Alumni
We are proud of every student for what they achieve with Centre Stage, those below have moved on to become professional performers or currently attend some of the best Performing Arts Schools and Colleges in the country. Click their bio to find out more about our wonderful alumni.
Alumni
We are proud of every student for what they achieve with Centre Stage, those below have moved on to become professional performers or currently attend some of the best Performing Arts Schools and Colleges in the country. Click their bio to find out more about our wonderful alumni.
REBECCA
REBECCA WELLINGTON
Rebecca has recently joined the West End cast of The Book Of Mormon.
I’m so grateful for my experience at Centre Stage. the environment there was one of a big happy family!
Centre Stage made me believe in my abilities as a performer. Giving me a lot of confidence, they pushed me out of my comfort zone and played a big role in my performing journey! I’ll never miss a tech day again!
TAYLOR
TAYLOR O'NEIL
I attended Centre Stage for 7 years, from the age of 10. Centre Stage helped me a huge amount with developing my confidence and my skills as a performer and an actor. They provided me with amazing opportunities to perform in their well-crafted shows and to do what I love most. They helped me build relationships with new people who I would never have been able to meet if it wasn’t for them.
The skills and confidence that Centre Stage gave me helped me to earn a place on the Music Performance Course at The BRIT School, where I will be studying until 2021. I cannot thank Centre Stage enough for everything that they have done for me, and even after leaving, I still think about all the amazing memories that they gave to me over the 7 years of being there. Thank you Centre Stage! x
GEORGIA
GEORGIA SIMMONS
Being a part of Centre Stage will forever be something I am very grateful for! It was with them that I started to learn who I was as a performer, through both the shows we put on and the weekly technical classes.
It was with all the help and support from Centre Stage that I found the confidence and a love for performing that I hadn’t previously had. I went on to do a one year Foundation in Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban and then on to a three year Acting for Stage and Screen degree at PPA.
Even after leaving, Centre Stage has been a massive part of my life, not only for how much they did for me as a performer but also as they gave me the opportunity to complete my teacher training with them in the summer. I learnt so many valuable skills that I can take with me going forward, It’s safe to say I wouldn’t be where I am today without Centre Stage!
JACK
JACK SIMMONS
Centre Stage was great for me. I’ve always been in love with performing and Centre Stage allowed me to become comfortable on stage and trust in my abilities. They gave me a platform to grow and refine myself as a performer, challenging me to be the best I could.
Alongside putting on great show. It was the technical classes that changed me as a performer, making me think deeper about how to go about performing in acting, song and dance.
They taught me a lot and gave me a foundation to get a place studying at the BRIT school for 2 years and now a 3 year course studying at PPA. Centre stage allowed me to grow as a performer and as a person. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities they have given me!
HECTOR
HECTOR JONSON
I will always be so thankful for everything I have gained through attending Centre Stage. I always looked forward to classes every weekend! Centre stage was a home away from home for me and so many others. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and I always felt welcome.
Not only that but the amazing staff at Centre Stage helped me to become performer I am today. Thanks to skills I learned at Centre Stage I was able to go to my first choice University, Canterbury Christ Church, to study Commercial Music Performance. Majoring in Drums and Vocals. I came out of my Degree with the highest performance grades on my course 2 years running and graduated with one of the highest marks overall.
I am currently working on multiple projects as a session drummer and vocalist, I gig on a weekly basis, and am finding my feet in the Music industry. Centre stage will always be a huge credit in my success as a musician and a person. The academy will always be special to me and so many others, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for the students and staff at Centre Stage!
Thank you for everything Centre Stage!
MIA
MIA USHER
I have recently graduated from Italia Conti training in Musical Theatre. Centre stage honestly changed my life so much, when I first joined when I was 13 years old, singing and acting in front of people would bring me to tears.
Frankie and Lydia believed in me and gave me opportunities to build on my confidence. The teachers helped me with my technique in all of the disciplines and supported me through my whole time there. If it wasn’t for everyone at Centre Stage, including the students, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
I couldn’t recommend Centre stage enough, even now that I’m 20 whenever I need them there always there for me and help me however they can.
Since Graduating I have now become a Little Ones and Singing teacher at multiple academies for Centre Stage, whilst managing our new sister company CSTA Parties!
