Mitchel Eley
Year 3 MT: Tom Mann & Rhian Gill
Year 3 DT: Helayna Liviero & Ben Rutter
They will be representing Performers College at
various events throughout the coming year.

In August 2016, the ISTD (The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) visited dance schools in
Hanoi and Ho Che Min cities in Vietnam as part of a Cultural Exchange Workshop. This was a
new initiative enabling all participants to appreciate additional skills, while promoting the ISTD’s
work regarding safe teaching, sound techniques and of course, appreciation of dance. The
programme delivered an exciting experience, exchanging international and local performing arts
cultures while enhancing dance knowledge and techniques. They were taught by ISTD qualified
professionals, in genres ranging from ballet, Commercial Hip-Hop, Modern and Jazz to
Dancesport.
Over one week, ISTD Chair, Sue
Passmore, and ISTD Chief Executive,
Hassan Khan, were joined by
teachers, students and demonstrators at the SOUL Music &
Performing Arts Academy and the Military University of
Culture and Arts in Hanoi to present the “ISTD Dance
Experience Tour” in collaboration with Vietnam Music &
Arts Education (VMA Education). The VMA Education’s
mission is to promote and develop curriculum and
certifications from music and arts educational institutions
and publishers, to educational providers in Vietnam.
We were delighted to be involved in this project and joining them in Vietnam were Performers College tutor Keeley
East and our students Ben Rutter, Kiki D’Marni, Amira Kendal and Will Trafford. They had a showcase of routines to
perform for the participants including a Jive featuring all four of them choreographed by Emma Rogers as well as a
Contemporary Modern duet for Ben & Kiki to ‘Just the Way You Are’ choreographed by Performers College
Principal Tracey Lee, both specifically for this event. They taught a variety of dance genres to ages ranging from
little ones of 3 to adults up to 23 years old and at the end of each day they demonstrated what they had learnt to a
small audience. On the last day there was a little time for sightseeing and culture before the long flight home. It
was an amazing experience for them all and a very successful and worthwhile trip. Well done guys!
Ben & Keeley teaching a class
Happy dancers, organisers & teachers!

Can You Dance? Was founded in 2012 by BBC TV series ‘So You Think
You Can Dance’ winner Matt Flint and Tom Shilcock, who reached the final
five. The aim of the convention is to make dance accessible for all ages and
abilities, whether it’s to pursue a career in performing arts or just dance for
fun. It’s also a great place to discover new talent. Visitors can browse the
Industry Exhibition, shop for dance wear, find out about college
opportunities and seek career advice as well as take part in seminars and
masterclasses with dance experts all in one place.
The events take place throughout the year in various UK towns and
Performers College are always in attendance with a fabulous routine to
highlight our Outstanding Ofsted Award and promote our fabulous facilities.
Earlier this year we were in Worcester, Nottingham, Leeds, and Newcastle,
where we were able to promote the college and showcase our talented
students who performed their breath-taking Sing Sing Sing routine
choreographed by Emma Rogers, which brought the house down at every
event!
Next year CYD will also be in Essex for the first time and of course we
couldn't miss that opportunity! Our other venues for 2017 are Norwich &
Nottingham - see you there!
Boys Day on 8th October was another successful event. With over 30 boys aged between
13 to 18 spending the day at Performers College. It was a great opportunity for them to sign
up for a full day of classes for free! Split into two age related classes they were put through
their paces by Performers College Tutors, Kieran Jae, Ken Lewis, Blair Tookey and former
graduate Jon Smith and loved every minute! Our next Boys Day will be held on Saturday
24th June 2017. We are taking bookings already so book early to avoid disappointment!

