STUBBERS FARM
MOUNTNESSING ROAD
BLACKMORE
ESSEX
CM4 0NX
01277 824209 / 07943 747464
info@alexanders-sdt.co.uk
College Success
Hamish Baumber
Hamish arrived at Alexanders at the age of 8. Over the years, he developed a strong foundation in acting, singing, and movement, shaping his ambitions for a future in the industry.
Alongside learning and performing with his peers, he gained professional qualifications in Tap, Ballet, Contemporary Modern Jazz and Theatre Craft.
Hamish is now studying at Urdang Academy on the Musical Theatre BA (Hons) course and is looking to graduate in 2027.
We have been lucky to have Hamish back since heading to University to help pass his skills on to students at Alexanders and working alongside them in his role of Wonka in our production 'The Cocoa Emporium' in summer 2025.
Millie
Donovan
Millie has been part of the Alexanders family since the age of five, undertaking exams and performing both with her class and as a solo dancer. She took on roles such as Maleficent in Once Upon a Fairy Tale (2022) and Christine in Phantom of the Opera at The Alexanders Awards (2023).
In 2023, Millie auditioned for degree programs and was offered places on the following courses:
-
BA (Hons) Degree in Dance (3 years) – Addict Dance Academy
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BA (Hons) Degree in Musical Theatre (3 years) – London Studio Centre, Performers College, Wilkes Academy
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Foundation Year in Musical Theatre – Bird College
She has since accepted her place on the Musical Theatre course at Wilkes Academy and is set to graduate in 2027.
Congratulations, Millie!
Penelope Wood
Penelope began dancing at Alexanders at the age of eight, participating in biennual productions as part of the ensemble. As she developed her skills, she took on roles such as the Evil Queen in Once Upon a Fairy Tale and Elsa in The Alexanders Awards.
In 2023, Penelope auditioned for degree programs in Musical Theatre, securing offers from Bird College, Performers College, and Wilkes Academy. She has since accepted her place at Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, where she will graduate in 2026.
Congratulations to Penelope on this exciting next step in her career.
Lola Hinwood-Young
Lola joined Alexanders at the age of two and has performed in biennual productions, appearing as Snow White (Once Upon a Fairy Tale - 2022) and Anna from Frozen (Alexanders Awards - 2023).
In 2023, Lola auditioned at a selection of performing arts colleges to pursue a career in the industry. She was awarded a scholarship for a Musical Theatre Foundation year at Urdang - City, University of London, and also received an offer from Performers College for a Trinity Professional Performing Arts Diploma in Musical Theatre/Dance.
Lola completed her Foundation year at Urdang in the summer of 2024 while also teaching at Alexanders.
She then began her BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course in September 2024 at Bird College.
Sophie-Mae
Dowsett
Sophie joined Alexanders at the age of three in the Petites - Pre-School class, where she quickly developed a love for performing. One of her early roles being the White Rabbit in the production of Alice. Her passion for the stage continued throughout her time at Alexanders, leading her to pursue performing as a career.
After applying to various performing arts colleges, Sophie received offers from Urdang, Performers College, Addict Dance Academy, Shockout Arts, and Wilkes Academy. In September 2022, she began her BA (Hons) Musical Theatre course at Wilkes Academy.
College Success
Annabel
Denton
Annabel started at Alexanders in Year 6, at 10 years old. She immediately found her love for dance and performed in our biennual productions alongside her class.
Annabel decided she would like to pursue her dream and take on performing arts as a career. She enrolled on the BA(Hons) course in Musical Theatre, at Performers College, Essex campus in September 2021 and graduated in Summer 2024.
Annabel:
"Thank you most of all for giving me friends for life, which is as you say, what Alexanders is all about!!!"
Grace
Duffy
Grace joined Alexanders at the age of 8 years.
Through her time at the school she developed a passion for Musical Theatre.
After auditioning in Summer 2020 she gained a place at Urdang Academy which is an independent Performing Arts Academy based in London. Grace is thoroughly enjoyed her 3 year degree course in Musical Theatre and is now pursuing a career in Performing Arts.
Grace graduated in the Spring of 2023 she has since gone on to perform in Panto & performing on Carnival Cruises as a lead singer.
She is loving the life of a performer.
Emily
Brown
Emily joined Alexanders at the age of seven, where she developed a passion for Musical Theatre and Acting throughout her time at the school.
After auditioning, she secured places at ArtsEd and LAMDA. She went on to complete her Foundation Year in Acting at LAMDA in 2019. Following her studies, Emily chose to pursue a career in primary school teaching while also becoming part of a theatre company, performing regularly.
She is now Alexanders' in-house singing teacher, sharing her expertise and passion with the next generation of performers.
Francesca
Dunham
Francesca joined Alexanders at the age of 2 years.Through her time at the school she developed a passion for Dance.
