Alumni

Ben Brooker

I graduated from MEPA in 2017 and have undergone many jobs as a result of my training at MEPA College. During my time at college, I was rigorously taught the three disciplines: singing, dancing and acting. Most importantly, I believe I was taught a fourth and arguably the most important discipline... professionalism. Whilst training I had many performance opportunities and was lucky enough to partake in two professional jobs as an insight to what my career could entail, both of which were pantomimes, one being Peter Pan 2015 and the other, Aladdin 2016.

After graduating from MEPA College, it was only 2 days until I embarked on his first cruise ship contract with Princess Cruises back in 2017 as a lead vocalist. In 2019 I was in the original cast of an off west end musical called, Tickle the Musical, a true story based on two young American boys who found themselves victims of blackmail.

After the year 2019 I had no idea that the next few years of his career would mostly consist of touring, with the UK tour of Wind In The Willows 2020, and also the International tour of Joseph And The Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat in 2022 - 2023, alongside Alexandra Burke and Jason Donovan as Taylor/guard and 2nd cover pharaoh.

I am currently embarking on another international tour but this time with The 12 Tenors. Starting in October 2024 and concluding in July 2025. Mostly taking place in Germany Ben will be traveling to China, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Italy and Spain performing classical music, rock music, pop music, golden oldies as well as 'Deutschland schlager' for those who speak the native tongue.

Credits

2024 / 2025, Vocalist, The 12 Tenors, International Tour, Tivoli
2024, Prince, Cinderella, Malvern Theatres
2022 / 2023, Taylor. Guard and 2nd Cover Pharaoh, Joesph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dream Coat, International Tour
2019 / 2020, Ratty, Wind In the Willows, UK Tour, Immersion Theatre, James Tobias
2019, Tinman, The Wizard of Oz, Prime Pantomimes, James Tobias
2019, Callum, Tickle the Musical, Kings Head Theatre, London, Robert McWhir and Sam Spencer-Lane
2018, Ensemble / Understudy Aladdin, Aladdin, Parkwood Theatres
2017, Lead Vocalist, Princess Cruises
2016, Aladdin, Aladdin, Spillers Pantomime
2015, Jolly Jake, Peter Pan, Spillers Pantomimes

Katie Wilson

I am incredibly grateful for my time at MEPA College, where I had the opportunity to grow as both an artist and an individual. The Musical Theatre course not only helped me refine my skills in acting, dancing and singing but it also taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, creativity, and collaboration. The faculty were incredibly supportive and always pushed me to challenge myself, both on and off the stage. I am forever grateful to MEPA College for setting me up for success within the industry.

Credits

2025 - Wonder of the Seas (RCCL) - “Pixel” in Effectors II
2024 - Freedom of the Seas (RCCL) - Featured Singer
2024 - Scarlett Entertainment Corporate Events - Lead Vocalist
2023 - Radiance of the Seas (RCCL) - Featured Singer
2022 - Carnival Horizon - Lead Vocalist
2021 - Marella Explorer Cast 4 (Return to Service) - Lead Vocalist
2019 - Marella Explorer Cast 3 - Lead Vocalist

Evangaline Hogg

MEPA College allowed me to become the performer I am today, with support to gain confidence and giving students some really incredible performance opportunities and experiences.

Although MEPA is a smaller college, it meant we got to work closely with high industry professionals giving 1:1 feedback and support in every lesson. It also allowed many more performing opportunities, such a Move It, CYD, three shows a year at college including a Musical each year. It really was a great place to train.

Credits

2024, Lead Female Vocalist, Queen Victoria Cunard, Royal Court Theatre
2024, Sinderella, Sinderella Slips in, Kent Adult Pantomime Company, Matty Hurst
2022, Backing Vocalist, Endless Love, UK tour, Going Live Productions, Mark Carter
2022 Vocalist, Boogie Nightz, UK tour
2020, Performer, Lapland
2018, Cinderella, Cinderella, Pantomime, CT Productions, Bob Osbourne
2016, Solo Disco Dancer, Gangsta Granny, Musical, Birmingham Stage Company, Neal Foster

Jessica Warby

I graduated MEPA College in 2017 and have since had a successful and diverse career taking me all over the world. I have performed for artists including Jay Sean and worked with creatives such as Emmy nominee John Tartaglia and award-winning West End choreographer Karen Bruce and currently continue my career with Princess Cruises.