Summer School 2016
Performers College Summer School event was another roaring success this year and just gets more
popular year on year! At the end of July Emma Rogers and Keeley East did an amazing job teaching
dance to students from the ages of 12 –18 years and with guest choreographers popping in this
added to the excitement. Particularly when former graduate Kyle Seeley, currently Dance Captain
on the West End production of Aladdin came in
and taught them a number from the show!
Head of Singing, Mikey Robinson worked with
them on the infamous Aladdin tune ‘A Whole
New World’ which sounded great. Niki O’Hara
taught them a contemporary number and Lucia
Gonzalez commercial Jazz.
Not only did they have a busy schedule during
the day but lots of fun times during the evening
with a quiz night, party night, trip to Laser
Kombat and also a visit to London to see ‘In the
Heights’. On the last afternoon relatives are
invited to see the students perform all they have
learnt with a mini showcase in the studio. The
standard of singing and dancing was fantastic
and so inspiring to see what they had learnt in
just 5 days. Congratulations to Holly Brown and
Jacob Simpson Gore who were awarded a
scholarship to our Summer School 2017 and we
look forward to catching up with them again
next year.
Many thanks to the Performers College
students who gave up a week of their summer
holidays to help chaperone the trips and assist
with the dance and singing classes, you were
fab! Dates for our next Summer School are
24-28th July and details can be found on our
website under the Events tab.

Move it is a must
on any dancers
calendar! For 2017
the event will be
held at the Excel
Centre in London
from 10-12th March where it will feature
performances from dance schools and colleges
from all over the UK. Over three days around
22,000 visitors will have a totally unique dance
experience, with performances, workshops, advice
as well as shopping, what more could you want!
There’s plenty to choose from and whether you’re
a huge ballroom fan, ballet buff, hip-hop newbie,
desperate to try belly dance or keen to master
your technique, you can find a huge range of
dance styles to satisfy every dance enthusiast,
no matter your ability level.
Performers College always make a massive impact
on the main stage at Move It and we will be
performing again in 2017 too. Keep an eye on our
facebook & twitter feed for details nearer the time
where we will announce the choreographer. If
last year is anything to go by visitors will be in for
a treat! In 2016 we performed a jaw dropping,
sensational piece ‘Sing Sing Sing’ by resident
choreographer Emma Rogers and ‘ Break Point’
by renowned choreographer Kendra J Horsburgh.
We are so proud of our talented and committed
dancers at Performers College and cant wait to
showcase their talents at Move It.
Photo Credit Fiona Whyte Photography
www.fionawhytephotography.co.uk/For-Sale/Move-It-2016
We held our annual Open Day on 10th & 11th November and with over 400
prospective students through the doors in four sessions it was an extremely busy
few days! Visitors had the chance to see a small showcase choreographed by
Performers College staff to demonstrate how diverse our training is here. Dance
genres ranged from Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and solo
performances. Students also performed the piece F.E.A.R. that was
choreographed for the CDET Careers Day which took place a few days later. Five current students
did an amazing job guiding the visitors around the college and answering lots of questions on route.
Well done to Jennifer Ashe, Akeem Hyman, Isabelle Hetherington, Georgie Cox and Mitchel Eley.
Principal Tracey Lee introduced herself and made an informative welcome speech with a question
and answer session at the end of each showcase. Audition dates for our September 2017 intake are:
Saturday 3 rd December 2016 Saturday 21 st January 2017
Thursday 16 th February 2017
Friday 17 th February 2017 (boys audition day)
Monday 27 th March 2017 (boys audition day) Tuesday 28 th March 2017
Wednesday 29 th March 2017 Thursday 30 th & Friday 31st March 2017

