UAL Extended Diploma in Acting for Stage & Screen student Rubie Riach, 17 from Norton, had the exciting opportunity to perform at His Majesty’s theatre in the West End in 2024! She took a part in Across the Line and secured the role through the Pauline Quirke Academy which sees one of its academies perform in London every four years.

The Pauline Quirke Academy was recommended to Rubie through a friend she explains, “I first became aware of PQA through a friend because they know that I like performing. We do a range of lessons from Musical Theatre, Comedy, Drama and Film and TV. With all three lessons you learn a range of different skills that I’ve found helpful in my step up into college. I enjoy the social aspect and getting meet new people as well as the team leaders helping the younger generation develop skills for a future in acting.”

It was through the academy that Rubie was presented with the opportunity to perform in the West End, she said, “it is something that every academy has the experience of doing every 4 years or so. The production was called Across the Line, and I played a Judge called Cozy.”

She said the experience, “felt almost like a fever dream, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do it again. I think I gained a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone my age. I’ve also gained a look into what goes on behind the scenes at a West End show.”

Rubie still performs with academy outside of college and plans to audition for their next production, “the next performance we are doing is Shrek the Musical Jr edition at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm in July. Auditions are on Saturday 1^st February.”

Speaking of her time on our UAL Extended Diploma in Acting for Stage & Screen she said, “I really enjoy the course and getting to know the basics of acting and learning about different practitioners. As well as meeting new people who share the same interests as me. I love studying at the Northern School of Art, it’s very accessible for all and I feel listened to and heard by my lectures.”

Her advice for fellow acting students and people that are thinking about applying to the course to; “just go for it, don’t be embarrassed. People in that room may have the same dreams as you.”

Keep up to date with Rubie’s performances by taking a look at her Instagram: @rubiegrace.acting.

Our Level 2 UAL Diploma in Acting for Stage & Screen is designed to give you experience in applying acting techniques to live and recorded performances whilst gaining production skills such as camera operating, editing, lighting, sound and set design. Find out more here.