I put my success down to my training at MEPA College. MEPA nurtured me from a young age and created an environment where I developed and thrived. The support, during and after training is incomparable. MEPA’s small class sizes ensured I received personal and top-quality training to ensure I reached my full potential. Mandy’s selection of teachers included the industry’s best and kept my training current and so well rounded.

Not only did MEPA give me the dance training and discipline needed to conquer the industry as a well-rounded performer, but also gave me the tools I needed to be the most equipped and prepared on and off stage. I truly believe that training at MEPA has stood me in the best possible stead for the industry and cannot wait to see where my career takes me next. I would like to thank Mandy and all her teachers who helped me get to where I am is today.

Credits

2024, Cruise, Dancer, Discovery Princess, Princess Cruises, Jeremy Rich, Kevin Miller
2023/24, Cruise, Dancer, Enchanted Princess, Princess Cruises, Jeremy Rich, Kevin Miller
2023, Cruise, Dancer, Sky Princess, Princess Cruises, Jeremy Rich, Kevin Miller
2022, Cruise, Havana Girl (Lead Female Dancer), Spotlight Bar, Princess Cruises, Karen Bruce, Max Tengrove
2022, Cruise, Dancer, Enchanted Princess, Princess Cruises, Jeremy Rich, Kevin Miller
2021, Pantomime, Ensemble Dancer, Sleeping Beauty Parkwood Theatres, Martin Cleverley
2020, Cruise, Dancer, Island Princess Triple Contract, Princess Cruises, Jeremy Rich, Kevin Miller
2019, Arena, Choreographer, IPL (Indian Premier League), Delhi Capitals, Kartikey Ramawat
2019, Arena, Dancer, Lord of the Drinks & Label Presents Jay Sean Tour, Legacy Entertainment, Abhay Chabra
2019, Arena, Dancer, Zoom Holi Fest, Zoom TV, Nikhil Gandhi
2019, Dance, Dancer, Bollywood, Talentree India, Emma Louise Boulton
2018 Stage, Dancer, Remarc Shows, Remark International, Rosina Anne Groves-Moar
2016, Pantomime, Ensemble/Understudy Enchantress, Beauty and the Beast, Parkwood Theatres, Martin Cleverley

Luke Baugh

My 5 years at MEPA Training was nothing short of amazing. I joined having never performed before and left with the confidence and knowledge to go into the audition room. MEPA gave me the opportunity to thrive with the small class sizes and amazing faculty that helped me develop all three disciplines into a professional standard. Within 2 years I’ve worked in Agatha Christie’s play ‘The Patient’, the Take That musical ‘Greatest Days’ on P&O, and now as a dancer/singer on Carnival Cruises.

I owe all my success to MEPA College who trained me from 16, not only did they give me a great place to train, but they made me a second home as well.

Credits

2024 / 2025, Singer / Dancer, Carnival Cruises
2024, The Patient - Agatha Christie play, West End
2024, Dancer – Britian’s Got Talent
2023 / 2024, Dancer – Greatest Days Show P&O
2023, Singer / Dancer – Saga Cruises

Melanie Pownall

Thanks to MEPA College, I got to work with the incredibly talented faculty and to be successfully living the life I always dreamt of. MEPA College was supportive, friendly and nurturing. Having moved away from home at just 16 I felt I was cared for, and my training was exceptional. There were lots of performance opportunities which I believe was vital for my development and progression as well as the small class sizes which gave a personal approach to my training.

Thank you, Mandy Ellen and the team.