This term we have had some excellent guest
lecturers for Year 3 students. They just love
Mondays each week when a new face from the
industry arrives at Performers College to deliver a
fresh and exciting workshop.
Lucy Banfield, Assistant Choreographer on the The
Bodyguard and Guys n Dolls (West End) and
Grease (Royal Caribbean) taught sections from the
West End production of Guys n Dolls which was a
fantastic insight to Carlos Acosta’s choreography.
Mike Denham who is a regular actor and dancer
performing in many shows including Contact, On
Your Toes, Kiss Me Kate, Chicago, Never Forget,
Matilda and The Bodyguard taught the swing
section from Contact and the opening number of
Never Forget which was enjoyed by everyone.
Lisa spencer presented a lovely girlie workshop
which gave insight to the commercial world such
as X Factor and The Brits etc. She was very
intricate and paid attention to detail with all the
students.
On 14th November Alex Jackson currently
appearing in Thriller Live came in to teach a
Thriller Live workshop and also a piece he
choreographed for the MOBO Awards on
Channel 4.
Former Graduate of Performers College Oliver
Metzler gave a fantastic class putting them
through their paces. He did a general class/
workshop which they loved and can’t wait for him
to return!
Lisa Mathieson (Groundhog Day and Dirty Rotten
Scoundrels) gave a great workshop on 28th
November with the girls requiring trainers and
heels for the numbers.
Artistic Director at
Performers College
Chris Baldock has been
busy working on a few
projects, when not at
Performers. At the end
of September he
choreographed a piece
for the Restaurant and Bar Design
Awards using three former graduates;
Hannah Bodenham, Renee Ocran and
Billy Sawyer. A new musical filmed at
Shepperton Studios ‘Face the Music’
also gave Chris the opportunity to use
four other former graduates of
Performers College; Fran Dearlove,
Lucia Gonzalez, Katherine Isles and
again Hannah Bodenham. Chris has
most recently been in Los Angeles and
San Diego to choreograph and direct ‘A
Snow White Christmas’ for the Lythgoe
Family Panto Company. Thereafter he
will be flying to China to be an Artistic
Consultant for a new TV show ‘Little
Big Shots’ for Warner Bros. We look
forward to catching up with him in
January 2017!
We are thrilled to
announce the following
graduates from 2016 have completed all their
DDI units and now hold a full DDI Teaching
Qualification. Many thanks to Jackie Barnes, DDI
Co-ordinator and the following students for their
hard work and commitment over the last few
years::
Performers College
students are not the
only ones treading the
boards this festive season. Singing Tutor
Sarah-Louisa Elliot is playing the Fairy
Godmother in the Rodgers & Hammerstein
production of Cinderella, a musical version
of the classic tale at the Trinity Theatre in
Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Last year Sarah-
Louisa played Widow Corney in a production
of Oliver for the Trinity Theatre.
Rhiannon Bennet
Ellen Budd
Jessica Clarke
Janine Cook
Emily Cotter
Harriet Gregory
Sarah Hanly
Alison Head
Amy Lucas
Rebbecca Wood
Kelly McCormack
Natalie Michael
Emily Penny
Alice Preston
Emily Scott
Daisy Smalley-Nicholson
Heather Stodter
Tiffany Wells
Jamie Welsh

