By Olivia Quick
I’ll be graduating from Redbridge Drama and Dance College in July and I’ve had an amazing time. It’s been a whirlwind two years, and I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. Coming from a small village in Oxfordshire and moving to South Woodford was daunting, however I was so excited to start full time training in performing arts. The support I have had from the college has been immeasurable; they have not only taught me how to be a performer, as well as looked after me, both mentally and physically. It can be tough when you start on this journey but if it’s in your heart to succeed and you are passionate about performing, this college is the place to be.

It’s a totally unique place, mainly due to the intimate training that is offered here. With a limited number of places in each year, teachers can focus on each student’s specific needs and cater to individual strengths. Being based at Redbridge Drama Centre, with its range of studios and equipment, means we have opportunities not many other colleges can offer. We are lucky enough to train in a variety of incredible disciplines: Aerial, professional workshops, TV and film work, as well as private singing classes and the standard music, dance and drama. I feel so lucky to be able to access such phenomenal training, coming out of college equipped with such a wide range of skills I can add to my portfolio.

A highlight of my time here has been our Vocal Collective Cabaret in April. Alongside three of my fellow second year students, I presented a night of music and song, accompanied by a wonderful musical director and composer, Ian Brandon, on piano. As a group we get on so well so it was a fantastic feeling to be on stage singing together, we even presented a brand new song we’d written ourselves! I’ll be sad to leave my college family next month, but we’ll be going out on a high as, not only do we have our graduation ceremony on the 8th of July, we are presenting our final production of the year – Pippin – at the Kenneth More Theatre!
Book tickets online here.
Photo credit: Fraser Stainton