Since her time at Centre Stage, Millicent attended Durham University to read modern languages and cultures before heading to London to train in Musical Theatre at the London School of Musical Theatre. Graduating in 2022, she has since performed around the world in various productions. Credits include Burn the Floor (Lead Vocalist) and Million Dollar Quartet (U/S Dyanne) onboard the Norwegian Getaway, Cinderella (Cinderella) at Winchester Theatre Royal, and the UK premiere of Romy and Michele the Musical as Michele. Millicent loved her time at CSTA and would not be where she is as a professional actor without Rachel’s care and guidance.
Millicent Blair
I learnt a lot whilst at centre Stage and with Rachel. My time at Centre Stage I always look back on very fondly for giving me opportunities to perform to find my love the performing. The skill and passion I learnt at Centre Stage I was able to take whilst working at many top holiday parks around the country including Butlins and Haven. I’m still using the skills I’ve learnt today whilst teaching at a Primary School for Autistic children. I’d like to Thank you Rachel for everything she’s done for not just myself but everyone that’s been part of Centre Stage over the years.
Toby Scott
Centre stage was the very beginning of my performing journey and remains at the heart of it. Rachel gave me the foundations I needed for my professional training as well as supporting me through the tough times never letting me lose sight of my goals. Rachel throughout my training and career has been an incredible support and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her care, love and passion. I currently work in film and television and have had some incredible opportunities to work on some huge productions. Without Rachel I never would have been brave enough to even take those first steps and for that I will be forever grateful, and I know I am not alone in that; she is loved and appreciated immensely by all past and current students. — Cherida Leoni xx
I was a student at Centre Stage Theatre Academy for over 8 years, performing with the group for my entire teenage life. Since leaving the group, I have graduated university, moved to the other side of the country, and undertaken a job I love in Media. However, I have never left my love for the stage, as I now regularly perform with an exclusive dramatic society in Newcastle - performing on a professional stage as one of their lead dancers in an upcoming production of Anything Goes. Centre Stage has given me so many wonderful opportunities and gave me the confidence and drive to become the person I am today. I can never thank Rachel, and every wonderful student at Centre Stage, enough for the 8 brilliant years I had at the academy, this incredible group has given me some of the best moments of my life and I will cherish it forever!!
Catriona Crozier
I attended Centre Stage Theatre Academy for 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. It really allowed me to develop my confidence, and Rachel really encouraged me to put myself out there and show off my talents. Rachel is an amazing teacher. I’m currently studying Sports Therapy at Edgehill University.
Lily-Grace
My time at centre stage academy was so much fun and I look back on it with so many amazing memories. It ignited my love for theatre and I don't think I would be where I am now without it. I am doing a technical apprenticeship with ATG and get to work backstage on the amazing touring shows they produce. Centre stage gave me confidence and a love for the industry which helped me progress to get to where I am now.
Sarah Fairweather
My time at Centre Stage started when I was 17, and as soon as I joined, I felt the love and support that everyone gave. Rachel helped me so much in developing not just technical skills, but my self-confidence. I have cherished all of the time I have spent at Centre Stage and continue to do so when I can. I now study mechanical engineering at university, and though it may not relate directly to what I have been able to do at Centre Stage, the experiences and skills I have learnt continue to help me throughout. I will forever be thankful for the time I’ve spent at Centre Stage and will never be able to thank Rachel enough.
Joseph McGarel
When Rachel asked me to come back for the 10-year anniversary, I jumped at the opportunity. Centre Stage gave me the best memories and years of my life, after joining at 14 with little confidence and 0 experience it very quickly turned into my entire life and passion.
Watching Rachel teach gave me the push to have a career in teaching and I now teach PSHE in a secondary school. I will never forget my time at Centre Stage with the people I have met along the way and opportunities she has given me.
Chloe Mitchell
I started my performance journey with Rachel when I was 6 years old; I spent the majority of my life performing, doing shows and competing with the academy. I am grateful for my time with centre stage as it heavily impacted and moulded who I am today, now pursuing my dreams and studying musical theatre at London College of Music; furthering my performance skills, which were already at a professional level, thanks to my time at centre stage theatre academy. It’s a stage of my life I will never leave behind as it means the world to me and made me the person I am today! Thank you, Rachel, for everything you have done for me and all the hard work you do to let us all shine and achieve our dreams.
Mina Rothwell
My time at CSTA helped me improve all my performing skills whilst also learning a lot of life skills- confidence, time management and working as a team. I cannot thank Rachel enough for all she’s done for me, thanks to all her help I am now in my third year at a performing arts college about to graduate! Thankyou Rachel and everyone at CSTA for everything.
Courtney Venables
I enjoyed every second I spent at CSTA. My 4 years there helped me develop my skills, confidence and most importantly my self-confidence. I enjoyed every show and every competition and have so many incredible memories from my time with Rachel. Centre stage has been like a family for me where I’ve made friends for life and experiences I’ll never forget. I can’t thank Rachel enough for pushing us all and supporting us whenever we need. I’ll always cherish my time at CSTA and am so proud I’m part of our family.
Emily Smith
Centre Stage was like a family to me. I gained some incredible friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m now training to be a primary school teacher and can’t wait to bring my love of dance and theatre into the classroom.
Zoe Scott