Many Congratulations to Simon
James Green, Head of Acting at
Performers College who has just
written his debut novel, a laughout-loud
and come-out-proud
novel, Noah Can’t Even.
Linas Alsenas at Scholastic UK
bought World Rights from Simon’s
agent, Joanna Moult from Skylark
Literary, having been captivated by a painfully geeky
protagonist Noah Grimes. Desperate to survive
school, Noah thinks his best chance at social normalcy
is to start a relationship with the wonderful Sophie.
However his plans are derailed when his best (and
only) friend Harry kisses him at a party, that's when
things go from bad to utter chaos. Teens everywhere
will relate to the sheer excruciating awkwardness on
every page of this funny and ultimately heart-warming
novel.
Debut author Simon has worked extensively as a
director for stage and television. He directed
“Hollyoaks” for C4 and co-writes screenplays such as
“Rules of Love”, a feature-length teen rom-com for
the BBC. His first feature film, The Infinity Boys, is
currently in development. Simon brings his gifts for
drama, humour and pitch-perfect character
development to bear in his first novel, the opening
chapters of which won him selection for SCBWI's
Undiscovered Voices 2016.
Simon says: “Being published by Scholastic is a dream
come true, and it’s an honour to join their list of such
wonderful authors. The Scholastic team are
fantastically supportive, and I’m really looking forward
to working with them to bring this funny, confused,
complex mess of a teenage boy into the world. It’s
incredibly exciting – you could even say, I literally can’t
even right now!”
Linas Alsenas, Commissioning and Development Editor
– Fiction for Scholastic UK, says: “I often hear editors
say something along the lines of “As an editor, I live in
hope that a book like this will cross my desk,” but in
the case of Noah Can’t Even, there’s no other way to
put it. I love this book. It gives me all the feels, but
most of all a steady stream of genuine, snort-out-loud
laughs. The plot twists are shocking and mad – poor
Noah – and yet the characters never cease to be real
and fully drawn. I’m really looking forward to readers
getting to know Simon, who is just as hilarious and
fabulous as you would expect from his writing.”
We cant wait to read it when it is published in
May 2017
As part of their Three Year Diploma all students
attend several shows throughout the year and
evaluate them for their contextual work. So far
this term Year 1 students have seen Best Of
Broadway at the Royal Albert Hall which
featured our very own singing tutor Mike Dore
and on 28th November they were delighted to
see their ballet tutor Sophia Hurdley in action
dancing the lead role in The Happy Prince at the
Lyric Theatre in London. THE HAPPY PRINCE is
a classic Oscar Wilde story brought to life, with a
score by opera singer Hal Cazalet.
Sophia’s performance included the heart
breaking pas de deux between the tragic
Swallow (Alan Vincent) and the Happy Prince,
directed by quadruple Oliver Award winner
Maria Friedman and choreographed by hotshot
Drew McOnie (In The Heights).
The show was featured in New Songs 4 New
Shows, which is just that, the first opportunity to
enjoy a sneak preview of four exciting new
musicals that will go into production from 2017
onwards. When Sophia is not tutoring at college
she is also a principal dancer with Matthew
Bourne’s New Adventures Company. During the
show students were also able to preview
‘Wigmaker’ a modern hairy fairy tale about wigs
coming to life, starring Douglas Hodge, Haydn
Gwynne and Clive Carter. ‘Fanatical’ a romantic
comedy which takes place at a Science Fiction
Convention and starred Mel Giedroyc and
Gemma Whelan and ‘Joan’ the life and times of
Joan Littlewood, a renowned British Theatrical
Director with Ian Shaw.
All year groups will also be seeing ‘Half a
Sixpence’ in January and Dream Girls in March,
both of which are in the West End. Year 2
Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures in Dartford
on 22nd February and Y2 & 3 Motionhouse
Scattered at the Peacock Theatre in London in
April .

Year 2 student Louis Gaunt has had a
busy few months combining work with
college. At the end of October Louis
performed on the Strictly Come Dancing
results show as a dancer for British soul
singer/song writer Laura Mvula. Also
dancing on this particular show were
former Performers College graduates
Kyle Seeley and Zoe Purpuri. Louis will be on our TV screens again in a one off
spectacular called The Universe choreographed by Arlene Phillips, which was
filmed in front of a live audience at Elstree Studios earlier this term and will be shown on Boxing Day at 9.30pm on
BBC2. The Universe is a unique collaboration by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, the creators of Spamalot, with Professor
Brian Cox and choreographer Arlene Phillips, this is a unique comedy combining facts about the universe alongside
an extraordinary explosion of music, dance and special effects.
Based on a true story; forty one years ago Rutland Weekend Television presented a Christmas Special on BBC2
starring Beatle George Harrison. Now through lack of popular demand it’s back and this time the special guest star
is Professor Brian Cox. Unfortunately Professor Brian is late arriving from Patagonia where, out of all cell phone
touch, he has been studying the earth’s magnetic field and so does not realise that this one hour special about The
Universe he’s been invited to appear in, is in fact a musical put on by The Muriel Tritt
School of Music and Dance. He is greeted by Eric Idle and Robin Ince at the door and
hustled into the start of what he thinks is his usual lecture. To his horror he discovers
that musical dance numbers continually break out interrupting his talk, including
Warwick Davis singing a song about the Universe “It makes You Feel so Small”, Noel
Fielding appearing as Einstein singing “The Speed of Light” and Eric Idle singing “The
Infinite Monkey Cage” from his hit BBC Radio Show and “The Galaxy Song” with the
voice of Stephen Hawking! Things go from bad to worse when Hannah Waddingham,
playing “Time” is late and Brian’s mounting frustration and dislike of the show he is
trapped in is further exacerbated by Morecambe and Wise (Jonty Stephens & Ian
Ashpitel) appearing because (of course) it is a Christmas Special. Look out for the show
and see if you can spot Louis!
Louis is currently an ensemble dancer in the Robinson Crusoe Panto at the Cliffs Pavillion Theatre in Southend with
Brian Conley and Gok Wan. He has six other Performers College students to keep him company during the Panto
season as Chloe Evans, Ross John, Joshua Jung, Kirby Sztanko, Megan Barnes and Jack Willmore, all in Year 3, are in
the same show. Good luck guys!
Year 3 students Dale Moran, Megan Bew, Mollie Thorpe and graduates Harry Morely, Chris Jones, Ollie
Weldon and Emma Smith are currently in Dallas, USA in the production of Broadway Christmas Wonderland.

