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Movie Magic

By Sarah from Ysgol Maes-y-dderwen

Sarah, Claire Marlowe and Ashley in 'Whistle down the Wind'Even though she's still in school, Ystradgynlais teenager Sarah has already appeared in tv adverts, a Hollywood movie and a West End musical. Here, she writes about how she started treading the boards.


My first taste of performing came at the age of 5 in the local Urdd Eisteddfod after a little persuasion from my music teacher! I performed singing, acting and disco dancing in the Eisteddfod until I left my primary school at the age of 11.

I joined a local theatre group at 8 and did amateur stage shows. Two years later I saw an advert for the 'Mark Jermin Stage School'. At the stage school we train in all aspects of performing arts including singing, dancing, acting and also modelling. There is also an agency where many celebrities are clients.

My first professional job with the stage school was a TV advert for a breakfast cereal 'Golden Nuggets'. This was then followed by another 7 adverts.

From the stage school I have landed lead roles in television series, short films, stage shows, modelling shoots and adverts.

I have just recently finished an 11 month U.K tour playing the role of 'Brat' in Bill Kenwrights 'Whistle down the Wind'. While I was touring a professional tutor travelled with us. This was probably the best role I have landed as I got to travel the country and meet loads of people!

Also last summer during my time off from the tour, I acted in the new movie 'Agent Cody Banks 2' playing the role of Marissa (a ninja fighter) with 'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz and 'S Club's' Hannah Speritt.

All the money I have earned from acting is now in an account set up for my university fees!

It was very strange to come back to school and Ystradgynlais after such a long time away, but my friends and family welcomed me back home with a party!!

I am still not sure whether I would like to take up acting as a profession when I am older but I have definitely gained a lot of experience in the mean time! I would recommend acting to anyone who would like to build their confidence and meet lots of people, like I have done!


your comments

Caitlin From Neath
i used to go to mark jermin stage school. i went for about 5 years, and absolutely loved it there. I went on "Blue Peter" and danced to the latest song at the time "cha cha slide" it was a blast, Really wanna go back, but not sure, but i really recomend it for those who enjoy to perform x
Wed Dec 30 10:07:37 2009

Shelley ( swansea west class)
I've been in Merk jermin for 7 years now and i love it. I couldnt help notice loads of ppl asking 4 times nd stuff so just 2 let u know the new website has just started up, google markjermin and all the info is there, I realy sujest going its fab ive been on smtv live, the saturday show, clarks shoe ad, the news :s XD, doctor who this xmas , nd in joseph nd his technicolour dream coat 4 time running in the uk tour nd loads of other shows! its so fun and ive made loads of life long friends, nd just 2 answer the last comment its never 2 late 2 start drama =]xxx
Fri Aug 29 08:57:48 2008

Zoey, Llanelli
I have been looking up for years, trying to find good stage schools in my local area, I would love to act,sing, dance, but the only problem is I dont have any experience at all! I have never been to acting clubs before, only like a school play when I was about 10 lol.After reading all these comments its making me have second thoughts about joining, since everyone seems to have a lot of experience, does it matter if I join nw? I'm 15 I want to act! I want to have confidence and to be a actor. someone please help me out, lol.
Wed Mar 12 14:37:52 2008

Lewri, Swansea City
Umm well I wanna join this drama club every body sais its wiked but if any noows tha site for Mark Jermin? Ive already been in 5 adverts but everybody said Mark Jermin is good any one nows wat tha internet site is pls tell mee.
Thu May 31 09:27:54 2007

Kelly
Mark Jermin is d besttt woooowww!
Mon Apr 23 09:39:43 2007

Lilla, Warwick
I am 8 years old and was totally inspired by your experience as a young actor. I am currently at Play Box theatre in Warwick which is fantastic! I am very keen to get in television, my ultimate goal is to be a Blue Peter Presenter & and be in Doctor Who! - any ideas which direction I go in from here?
Sat Apr 21 15:55:33 2007

Sherell,
Mark Jermin stage scwl is de best.
Thu Apr 19 09:36:58 2007

Hayley from Carmarthen
2 alice...join again :Di go 2 the carmarthen one :Dits a great laugh you should come :D
Mon Apr 9 13:43:51 2007

