The school was established in 1971 and has seen many past pupils go on to further their career in dance.
Past pupil success:
Simon Adkins gained a 1st class honours degree at Bird College and has appeared in many shows including Wicked (Original West end Cast – understudy Fiyero), Chicago (UK tour), The Producers (Original West end Cast – understudy lead tenor), Cats (UK tour – Admetus/Mcavity, understudy Rum Tum Tugger & Munkastrap ) , Annie get your Gun (UK tour – understudy Frank Butler), Jerry Springer (UK tour), Copacabana (Denmark), Jersey Boys (Original West End Cast – Bob Crewe, understudy Bob Gaudio), Viva Forever (Original West End Cast – Leon), Gotta Sing Gotta Dance (Eastbourne & UK Tour).
He has also taught musical theatre at Performers College – directing many of their 3rd year musical theatre shows.
Simon has also appeared on Top of the pops, Children in Need, The Royal Variety Performance and can be seen in music videos. Simon appeared as a dancer in the new Walt Disney Cinderella film (2015).
Simon was appointed Resident Choreographer of 42nd Street (Drury Lane, London). He has also choreographed 42nd Street (upstairs at the Gatehouse) for which he was awarded an Off West End Award for his choreography. He now also is an agent for 33 Artist Management – an agency representing many performers and actors working across UK and worldwide theatre, film, TV & adverts.
Saskia Butler went to Arts Educational School, and is now working as a successful actress. Saskia has starred in many Alan Aykbourne plays and television films. She has played parts in many television shows and has recently payed a small role in Eastenders.
Emma Cannon trained at London Studio centre and has starred in Grease playing the parts of Patty Simcox, Marty, and Sandy. She has toured with Eurobeat and has played various leading pantomime roles. She has now opened her own Children’s agency.
Rosie Wyatt graduated from the Royal Welsh College. Since she had stared in: a world tour of the play One Man, Two Guvnors for the National Theatre, a brand new play at the Watford Palace Theatre, Blink – as Sophie at the Soho Theatre in London and at the Jagriti Theatre in Bangalore in India! Rosie Has recently toured the UK in Spine – a one woman show. Rosie Wyatt has just appeared in Bedroom antics – an Alan Ayckbourn play, at Hornchurch theatre.
Suzy Aris completed a 3 year course at Masters College. She has since opened her own company “The Panto Bus” and is touring the UK producing pantomimes, children’s shows & cabaret shows. Visit their website: www.thepantobus.com
Kate Wolstencroft continued her training at The Judith Hockaday College, Swindon. She completed graded and major examinations in ISTD ballet, tap, modern and national and gained her FDI and CDE teaching qualifications. She now teaches for STDA where she choreographs many pieces for their productions and competition work and is head of Musical theatre. She has also choreographed many shows for local youth and amateur theatre groups. Kate has also assisted at 33 Artist Management – a new agency for musical theatre performers and actors working in the business.
Georgia Bliss graduated from East 15 and took the play she wrote and performed in (League of St George) to the Edinburgh Fringe. It won the NSDF Emerging Artist Award. She has written projects with Bricks and Mortar Theatre Company and was a part of the Soho Young Writers programme. She has embarked on a world cruise as a member of the performing team. Georgia now teaches for Stage Coach and is a LAMDA drama teacher.
Elsie Allen completed her secondary education at Elmhurst Ballet School- Birmingham.She was successfully accepted into the 6th form and was appointed Head Girl for her final year.
Debbie Garvey trained at arts educational and after years of working in the theatre is now a successful musical theatre teacher. Debbie has worked at several prestigious colleges passing her wealth of knowledge onto the next generation of actors.
Suzy Dack went onto the RAD teaching college and ran a successful dancing school for many years. She now teaches pilates & is training to be a physiotherapist.
Georgia Brooks completed 2 seasons as a Funstar working at Haven holiday parks. Georgia now teaches singing and music throughout the Banbury Area and has built her own business – Georgia Brooks Vocal Tuition. She has also completed her degree in voice training and is now finishing off her Masters in Voice Pedagogy. She teaches in many schools across the area along with her private singing tuition.
Sian Lewis gained places at Performers College and London Studio Centre on their Dance Foundation courses. After completing her foundation course at London Studios she was accepted onto their 3 year degree course which she completed & graduated with a degree in dance.
Robbie Fell has gained a place at PPA college Guildford, studying a level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre. He was awarded the boys part scholarship. Robbie has appeared in two pantomimes whilst training at college. Robbie graduated from PPA college, Guildford – completing a 3 year diploma in Musical theatre. He was awarded the 3rd year dance award and has signed with a top London agent. Robbie made his professional debut in “Seussical” The Musical at the Southwark Playhouse.
Amelia Morgan gained places at Performers College and Bird College on their Musical Theatre Diploma course. She accepted the place at Bird College & graduated with a musical theatre diploma. After completing her training at Bird College, has furthered her training by completing a Masters of Arts at the Royal Academy of Music (London) in Musical Theatre, graduating with Distinction. Her 1st professional job was an onstage swing & dance captain in “Nunsense” – with the English theatre in Frankfurt.
Jamie Fell gained a place at London Studio Centre on the 3 year degree course. Jamie graduated from London Studio Centre with a BA Theatre Dance Degree.
Hannah Woodcock gained a place on the 3 year degree course at Performers College & started her training here in September 2020. After graduating Hannah is now teaching dance locally and performing arts at Banbury College. She is also gaining her ISTD teaching qualifications. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team here at STDA as a teacher.
Cassie Brockbank was offered places at Chichester university & Shockout Arts to study a degree in dance and was also offered a place on the foundation course at Performers College. She accepted the place at Shockout Arts – Manchester, and began her degree training here in September 2020. Cassie is now teaching dance and musical theatre for many places across Oxfordshire while getting her ISTD dance qualifications
Morgan Denison gained a degree from Performers College and is auditioning for professional work after securing herself an agent. She has toured the UK and abroad with The PantoBus.
Ruth Sullivan is an Emmy winning foley consultant & performer. Foley artists devise and record the everyday sounds heard in films, television shows, and video games—noises like footsteps, a sword being drawn or the swishing of clothing as two people walk past each other. She has provided the sounds to many popular TV shows such as Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders & Bodyguard.
Maisie Winspear attended Royal Holloway University studying Drama with Acting. She was captain of the Jazz team and competed in cheer.
Alice Richardson is a qualified RAD dance teacher – and has just opened her own ballet school in New Zealand.