We currently have former graduates and current Year 3 students working with Choreographer Emma
Rogers on Christmas shows for Spirit Productions in various cities in the USA and Canada. Christmas
Wonderland is one of the most enchanting and delightful Christmas shows with the world’s largest
floating ice pond being lowered onto the stage where two championship ice skaters perform a
remarkable routine with beauty and grace, The sounds of Christmas classics like ‘White Christmas,
‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Deck the Halls’, ‘Rocking around the Christmas Tree’ and more
are beautifully sung by the highest kicking chorus line you will ever see! A brilliant show full of
magical and colourful Winter Wonderland memories for guests and everyone involved.
West Coast USA Tour
Christmas Wonderland
East Coast USA Tour
Christmas Wonderland
Dallas
Broadway Christmas Wonderland
Dom Le Brun Shauna Olley Chris Jones
Jaimee Welsch Kayleigh Cook Emma Smith
Louisa Clarke Tilly Ould Ollie Welden
Niagara Falls Christmas on Ice Amy Magnus Harry Morley
Keanan Knight Frances Dearlove Megan Bew
Scott Edwards Josie Campbell Mollie Thorpe
Dale Moran

Current Year 3 students Caitlin Harvey & Charlotte
Mitchell are both spending the Panto season in
Scotland. Caitlin is dancing in Cinderella in Glasgow and
Charlotte is in Beauty & the Beast in Kilmarnock. Hope
its not too cold up there!
Year 3 student Morgan Hughes is playing the part of Fairy
Rosebud in Beauty and the Beast in Redditch. Molly
Langley also in Year 3 is playing a Princess in Jack & the
Beanstalk for Reamba Productions, which is touring the UK
over the festive period.
Graduates from 2016 Kayleigh Cook, Shauna Olley, Josie Campbell & Jaimee Welch touring either the West or
East Coast of America in the musical extravaganza Broadway Christmas Wonderland.
The Panto Aladdin in
Chesterfield is sure to
be home from home
this festive season as 7
current Year 3
Performers College
students will all be in
the same production!
Chloe Driscoll is playing
the Slave of the Ring,
whilst Jessica Baxter,
Helayna Liviero,
Kyeirah D’Marni,
Zoe Pandelli,
Gregory Cox and
Mitchell Eley are
dancers. I think so
many fun times are
ahead!

One snow-dusted night in a house in
London, Jenny helps her daughter
Anna write a letter to Santa Claus –
marking the start of an epic
adventure with Santa, his devoted
PA, Ms Drift, and Chief Elf Joe, in a
battle against the evil Ice Queen.
With 8 current Performers College
students dancing together in Santa
Claus the Musical in Portsmouth
they are sure to have an amazing
experience! Congratulations to:
Jessica Simmons Year 3
Chloe Cornick Year 3
Janette Pearson Year 3
Katherine Thacker Year 3
Declan Morgan Year 3
Callum Bowman Year 2
Callum Kaczynski Year 2
Joshua Piper Year 2

Down in Yeovil, Somerset Yr 3 student
Chris GoPaul is brushing up on his fire
eating skills for his role of dancer in
the pantomime Peter Pan.
,
Year 3 student Amy Stokes-Dine is dancing in Cinderella
at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, starring
Ryan Thomas (Coronation Street) as Buttons.