Credits

2025, Cast Manager of the playlist cast on the flagship, Carnival Jubilee out of Galveston from December
2023 / 2024, Dance Captain, Carnival Legend, Carnival Cruises
2022 / 2023 – Dance Captain, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Cruises
2021 / 2022 – Dance Captain, Carnival Cruises
2019 – 2020, Professional Dancer, Carnival Cruises
2018 / 2019, Professional Dancer, Costa Victoria
2018, Professional Dancer, Max Royal Kiris
2016, Professional Dancer, Lotus Girls, Marrakech

Darcy Knowler

The opportunities I was given were just amazing. I felt like every lesson I was learning something new and that every time I had a class, it felt like I was in a one on one with the teacher.

Darcy’s first job after graduating was the UK/EU tour MICHAEL! which she was on for a year. She has also done one-off commercial gigs such as performing for Bbno$ at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball, and dancing on the Chris and Rosie Ramsey Show. Darcy then went on her first contract with P&O Australia working for GrayBoy Entertainment, which she loves! She is soon to be going back for her fourth contract!

Credits

2024, Singer / Dancer – P&O Australia, Grayboy Entertainment
2023, Singer / Dancer – P&O Australia, Grayboy Entertainment
2022, Singer / Dancer – P&O Australia, Grayboy Entertainment
2022, Dancer – Chris and Rosie Ramsey Show, BBC
2021, Dancer – Bbno$ Jingle Bell Ball
2021/2022, Dancer - UK/EU Tour of Michael

Anna Richmond

Training at MEPA College shaped me both as a performer and as a person. The encouragement and guidance from the incredible faculty helped me in so many ways and I will always be grateful for my time there.

Credits

2024 to Date – Singer / Dancer, What's Endless Love, UK tour including London Palladium, Going Live Productions, Mark Carter

Charlie Parker Griffiths

My training at MEPA College was truly rewarding and fun! The small classes ensured personal feedback and observations that helped me become a stronger performer. The support from the staff members in all disciplines really made an impact on not only my professional development, but also my personal development.

I am grateful to have received such great training and support that led me to extraordinary experiences and amazing contracts.

Credits

2024, Production Dancer, MSC Cruises
2023, Production Dancer Costa Cruises
2022, Vocalist for Brittany Ferries

Mason Plews

I started my training at MEPA in 2014 at 16 years old and over the 3 years I was shaped into the versatile performer I am today. MEPA helped me grow as a performer and really pushed every aspect of my training to the limits.

I can't thank MEPA enough for giving me the knowledge and skill to have up-to-date, the most amazing career.

Credits

Peter Pan - Spillers
Beauty and the Beast - Spillers
Queen Victoria Cunard - Qdos
Norwegian Sky - NCL
P&O Ventura - Headliners
P&O Britannia - Headliners
The Pale White - That Dress - music video
Warner Bros. World, Abu Dhabi - Gareth Walker
Peter Pan - Parkwood
Cinderella - Parkwood
S/S24 Fashion Catwalk, Metro Centre - Gaz Davis
Beltingham House lifestyle video feat. Barbour Clothing and Cotswold Distillery

Owen Whiddett

My time at MEPA helped me grow as a person and a performer, giving me all the tools to be able to survive in this industry in a safe and inspiring environment.

Without MEPA I would not be the performer I am today and I will be forever grateful for the training and opportunities Mandy provides.

Credits

2024 / 2025 Greatest Days Musical, P&O Ariva
2024, Dancer, Soccer Aid
2024, Britian’s Got Talent
2023, Dancer, Wizard of Oz, Spillers Pantomime

Jack Evison

I began my time at MEPA in 2018. I chose MEPA for the fact it is a small college making the training so personal and tailored to each persons needs. Throughout my time there all of the teachers were amazing, not only passing on their knowledge and experiences but often giving us the opportunities to work in the industry while training, something I think is extremely helpful in motivating us and putting what we are learning into practice.

During the year we would have multiple showcases driving us to improve. We covered so many styles during the long days and I find this has been the perfect preparation to go into a rehearsal room in the industry.