Alice,
I went to mark jermin for years when i was 9 to 12 , i had the most amazing time but i moved and couldnt attend anymore... now I've moved back again I'm thinking of joining the one in carmarthen, i dont know if any of my old friends are there anymore gutted really, i was on sm:tv live twice and was on teachers, and in joseph and his technciolour dream coat... the award are amazing and ime gutted i had to leave!! see the camarthen guys soon i hope!
Mon Feb 26 12:50:41 2007

Leanne,
My nearets Mark Jermin is Carmarthen and my friends are in it. I went to see Annie. It was amazing.My friend Heini wa s Annie and my friend Jemma was a mean girl and my friend Kelly played lots of different people.
Sun Jan 7 20:22:45 2007

Jemma, Carmarthen
ive been goin 2 mark jermin stage school 4 a year now and its great we have just don the show annie its soooo cool ive made loads of new mates nd it has defenetly boosted up my confidence.
Mon Dec 18 14:44:39 2006

Kim from Carmarthen
Hey! i've been in this drama school for about 3 years now and i am really enjoying it!It's an amazing experience to go on stage and after you finished a show you don't want to go! i've resently just done Annie and it was really really good!Fab!
Mon Dec 18 09:47:54 2006

Jaimee,
I go to the Mark Jermin stage school in pontlliw, It is fantastic, i have learned so much mark is a fabulous teacher i have been on television such an oppurtunity im so glad i go there.
Mon Nov 13 10:06:20 2006

Scott
hiya guys..just to say a few things- mark jermin school is brilliant. Im a member of a county drama theatre and for an amateur group marks is top class! he's an enthusiastic teacher with trust. Dont be afraid of slight discipline however because you can never become part of this industry wthout it- i'd advise anyone to join as its fun and the shows are fab-
Mon Nov 13 10:02:32 2006

Liz
I go to that school and it's really fun to be in. I like sport the best coz of the teacher she is really nice. And our school was on tele last year for children in need we did a show and people were performing. I'm doing it this year i'm doing We're all in this together with me mates it going to be awesome but it may be a bit emmbarrising.
Wed Nov 8 17:11:33 2006

Georgia, Port talbot
i went for about 2 years , it was brill:D Was thinking of starting back with my cousin Katie-Rose Went On The Saturday Show E.T.C
Mon Oct 23 10:00:12 2006

Keja 4m carmarthen
mark jermin iz osm. Iv alwayz luved acting, dancing and singin and now I do all these things on 1 night and in shows and I have learnt tons of cwl dance ruitines and singing and acting tips!!! It is fab!! You gain tons of confidence and it is tons of fun!! Iv made tons of new m8z and I am having a gr8 time! we r now workin on the show annnie which is showing in the lyric theatre on Nov 22-25.
Mon Oct 23 09:54:49 2006

Llewys, pembrokeshire
I go to mark jermin. Get some forms if you want to join. They have 1 in:swansea,baglan,camarthen. Most are in age groups but some aren't. I've been to loads of auditions in just 1 year :nickelodeon, cbbc, adverts etc.
Tue Oct 3 17:24:28 2006

Sophie
Does anyone know the time of the Mark Jermin drama in Baglan, where when etc.
Fri Sep 29 09:12:25 2006

Maddison
I've only been going 2 mark jermins since March 2006 and its well amazin! its made me more confident and iv met loadz of fab friends there! im totally luvin it n any1 wantin 2 go should deffo go there! Ive done Grease and naw im doin Annie!
Wed Sep 20 09:20:59 2006

emilie from carmarthen
I have been going to Mark Jermin for a year now and it is really cool we are starting to do the show Annie and i am, really enjoying it!
Mon Sep 18 12:12:52 2006

Mary
More imformation on Carmarthen please? Where? Day? Time? Age allowed to atend?
Fri Sep 8 09:35:50 2006

Emily , Swansea
I'm just about to join the Mark Jermin school in Swansea, could anyone give me any tips or advice so that I'm ready when I join. Cheers me dears ;) xx
Wed Aug 16 15:13:30 2006

Becki, Swansea
This skool may be great but our drama skool is ten times better! I have recently done a show- Bugsy Malone - and I had a gd part. I think that you should join the Sir Harry Secome Youth Musical Theatre Company as it is so cool!
Thu Jul 20 08:51:51 2006

