Wilkes Academy

Wilkes Academy We are committed to delivering the finest triple-threat musical theatre and dance training available.

We foster an inclusive, diverse and supportive environment where students gain the skills & techniques needed to thrive in the performing arts industry. Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts is a full-time college, based in Swindon, providing training for students aged 16 and over

We’re incredibly excited to share that Ryan-lee Seager will be taking on the role of Creative Affiliate at Wilkes Academ...
07/10/2026

We’re incredibly excited to share that Ryan-lee Seager will be taking on the role of Creative Affiliate at Wilkes Academy! 📣
Ryan has worked with us as a Musical Theatre and Jazz Instructor for a couple of years, as well as being Director and Choreographer for our 2025 Final Performance of ‘The Addams Family’✨

We’re so grateful for the passion, creativity and commitment Ryan has shown to our students and the college, and we’re delighted to see him take on this new opportunity.

As Creative Affiliate, Ryan will work closely with our creative team, bringing his wealth of industry experience, creative expertise and insight to the creative development of the college.

We’re so pleased to have Ryan continue to be such an important part of the and look forward to seeing all that this next chapter brings! 🖤


University of Staffordshire

Congratulations to our fantastic graduate Nathan Mc Kenna, who is currently performing onboard Celebrity Cruises ‘Celebr...
07/10/2026

Congratulations to our fantastic graduate Nathan Mc Kenna, who is currently performing onboard Celebrity Cruises ‘Celebrity Ascent’ with the cast of ‘Awaken’!✨

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤



Congratulations to our brilliant 2026 graduate Ella Keen , who performed as part of the preview cast with Layton William...
06/10/2026

Congratulations to our brilliant 2026 graduate Ella Keen , who performed as part of the preview cast with Layton Williams for his upcoming UK tour, ‘Layton Live’! ✨

We’re so proud of you, Ella🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤


Wishing the very best of luck to our wonderful 2026 graduate Megs Xx, who has arrived in India and is now performing as ...
02/10/2026

Wishing the very best of luck to our wonderful 2026 graduate Megs Xx, who has arrived in India and is now performing as a dancer onboard Cordelia Cruises ‘Cordelia Empress’!✨

Congratulations, Megan! 🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤



University of Staffordshire

This Black History Month, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the remarkable practitioners, activists a...
01/10/2026

This Black History Month, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the remarkable practitioners, activists and shows that have helped shape musical theatre and beyond. This year’s theme, “Honouring Our Communities,” encourages us to recognise the individuals whose contributions continue to shape, support and sustain the rich cultural heritage of Black communities🖤

As part of their Toolkit for Success project, our L4 degree students have been exploring different eras of musical theatre. Last week, they looked at Eubie Blake and the landmark musical ‘Shuffle Along’, and this week they’re exploring the 1970s, spotlighting some of the Black Tony Award winners from the era:

💚 Melba Moore - Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1970, for ‘Purlie’

💚 Cleavon Little - Best Actor in a Musical, 1970, for ‘Purlie’

💚 Virginia Capers - Best Actress in a Musical, 1974, for ‘Raisin’

💚 Geoffrey Holder - Best Direction of a Musical & Best Costume Design, 1975, for ‘The Wiz’, making history as the first African American man to win in both categories

We’re excited to continue following our students’ journey as they explore the mega musicals, British Invasion, nostalgia eras and contemporary musical theatre✨



Congratulations to our fantastic graduate Ellie Gilbert, who has started her fifth contract with Celebrity Cruises, this...
30/09/2026

Congratulations to our fantastic graduate Ellie Gilbert, who has started her fifth contract with Celebrity Cruises, this time performing onboard ‘Celebrity Apex’! ✨

We hope you have another brilliant time at sea! 🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤



University of Staffordshire

Congratulations to our lovely 2026 graduate Courtney Rae ,who will be performing onboard Royal Caribbean ‘Symphony of th...
30/09/2026

Congratulations to our lovely 2026 graduate Courtney Rae ,who will be performing onboard Royal Caribbean ‘Symphony of the Seas’ and joining the cast of ‘HiRo’ - the spectacular AquaTheater show!✨

We hope you have the best time at sea!🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤



We’re so proud of our brilliant 2026 graduate Joel Hopkins , who will be heading to Miami next month to begin rehearsals...
29/09/2026

We’re so proud of our brilliant 2026 graduate Joel Hopkins , who will be heading to Miami next month to begin rehearsals to perform onboard Celebrity Cruises ‘Celebrity Infinity’!🛳️

Congratulations, Joel!🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤

UniofStaffordshire
University of Staffordshire

Good luck to our fabulous 2026 graduate Isabel , who will be performing as a dancer onboard Disney Cruise Line ‘Disney D...
29/09/2026

Good luck to our fabulous 2026 graduate Isabel , who will be performing as a dancer onboard Disney Cruise Line ‘Disney Dream’, and will be flying out to Toronto soon to begin rehearsals!✨

We hope you have a magical time 🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤


University of Staffordshire

Good luck to another one of our amazing graduates, Chloe Lawrence , who will be flying out to Miami to join the cast of ...
28/09/2026

Good luck to another one of our amazing graduates, Chloe Lawrence , who will be flying out to Miami to join the cast of ‘Back to the Future’ onboard Royal Caribbean ‘Star of the Seas’! ⚡️

Chloe will be performing as Betty and covering Jennifer Parker! We’re so proud of you🖤

, keep sharing your journey with us, we love to hear from you🖤



University of Staffordshire

Address

Unit 1, Westmead Industrial Estate
Swindon Village
SN57YT

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5:45pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

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