HARRISON
HARRISON PETTMAN
Centre Stage has set me on my quest to become one of the biggest stars in the world, because of Centre Stage I have achieved everything I’ve tried.
I got into Brit school and graduated with a level 3 extended diploma, and now I am in my first year at Bird College Conservatoire.
I have danced at the Brit awards beside Hugh Jackman and I have danced alongside Rita Ora.
Centre Stage was the start of my career, I had no confidence when I started out, but after 7 long years I can now say I am a force to be reckoned with. I am such a determined individual and anything I set my hopes and dreams on, I go out and I get with a positive attitude.
Without Centre Stage, I don’t think I would be where I am now, so the only words I can say are thank you.
SUMMER
SUMMER RAINE THOMAS
I was a student at Centre Stage for 11 years and it’s 100% the reason I am where I am today. I went on to study Musical Theatre at The BRIT School and am now at Drama School in Brighton studying a degree in Musical Theatre so I can break my way into the industry. The skill set that I had been taught to help me get into Brit and Drama School all came from Centre Stage, they taught me everything I know and I’m forever grateful for everything all the teachers have done for me.
I’m now lucky enough to be a Singing teaching at the Gravesend Saturday Academy and watching the children enjoy the classes as much as I did when I was their age really does put the biggest smile on my face. Centre Stage will always be a major part of my life and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for me.
TOMMY
TOMMY JEAL
I couldn’t be more grateful for my time at Centre Stage, they helped me so much gain confidence in performing. I was always pushed to try new things and Centre Stage made me fall in love with every aspect of performing.
With the confidence I gained at Centre Stage I have gone on to train at The Centre PAC where I am training in Musical Theatre. Centre Stage helped me improve in all aspects of performing and also provided me with a second family. I still go back to visit my friends and teachers frequently because it is such a special place where you always feel welcome and looked after by everyone!
CAMERON
Cameron Laing
For over 6 years I attended weekly Centre Stage classes. From a little shy 11-year-old who loved to sing to a confident 17-year-old aspiring performer. I have had various roles at my time at Centre Stage ranging from a teacher to a priest to a drag queen.
Centre Stage is a great place to meet your best friends, I have made amazing memories and lifelong friends.
Centre Stage challenged me and taught me new things every week, they developed my skills and gave me the courage to audition for colleges. I am currently in my 2nd year at the BRIT school studying Musical Theatre and I am loving it. Without Centre Stage I would have never been able to do the things I am doing today. So, thank you to all the team at Centre Stage! Xx
HARRY
HARRY THOMAS
I absolutely loved going to classes every Monday learning new skills and making some amazing friends along the way. But the one thing Centre stage really allowed me to do was realise that my love and passion for Musical theatre was so much more than just a hobby. I soon realised that this is what I wanted to make a career out of. Centre Stage once again steered me in the right direction and gave me advice that I will keep forever.
I went on to train at Miskin College in Dartford for two years and in 2019 I gained a place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. I know for a fact it would not have been possible without the love, training and opportunities I had been given by Centre Stage. Frankie and Lydia are so caring and really want the best for all of their students. The teachers are exceptional and really give you the support you need whether performing is a hobby or a career.
ABBIE
ABBIE PARKER
My time at Centre Stage really helped me gain the confidence I needed to progress onto college. The support and training there was always brilliant, and Frankie took the time to help me with my audition for college!
I went onto train for 3 years at The Centre Performing Arts College where I received a diploma in theatre performance, I am now auditioning and working within the industry.
THEO
THEO HOLT BAILEY
Centre Stage was one of the most formative experiences of my life. The attention, support and encouragement I received from the whole team, and especially Frankie, fostered in me a love of performing and a great respect for acting. Without the confidence, experience and learning I gained from Centre Stage, I’m sure I wouldn’t be where I am today.
TEEGAN
TEEGAN HURLEY
I started Centre Stage when I was 12 years old. I didn’t have a lot of confidence in acting or singing and I definitely hadn’t danced before, but they were patient, fun and believed in me every step of the way.
Being at Centre Stage made me feel happier, stronger and taught me so much about the industry that I always dreamed of being a part of.
10 years later I am now graduating from one of the UK’s top drama schools with an agent, ready to take on the world! I’m so grateful to all my friends and teachers at Centre Stage for helping me get here.
