A performing arts school is celebrating after three of its stars made their West End debuts this year.
Heather Clementson, Darcy-Summer Hannan, and Jaxon Knopf, who all the attend The Academy Watford at the Bushey Arena, dazzled casting judges enough to secure a place in shows in one of the world’s most famous theatre districts.
Jaxon, 9, kicked things off at Christmas when he was cast opposite Hollywood royalty Kelsey Grammar in the musical Big Fish at The Other Palace. Heather, 11, followed shortly after him when she was cast as Marcy in School of Rock at the newly named Gillian Lynn Theatre.
This summer Darcy-Summer, 11, successfully auditioned for a role in Harry Potter & The Cursed Child at The Palace Theatre.
Sara Bispham, 29, who runs The Academy and is also currently appearing in the West End production of 42nd Street said: “I am so thrilled for all three of my students. I made my West End debut when I was nine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down The Wind and I have so many happy memories from my time with the show.
“It’s an amazing experience to be part of these big shows as a child. Jaxon, Heather and Darcy are all such hard working, talented kids and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Since opening in 2015 The Academy has seen over 150 children come through its doors and many students are now signed to talent agencies.
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