Nia from Carmarthen
I have been going 2 the Mark Jermin Stage School for about 3 years! I love it! It has boosted my confidence and I have made loads of new friends. I have been in Honk! Adrian Mole and we are now working on Annie! Went to see Grease the other day! It was fab! Well done to everyone especially Mark!
Wed Jul 5 13:21:04 2006

Felicity, Swansea
hiayaaa!!! i go 2 da swansea school n i hav bn goin 4 about 4yrs now:S its mazin. evryone iz so open n friendly n the things u do ther r soooo much fun!!! at da mo i jus got back from our 1st show ov grease n ill tell u 1 thing...wen u get on that stage it iz amazin!!
Wed Jun 28 09:20:28 2006

Ricky, Swansea
I've been going 2 mark jermins since I was nine and it's brilliant. I love going and you'll have a luagh and enjoy performing all the time. At the moment we're doing Grease, should come watch it!!
Tue Jun 27 10:45:40 2006

Bethan from Swansea
Where is Mark Jermins theatre school? I'd love to go there but I don't know where it is. I already go to a drama based club but I would like to join a theatre school instead
Tue Jun 13 09:24:01 2006

Jodie, Swansea
I have been going to the mark jermin stage school for over 2 years and I absolutly love it. It is something that I really want to do when I am older. I have made lots of friends and have become more an more confident since joining the stage school. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to have a career in drama an singing or dancing or I would recommned it to anyone who justs wants to make friends and become more confident in life. The Mark Jermin Stage School rules.
Mon Jun 5 10:01:29 2006

Michael, Swansea
I have been going to Mark Jermin for a year and five months. It's great. Over a short length of time, I have built up a lot more confidence for myself. I have made more new friends and I have a good time.
Wed May 3 08:40:15 2006

Laura from Pembrokeshire
Wow, this place seems incredible, and i really want, to join, is it expensive and what if im hopeless at singing but want to be an actress dancer or model would i still get in, please help!! ill keep looking out for some advice over the next few weeks.
Sun Feb 26 18:50:59 2006

Shelley CARMARTHEN
I go 2 the mark jermin stage school 2 its in carmarthen it is wiked we r doin adrian mole at the moment it is comin on well if u r interested in joinin carmarthen school it is in st marrys hall thursday nights 6.30-8.30 just come along any thursday bye
Sat Feb 11 21:04:29 2006

Caitlin, Port Talbot
We are doin a show, Adrian Mole nd it rox! It will be awesum so come nd watch it!!!!
Tue Feb 7 18:14:56 2006

Bethan, Swansea School!
I've been going to Mark Jermin stage school since i was 9, and still love it as much as i did from the beginning and im 16 now! Its lovely spending time with all your friends and learning new things. I loved doing Honk it was amazing and i really enjoyed it soo much - thanks Camarthen school!
Fri Jan 27 12:07:43 2006

CERIAN, CARMARTHEN
I have been going to Mark Jermin Stage School in Carmarthen for one year now. I have made lots of friends - best friend Heini - I really enjoyed taking part in HONK - it was a brilliant experience. Can't wait for the next production!!!
Tue Jan 24 17:36:26 2006

Dani from Swansea
Hi guys. I've been in the stage school for ten years in March. I was one of the original pupils at the stage school and I'm the longest lasting member of the school. Whilst being at the stage school myself and my brother have gained loads of experience, and have met loads of great people over the years who we still keep in touch with. Recently, I was asked to join the team of fantastic teachers at the school, and hope to pass on my experiences to those of you who are already at the stage school, and meet those who hope to join. See you soon.
Wed Jan 18 13:32:40 2006

Mia
To get in touch with the Mark Jermin Stage School you cna write to: Head Office, 4 Woodfield Avenue, Pontlliw, Swansea, SA4 1EQ or ring on 01792891742. There are three school: One in Carmarthen, one in Swansea and one in Port Talbot. Hope that's enough information for you!!! :)
Sun Jan 15 17:32:25 2006

melissa from london
i would love to become a professional actor in movies and much more but drama schools usually cost a lot of money.
Mon Jan 2 23:28:48 2006

glenn from carmarthen
sarah, what you have done is amazing. i wish to follow in your footsteps...how did you ome across your big break?
Sat Dec 17 20:45:54 2005