CHLOE
CHLOE BRYAN
Before I went to Centre Stage I was very shy and introverted when it came to doing anything in front of others. However, during my time at Centre Stage I was able to come out of my shell and perform not only in the classroom environment but also in the productions.
I was motivated by all the teachers I met there, who taught me to believe in myself, which I will forever be grateful for. Now I am able to apply everything that I learnt at Centre Stage to enable me to teach and inspire the children I work with. So I would say CSTA isn’t only for those wishing to perform as a career but you can also use the skills you have learnt and apply them on any path life takes you on.
NIAMH
NIAMH O’BRIEN
I joined Centre Stage in 2013. I was very shy, had little confidence and found it hard to talk to new people. Joining Centre Stage has helped me develop my confidence, not only in performing arts but within myself.
Centre Stage allowed me to play some of my dream roles: Nancy in Oliver and Sherrie in Rock of Ages. Centre stage will have a special place in my heart and thanks to Centre Stage I managed to secure a place at Brit School, following two years there I am now studying at The Brighton Academy full time. I’m so grateful to Frankie, Lydia and all the teachers who really believed in me and pushed me in the right direction to follow my dreams!
CARLY
CARLY KERR
I’m currently in my second year of European Theatre Arts in Rose Bruford College. During this year I’m training aerial circus in Paris and then travelling to Malovice (Czech Republic) for Erasmus to train with Divadlo Continuo. My ambition is to create non-verbal alternative theatre to appeal universally to people who speak different languages whilst commenting on important conversations in today’s society.
Centre Stage encouraged me to overcome self-doubt as a performer and to discover the confidence to explore new skills in theatre. The ethos created by Frankie and Lydia creates a safe space where the students feel free to try, make mistakes, try again. It’s a great atmosphere to develop and learn from the teachers working in the industry today! My time here was a good foundation to begin to understand myself as a performer and to connect with professionals in the industry for advice and tips!
OLIVIA
OLIVIA HARRIS
The encouragement I received from all of the teachers at Centre Stage boosted my confidence as a performer.
I came to Centre Stage as a singer/dancer, but I was not confident at all with acting. They pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone, taking on a lead role in The Wiz.
That massively helped me throughout my time studying Music at The BRIT School and at University.
I’m now a full time musician and I’m so grateful to Centre Stage for helping me get to this point. They continue to support me and my music which I think is really special!
> Download Liv’s debut single here
> Check out Liv’s Youtube Channel here
SIAN
SIAN MORGAN
Growing up awkward and shy, and very self-conscious I found it very difficult to ‘fit’ in with my peers at school. I loved acting and singing, and even though I was (and still slightly am) terrible at it, I liked dancing too, but growing in the world which I felt continuously torn down in I found it hard to express myself creatively.
However, something in me clicked one day and I found Centre Stage by chance and decided to audition for their up-and-coming show; Fame! The rest as they say is history. I spent some time with the National Youth Theatre and I’m currently studying at the Identity School of Acting.
I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the incredible support and teaching from everyone at Centre Stage, and I am so grateful to have part of such a fabulous academy!
ELLIE
ELLIE SMITH
PERFORMANCE PREPARATION ACADEMY (PPA) GRADUATED 2020
Since leaving Centre Stage I trained for one year in musical theatre at PPA before going on to their acting for stage and screen degree course. Throughout my third year I got the opportunity to perform on stage in front of agents as well as take part in a short film.
Without Centre Stage I don’t believe I would be where I am now. It helped me so much with my confidence and massively improved my skills as a performer. So a massive thank you to everyone at Centre Stage
KOJO
KOJO DEGRAFT JOHNSON
Well since I’ve left Centre Stage, all I’ve done is sing…. Every chance I can get I’m doing gigs and trying to record music. I studied Music Performance at Canterbury Christ Church University.
I believe that Centre Stage Theatre Academy is the main reason for how big my love for performing is; everything that Frankie, Lydia and all the teachers taught me has stuck with me and I don’t think a day has gone by where I haven’t thought about my time at Centre Stage or the lifelong friends I made there.
A HUGE THANK YOU to Frankie & Lydia for everything you did for me and my brother, I don’t know what I would have done on the weekends from age 13-18 without you! Since Graduating from University in Commercial Music in 2018 I founded a band called Mad Yella and we are making new music all the time.