After auditioning she gained places at Masters Performing Arts with a Full Dance Scholarship, Performers College and a place at London Studio Centre.
Francesca chose London Studio Centre to study a 3 year BA Honours Degree in Musical Theatre. She graduated in Summer 2020 and is now living her dream performing on cruise ships around the world.
College Success
Hamish
Baumber
Hamish discovered his passion for musical theatre at a local drama school, where his enthusiasm for performance quickly grew. At the age of eight, he joined Alexanders, immersing himself in training and stage productions that allowed him to refine his skills and confidence as a performer.
In 2022, at 16 years old, Hamish earned a place at the Junior Academy for Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music, a prestigious program designed to nurture young talent. This opportunity has enabled him to further his technical abilities and deepen his understanding of musical theatre at an advanced level, preparing him for the next stage of his career.
Jasper
Rebel
Gained a place in September 2022 at Junior Guildhall of Music and Drama. A specialist Saturday school offering advanced Music and Drama Training for students aged 4-18 years.
In September 2022, Jasper secured a place at Junior Guildhall of Music and Drama, a specialist Saturday school renowned for its advanced training in Music and Drama for students aged 4-18. Using his performing skills and rhythmical tap experience, Jasper has embraced the structured yet expressive nature of performance, honing skills that enhance both musical understanding and stage presence.
Lola, Millie
& Penelope
Our very talented senior students—Lola Hinwood-Young, Millie Donovan, and Penelope Wood—secured places on the highly selective Dang Associates dance course in September 2022.
Previously part of The Urdang, Dang Associates is a prestigious collective dedicated to pre-vocational and professional training in dance and musical theatre. The program provides advanced training and industry-focused development, preparing dancers for the next stage in their careers.
Farran, Holly,
Maddie & Megan
In 2016, Farran Deal, Holly Duke, Maddie Collier, and Megan Johnson each received individual nominations from IDTA Examiners for the International Theatre Dance Awards. Their exceptional performances across Tap, Ballet, and Modern Jazz earned them recognition from an IDTA examiner at a national level.
The International Theatre Dance Awards are prestigious nominations given to students who achieve outstanding examination results, with only a select number of dancers across the country being chosen.
Performing Achievements
Performing Achievements
Holly Duke
Holly began her journey at Alexanders at the age of two, where she quickly developed a passion for performance. Her first audition was for Billy Elliot, a significant milestone that led to her selection as a member of the cast. This early success shows Holly’s talent, dedication, and ability to perform at a professional level.
Below is a list of Holly’s achievements in performing roles:
BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL - LONDON
Billy Elliot - Nov 2012 – Mar 2014
Billy Elliot - Olivier Award Winners - April 2013
Billy Elliot - Mar 2015 - Aug 2015
West End Live - June 2015
Billy Elliot 10th anniversary with Elton - May 2015
ADVERTS
Boots turning leaf advert
Quorn summer BBQ
KFC
DRAMA
My Mad Fat Diary - Series 1 (Channel 4) - Jan 2013
My Mad Fat Diary - Series 2 (Channel 4) - Feb 2014
Grace Duffy & Charlotte Bayman
Charlotte & Grace gained a place on the Laines' Musical Theatre course and studied and performed the following Musicals;42nd Street, My Fair Lady & Fiddler on the Roof.
Grace:
“Charlotte & I were lucky enough to attend a musical theatre course at Laine Theatre Arts.
The course consists of 5 Sunday’s, one Sunday of every month, and full day sessions with the teachers from the school itself.
We begin with a warm up, usually drama exercises to get to know the people around us and to warm up our bodies. Followed by a vocal warm up and straight into the singing session. This consists of learning two different songs from the same musical and putting together three part harmonies.
We are usually put into different groups according to vocal range, and due to different acting parts that we are given. Once we have the learnt the songs we combine them with dance and acting, and spend the day working on how to develop our performance through song and dance.
The course is aimed to teach us musical theatre further and understand how diverse it can be, as each different musical we participate in each month is completely different.”
Holly
Duke
In 2016, Alexanders entered students for the first time in the IDTA South East Classical Performance Awards, where 32 ballet students from the South East competed. Holly became our first entrant and secured 1st place, impressing a distinguished judging panel that included professionals from the Royal Ballet School and ArtsEd.
Connie
Gibson
Connie appeared in the Pantomime - Peter Pan at Thameside Theatre in Grays at the end of 2016 alongside her sister Ella Gibson.
Ella
Gibson
Ella successfully auditioned for the Pantomime Peter Pan in 2016 and appeared alongside her sister Connie.
English National Youth Ballet
In 2007, six dancers successfully auditioned for the English National Youth Ballet, earning roles in 'The Nutcracker'. This opportunity allowed them to train at a high level and perform alongside industry professionals, marking a significant step in their dance development.