A WEST END star visited his old school in Rugby to pass on some top acting tips to GCSE drama students.
Emile Ruddock, who now features as a member of the principle cast in West End production Hamilton, came back to The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College to tell students how he followed his dream to become an actor.
After doing his GCSEs at the school in 2009, Emile went on to study performing arts, dance, media and English language at Stratford-upon-Avon College before moving to London to gain work experience and make contacts within the industry.
One of his first opportunities was performing in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. He was also a semi-finalist in Sky One’s Got To Dance with the tap dancing troupe The Pulse Collective, before being involved in a number of stage shows.
He currently plays Hercules Mulligan and James Maddison in Hamilton.
During his visit to Avon Valley, Emile delivered an assembly in which he explained his journey from drama lessons at the school to the stages of the West End – telling the students that it is import to “never give up on your dreams”.
Emile also took time out to watch GCSE practical exam rehearsals before speaking to the students and passing on tips and advice.
He said: “Some of my first performances were on stage at Avon Valley and the local theatre and it is great to be back.
“It really was a pleasure to see the students rehearsing for their exams and to speak in an assembly about my career to date. It’s really encouraging to see the students’ passion and enthusiasm for acting and I wish them all the best for their assessment.”
Head teacher Alison Davies said: “It was lovely to welcome Emile back to the school and to hear about his success. It is wonderful for our current students to see and hear about a former student’s success.
“We are very grateful to Emile for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us and work with our drama students; we hope to see him again soon.”
The musical Hamilton, in which Emile stars, opened in London in December 2017, at the refurbished Victoria Palace Theatre. The show follows the remarkable life story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who rose to power after beginning life in poverty. The production is set against the backdrop of the American War of Independence.