Ffion -Ystradgynlais
I go to the Swansea stage school & wen i 1st started i had no freinds or confidence but naw I have been there for 6 yrs & every1 is sooooo nice & I have much more confidence. I would advise ny1 who is interested in drama & meeting new poeple to join it is AMAZING !!!!!!!!!!
Thu Dec 15 10:32:21 2005

Ganene from Swansea
My 3 year old boy has bags of confidence and you cannot get the microphone off him when he starts singing. I know he would make a fab little actor. What age can they start acting and where would I take him?
Mon Nov 21 09:52:45 2005

parent llanelli
my little girl has just joined the mark jermin stage school, she goes every monday at pontlliw village hall 5.30 -6.30 pm, there are also classes at the same hall saturday and sunday 1-2pm, she is a really quiet little girl, loud enough at home mind you so i joined her up even if its just to build up her confidence and she seems to like it so its worth it .
Sun Oct 30 17:53:22 2005

Rhys from Neath
hello everyone - going to the mark jermin stage school helps you make new friends and it boosts out your confidence. at the moment, the carmarthen and port talbot schools are doing the secret diary of adrian mole and swansea are doing grease. i am ejoying puting on a northern accent for the show we are doing. i would reccommend the stage school to anyone.
Thu Oct 27 15:41:00 2005

Ck, S wales
I have heard a lot about this school, but I can't find anything about times, EXACT location or other contact details! Can anybody help me out? I'm sure it would help others out as well =)
Sat Oct 22 15:19:30 2005

Kate
Hiya is Mark Jermin doing a new show now? As I would like to join.
Tue Oct 18 14:42:55 2005

Parent, Llanelli
My son just wants to be on the stage, all he wants to do is act and he is only 5 years old. Please can someone tell me how we can go about getting him joined up to the Mark Jermin school?
Wed Sep 7 21:00:51 2005

Ricky, Swansea
I have been goin 2 the mark jermin stage skl for 5 years and its really great!!!!! you make lots of friends and mark will be one of them as he is agreat teacher and is mad!!!! hi t every 1 in swansea!!! I LoVe JoRdAn!!
Mon Aug 22 22:24:51 2005

Rhys from port talbot
Right now Mark Jermin stage school are doing a summer school which puts on a show
Mon Aug 15 18:45:51 2005

Katie
Can sum 1 tell me if I wanna join do I have to join in September?
Tue Aug 9 13:35:37 2005

kt wales
i would like to join mark jermins stage school, but could sum 1 tell me do I have to join at a certain time?
Tue Jul 12 14:51:46 2005

Neesha Rees from the Mark Jermin Stage School
Sarah is awesome at everything she does and I'm so glad all these oppurtunities have come up for her.
Mon Jul 11 17:47:15 2005

Warren from Cardigan
I go to the Carmarthen stage school and I would advise anybody who's intrested in performing to come along to the Mark Jermin stage school. In September it will be my third year there and in that time I've learnt loads. Mark is a brilliant teacher and we have just finished a show called "Honk". It was wicked!
Sun Jul 10 14:06:20 2005

Katie
hello ppl! i think im gonna join the mark jermin stage school. It sounds really gd and the show i saw on tuesday was amazing! it was called 'HONK' and i loved it. especially the main characters who were fab and the chorus who sang well. i want to go because i love acting, singing and dancing also i would like to boost up my confidence a lil bit more!. neways gotta go frm katie.
Sat Jul 9 21:58:39 2005

Bethan from Swansea
I've been going to Mark's for 6 years now! Its amazing! We always have a fab time every week! He is the best teacher ever! I've got so many awesome friends there and we always have a laugh!
Thu Jun 30 12:21:48 2005

Amber from Swansea
I have been goin to the Mark Jermin School for 6 yrs. I really love going there. I have been on Starstruck - a programme filmed by the BBC on stage school life. I have done lots of commercials and shows and my confidence has really gone up.
Mon Jun 27 21:23:59 2005

Rhys from Port Talbot
I love being in the Mark Jermin Stage School. He is a kind person with a nice personality . He has sent me on a few auditions and I have been on a few tv programs such as Nickelodeon and Xchange.
Sun Jun 12 18:15:11 2005

lindsey richards from wales
I really want to go to mark jermin stage school but dont know how to get in there - please help me!
Mon Jun 6 14:40:56 2005