Congratulations to Performers College
Graduate Christina Shand as she joins the
ensemble cast of the brand new West End
Musical 42nd Street which opens at the
Drury Lane Theatre in March 2017. An
American fable that never fails to sweep
audiences off their feet, the London
production of 42nd Street will be a
vivacious, technicolour masterpiece that
features a cast of more than 50, performing
all-new songs and dances as well as
favourites such as ‘We’re In The Money’,
‘Lullaby Of Broadway’, ‘Shuffle Off To
Buffalo’, ‘Dames’, ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’
and ‘42nd Street’.
Congratulations to former graduate Tara Verloop
on her recent casting as Linda in the exciting new
production of The Wedding Singer Musical UK
Tour. Since graduating Tara has performed in the
West End in Dirty Dancing and is currently in
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Former Graduate Tasha
Leaper is one of the most
sought after Madonna
tribute acts in the UK with
the looks, the voice and the
moves she delivers a truly
authentic Madonna
experience. She is currently
touring the UK and comes to
us in Essex at the Towngate
Theatre in Basildon on 24th
February 2017. Must make
a date for that show!
Wonderful to hear that former Performers
College graduate Joseph Prouse is joining
the cast of Beautiful The Carol King
Musical as Donnie Kirshner in the West
End. Joseph has been kept very busy since
graduating and accrued an incredible list
of West End credits including Mamma Mia,
Evita, Footloose, Jersey Boys and Shrek.
Congratulations!

Former Performers
College graduate
Josephine Lee is the
World’s leading
Female Illusionist,
performing deathdefying
illusions such
as the Table Of Death,
jaw dropping
levitations and thrilling
water escapes that will
have you holding your
breath in suspense.
Josephine entered the magic world when she was
offered a role in a show fresh out of Las Vegas.
Little did she realise that she was about to embark
on a journey that would change her life.
Once introduced to the thrills of magic her dancing
career took a back seat, and she has spent the last
ten years travelling the word and dazzling
audiences with illusions.
Josephine’s career started with the master
magician Hans Klok, the world-leading illusionist
famous for his speed. It was whilst working with
Hans Klok that Josephine and he broke the world
record for the fastest number of illusions to be
performed in 5 minutes – an accolade that
remains unchallenged to this day.
Her passion for magic and the art of deception has
given her the opportunity to perform to audiences
of thousands, from Prince Albert of Monaco to
Stella McCartney and Germaine Jackson. Her work
has taken her from the stages of London’s West
End to hundreds of European theatres and large
arenas and even included filming in Mexico City
with some of South America’s biggest names in
support of the 2011 Fifa World Cup.
In the UK Josephine’s
television credits include
‘The Magicians’ which is a
current show on ITV on
Sunday evenings and ‘The
One Show’ on BBC 1.
Josephine also starred in
Impossible an Illusionist
Show which toured the
West End, UK and Europe last summer.
Southend Road, Corringham, Essex, SS17 8JT
Musical Theatre : 3 Year Course
Dance Theatre
Pre-Vocational
: 3 Year Course
: 1 Year Course
Easter & Summer Courses
Audition dates for
September 2017 intake
Saturday 3 rd December 2016
Saturday 21 st January 2017
Thursday 16 th February 2017
Friday 17 th February 2017 (boys audition day)
Monday 27 th March 2017 (boys audition day)
Tuesday 28 th March 2017
Wednesday 29 th March 2017
Thursday 30 th March 2017
Friday 31 st March 2017
Easter Event 5th - 7th April 2017
Summer Show - ‘Living On The Edge’
6 - 8th July 2017
Summer School 24 - 28th July 2017
Courtesy of Fiona Whyte Photography
Performers College, Southend Road, Corringham, Essex, SS17 8JT - 01375 672053 - www.performerscollege.co.uk