Laura Laval

At age 16 I was awarded a scholarship to train at Whitehall College on their 3 year Musical Theatre Diploma course. I was from Cheshire and although moving away from home to Southend was very daunting, I saw it as my new adventure. I knew no one in Essex when I arrived, but it didn’t take long before I became part of a new family at Whitehall. I made great friends and had excellent teachers who truly did care about me, they were easy to talk to and no problem was too small for them.  As for the training which I received, I couldn’t have asked for a better balance. There are diploma subjects in dance, drama and singing, plus A-level options and an I.S.T.D teaching course. Being more of a dancer myself I made sure I made full use of the classes on offer and graduated with as much as I could. I loved the shows and the performing at Whitehall and it was always an important time of the year when the shows came round. Whitehall really brings out the performer in you and gives you an excellent opportunity to perform and develop your skills in their on site theatre. Top Teachers and Choreographers would teach us and come and give us masterclasses in all subjects, which were always great fun.Since graduating I haven’t been out of work, I went straight into working on board cruise ships where I found my passion for travelling and performing in different themed shows every night. I have also worked in Pantomimes, girl groups, UK tours and corporate events in which I have worked as a choreographer and a singer/dancer. My training has been commented on by companies and top choreographers in the performing world; they have been impressed with my dance technique and my professionalism. I have worked not only as a dancer but I have also have made use of my vocal and acting skills which is evidence of the all round training which I received. Now I am working a lot as a choreographer and am Creative Director of a new entertainment agency where I hope to continue working within the showbiz world.

Laura