Over 60 young performers attend Wicked workshop with West End star
Rooftop Studios welcomed more than 60 young performers to an exclusive Wicked workshop on Sunday, January 18, led by professional dancer Myles Newland, which proved hugely popular with both students and parents.
The workshop ran across two intensive two-hour sessions, welcoming dancers aged 7–10 and 11–18 respectively, and gave participants a rare opportunity to train with a performer currently working at the highest level of the industry.
Myles, who features as a dancer in the hit film Wicked: For Good, brought real West End experience to the studio – his impressive career includes working as assistant choreographer for Kylie Minogue, contributing to the creative team for Celebrity Cruise Line and performing for Eurovision, Jessie J, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Jax Jones, the MTV EMAs, Netflix, Pixie Lott, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Rocketman, Todrick Hall and Westlife.
During the sessions, students learned choreography from Wicked before taking part in an extended question-and-answer discussion with Myles. He shared first-hand insight into what it was like working on the Wicked movie set, alongside practical and honest advice about forging a career in the performing arts. Topics included audition technique, building professional contacts, securing work in the industry, and how young performers can stand out while staying resilient and motivated.
The workshops were extremely well received, with parents praising both the quality of teaching and the invaluable behind-the-scenes insight offered to the students.
18 year-old Evie said: “As someone who wants to go into the industry it was really helpful being to ask questions and being taught by a professional dancer who has so much industry knowledge and experience.”
While Nancy, 13, commented: “I learnt so much about how to be a strong versatile performer and what to expect going into the industry.”
The event highlighted Rooftop Studios’ unique approach to training, with all teaching staff having enjoyed professional performance careers themselves. This depth of industry experience allows the studio to offer exceptional opportunities such as visiting professionals, specialist workshops and honest career guidance — giving students unrivalled insight into life on stage and beyond.
The next workshop will be taking place on April 19, led by Laura Pyatt who starred in the hit musical Six, retelling the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII.
To find out more about joining the Rooftop family and exploring the studio’s full range of dance and performing arts classes at its Stone and Leek locations, visit rooftopstudios.co.uk.