Dahni-bria
I love Mark's school. He makes us all feel we can do anything if we try. My mum is a singer and sang on stage in her show but until I went to Mark, I didn't have the nerve - but now I will go on stage anytime. I love it.
Tue May 31 17:38:15 2005

parent
Theres a class in Baglan Community Centre on Fridays age 3+ 5.30-6.30 and 7+ 6.30-9.00
Mon May 16 20:33:30 2005

Shelley from Carmarthen
I've been going to Mark Jermin for about 9 months now and it's one of the best things i've ever done!! I wouldn't miss one week of it for anything. At the moment we are doing the show "HONK" one of my best friends is honk which is the ugly duckling! her name is Eimear! She's a great actress and she got me into Mark Jermin. I'm going to take drama gcse next year with Mark!I can't wait! For Gwennan who lives in Carmarthen: the school is in St Mary Schools hall. come and join it's great fun you will love it! You will gain loads of confidence.
Sun May 8 18:08:13 2005

Lauren from Port Talbot
Hi seems everyone wants to know where and how to join Mark jermin's stageschool but can't find any info!!!! join the club or not as the case may be :)please can you help!!
Thu May 5 14:52:18 2005

jordan, swanzy city
Hey I've been going to Mark's for 6 weeks and I absolutly love it. I think he's fabulous. He's a great teacher. I'd just like to say all in all THNX!
Mon May 2 01:12:39 2005

Dale Francis
It's really nice to hear positive feedback from members of the stage school. i took a little time out of the school to do a tour of the united states and hoping to return before long. all my love Dale x x x x x
Sat Apr 30 00:36:34 2005

yasmin from swansea
mark jermins is da best stage school ever. its at the pontliw village hall, all you need to do is send of for a application form. its brilliant and makes you much more confident. xXx
Thu Apr 28 19:29:24 2005

Natalie from Bridgend
If anyone has any information on how to contact Mark Jermin Stage School, please let me know!!!
Tue Apr 26 21:04:43 2005

Jourdan stage school carmathen
its so fab!
Sat Apr 23 22:08:27 2005

Holli from Port Talbot
Helllo everyone i have been told how good Mark Jermins stage school is and i have watched the T.V series Starstruck but i would like a contact number to get information on what age groups,what times, days etc if anyone from the school can give info on this please write in. Thanks byee
Tue Apr 19 21:21:23 2005

Gwennan, Carmarthen
I really love to dance and I want to join the school but I don't know how and where they are.

Any advice?
Thu Apr 14 21:17:52 2005

Alex and Morgan Grinter from Swansea
Hi! We've been going to the Mark Jermin stage school for a few years now and we love it! We've made loads of new friends! And we enjoy learning how to act and dance. The stage school is a great way to build confidence and it has taught us loads. Mark and the team who work with us are great and really friendly.
Sat Apr 2 11:16:02 2005

Georgia, Ellie + Poppy from Swansea
Hi, we go to Mark Jermin's stage school and it's great. You meet loads of new friends, have a wicked time in classes, learn how to dance, act and sing. We've done quite a lot of professional work and we've even won an ACEA childrens award, sometimes you get to meet famous people! Can't be bad, oh and Mark's really cool as well!! So don't be shy come to class and enjoy yourself.XXX
Fri Apr 1 02:05:09 2005

Joshua from Swansea
I go to the Mark Jermin school and have done so for nearly 5yrs. It is situated in Pontlliw near Gorsienon, there is also one in Carmarthen and one in Port Talbot. I have done quite a lot of tv work since being there and it is like one big extended family. Mark gives you loads of confidence and he is also very talented so come along and meet us all you won't regret it honest!
Mon Mar 28 19:15:45 2005

Laura
I went to Mark Jermin stage school before and I really liked it but now I don't know how to get back in contact to join again.
Tue Mar 22 14:57:19 2005

Nicola from Wales
I am really interested in joining the stage school but I don't know how. Can anybody help me?
Wed Mar 16 18:08:41 2005

Jodie from Swansea
I go to the Mark Jermin Stage School and it is absolutly fab. It has really brought out all of my confidence and I have met loads of friends. I would recommend it to anyone anytime.
Mon Mar 14 20:41:34 2005

Jayd from swansea
same here i really want to join but dont know how?
Thu Feb 17 19:00:40 2005

Leanne from Wales
I would love to go to Mark Jermins theatre school but I don't know how to get in there
Tue Jan 18 14:34:03 2005

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