Since graduating MEPA College my teachers have kept in contact, still helping and encouraging me through the industry.

Credits

2025 Regent Seven Seas Mariner - Production Cast
2024 Beauty and The Beast - Ensemble
2023 / 2024Regent Seven Seas Grandeur - Production Cast
2023 Regent Seven Seas Explorer - Production Cast
2022 / 2023 Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical Gala - Ensemble
2022 Sleeping Beauty - Jungle
2021 Princess Cruises - Production Cast
2020 Jack and the Beanstalk - Ensemble
2019 Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs - Ensemble

April King

I was at MEPA College from 2018 and graduated in 2021. My time at college was incredible and I am so grateful to have spent and trained for 3 years at college. I was given so many amazing opportunities and made friends for life. One thing about MEPA I love the most is how friendly the college is, how close you are to the teachers and other students. I can honestly say that when I first started college, I was so shy with not a lot of confidence.

Since leaving college I am a lot more confident, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without MEPA. At MEPA you are always given amazing opportunities all year round. Mandy Ellen is the best principal anyone could ask for. MEPA College makes sure you step out the door feeling good, confident and motivated. I am now following my dreams and have had some fantastic jobs and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Credits

2024, Dance Captain, Aladdin, Spillers Pantomime, Scotland
2024, Dancer, Regnum Carva, Open Air Arena, ATA
2023, Dance Captain, Beauty and The Beast, Spillers Pantomime, Scotland
2022, Dancer, Wizard of Oz, Spillers Pantomime, Scotland
2021, Dancer, Smurf the Musical, Qatar, Millennium Entertainment
2021, Backing Dancer, Fleur East, Chris and Rosie Ramsey TV Show, BBC

Emma Beale

I started attending MEPA Training at 4 years old, where Mandy encouraged my passion for performing, even at such a young age. With her support and training I transitioned from after school classes, competition squads and grade work into professional training at MEPA College.

I attended MEPA College Musical Theatre and Performing Arts where I gained training to prepare me to be a versatile performer for the demands of the industry. The huge variety of dance, acting and singing classes taught by industry professionals have equipped me with skills I can continue to apply in any job.

Credits

2024 / 2025, Dancer, The Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises
2023 / 2024, Dancer, The Emerald Princess, Princess Cruises
2023, Dancer, The Crown Princess, Princess Cruises
2022 / 2023, Dancer, The Grand Princess, Princess Cruises

Stephanie Smyth

I joined MEPA College just after Covid in the year of 2021 and in my three years of training, I have truly found what I love doing! It was such an amazing journey for me and a big part in my life, it made me more confident in my dancing and in myself just believing that you can achieve anything!

MEPA College has given me the best individual training anyone can ask for in the dance world and along with loads of performance opportunities, finding life-long friendships, so many great memories, learning about myself and who I am as a performer. During my time I have also discovered that I have a singing voice inside of me and my confidence in my singing has improved and grown so much since I started in Year 1.

I’m so thankful to all the MEPA teachers and Mandy Ellen for supporting me, encouraging me and giving me the guidance I needed to find the performer I am today. I’m forever grateful for my three years and I had the best time! If I could, I would do it all again in a heartbeat - it’s been a pleasure. Thank you so much MEPA College!

Credits

2024, Dancer - Jack and the Beanstalk, Spillers Pantomimes
2024, Performer - CHOCKED 2.0, with James Bennett
2024, Dancer - Soccer Aid 2024, ITV
2023, Dancer - Beauty and the Beast, Spillers Pantomimes

Paige Brooker

I have had the most amazing three years at MEPA College including amazing performance opportunities and one to one training with industry professionals. Another great thing about MEPA College is the support they continue to give even once you have graduated - they support with advice auditions and opportunities.

Credits

2024, Dancer, Aladdin Pantomime, Spillers Pantomime
2024, Dancer, Soccer-Aid Dancer/Flag Bearer
2024, Dancer, Britain’s Got Talent, ITV
2023, Dancer, Beauty and The Beast, Spillers Pantomime