Former student Abbie hopes to inspire the next generation.

As a performing arts tutor she gets to continue to work in the industry that she loves but at the same time share her experiences with those following in her footsteps.  

A former musical theatre student at the college herself, she said: “It set me up on the right path and led me to where I am today. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” 

After leaving college, Abbie continued her training at EPA (Expressions Academy of Performing Arts).  

From there she gained valuable experience in the industry including roles such as a parade performer at Disneyland Paris, a showgirl with Sailing Jazz Group, which saw her perform all over Greece, as well as a range of television adverts, music videos and modelling jobs. 

It was as a result of the pandemic restrictions limiting work opportunities that Abbie took the opportunity to return to the college to complete her BA Hons in Musical Theatre.  

While studying her degree, a maternity cover dance teacher role became available, which allowed Abbie to fulfil her degree requirements alongside hourly paid teaching work. 

Discovering her passion for teaching, Abbie decided to apply for a full-time TTF (Taking Teaching Further) qualification at the college, but as if it was meant to be, a part time position opened up at the college, which meant Abbie could continue her teaching role alongside her qualification. 

She said: “I absolutely love teaching, I get to teach across all the different performing arts courses we have including musical theatre and acting, which has meant I have been involved in lots of exciting opportunities for the students and the college including the National Theatre Connections Festival and our annual Christmas and end of year productions.”  

Now just a year away from completing her teacher training, she continued: “This year we’re taking our musical theatre cohort to Paris and I can’t wait to show them around Disneyland, where I used to work.”