Check out Mad Yella Social Media and download their latest single.
> Download Mad Yella’s music here
> Follow them on Instagram – @mad_yella
ANTÓNIA
ANTÓNIA SPICER
This year I start my journey at Bird College, training in Musical Theatre. Centre Stage has changed my life so much and helped me grow into who I am today. When I first joined I was really insecure and shy when performing in front of people, it would bring me to tears. I was so nervous and even found interacting with people really difficult. Frankie and Lydia believed in me and gave me many opportunities to grow and build my self esteem and confidence. They supported me through everything and allowed me to become who I am today and prepared me for the outside world.
The teachers (especially Aimee) really helped me improve in my dance technique as well as bringing me out of my shell.
If it wasn’t for everyone at Centre stage and all the friends I made along the way I wouldn’t have made it this far. All I can say is thank you for everything!
ISABELLA
ISABELLA COOPER
When I joined Centre Stage I was quiet and shy. I started half way through the show and everyone made me feel so welcome and part of the family. I soon found my feet there and all the teachers really pushed me and help me grow. I got my first solo in ‘Do you Believe in Magic? 2017’ and the work that got put into it was great. All of the teachers are so supportive and push to get the best out of me.
From being at Centre Stage I have become a more confident and forward person. Centre Stage has taught me to not shy away from taking risks and that’s how I’ve gotten to where I am today. I am currently working towards my end of year show at Miskin Theatre College where I’ve been studying for the past two years. Come September I will be train at LMA University in Stratford to study Musical Theatre. I’m so grateful for all the help they have given me to make me the person I am today. And for that I say thank you Centre Stage.
ABBIE
ABBIE PRICE
I am so grateful to have been part of Centre Stage, I joined when Bexleyheath Academy opened it’s doors and the training I received and friends I have made has been something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Centre Stage has made me grow so much confidence, I used to be the shy girl who sat in the corner and didn’t say a word and now I attend The Miskin Theatre as a Musical Theatre student where I put myself forward for any performing opportunity that comes my way.
I just want to say thank you so much Centre Stage for being there for me every step of the way and I can’t thank you enough for the confidence you have given me to become a performer.
FLORENCE
FLORENCE BEAVER
THE MISKIN THEATRE GRADUATING 2021
I’m currently in my 3rd year at The Miskin Theatre studying Musical Theatre and I couldn’t thank Centre Stage enough for getting me there! They gave me the confidence to believe in myself, not just as a performer but as an individual. I am so thankful for Centre Stage as without them I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to audition for The Miskin, as they are the ones who opened my eyes to taking this pathway as a career rather than just a hobby and they ensured I grabbed every opportunity possible, which has been truly life-changing!
Without learning various dance, singing and acting techniques from the incredible teachers I would have been lost when entering college so I’m very grateful that I embarked on my musical theatre journey with Centre Stage and I’m so happy that Centre Stage has given me friends for life!
MITCHELL
MITCHELL SEARLE
PERFORMERS COLLEGE GRADUATING 2024
Centre Stage is and always will be a second family to me. They helped shape me into the performer I am today, which I will be forever grateful for! Frankie and Lydia are both so supportive of everything you want to achieve and push you beyond what you thought you were capable of.
I am now finishing my last year at The Miskin Theatre, leaving with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre. I am now ready to begin my new journey starting my Degree at Performers College for the next three years.
All of this wouldn’t have been possible without Centre Stage!
HARRY
HARRY TAYLOR
BIRD COLLEGE GRADUATING 2024
I only attended Centre Stage for two years, but those two years made a huge difference to who I am as a person as well as a performer. I learnt so many new skills from my time at Centre Stage and will be forever grateful for the support and guidance I received. Centre Stage gave me the chance to create new relationships with some of the best people and performing in the shows allowed me to build confidence to grow into the performer I am today.
I am now graduating from The Miskin Theatre with a Level 3 Extended Diploma In Dance and Musical Theatre. I have received offers from some of the best colleges in the country and cannot wait to now start the next chapter of my life training at Bird College Conservatoire, for a Degree In Professional Dance and Musical Theatre!
Thank you for everything Centre Stage!