Sophie Owen and Alex Matthews met while studying Musical Theatre at Conservatoire East, part of West Suffolk College, between 2017 and 2019 – and ended up leaving with more than just a qualification. In 2024, the pair got engaged, proving that sometimes love really does take centre stage!
Both Sophie and Alex went on to drama school after Conservatoire East, and thanks to the high-intensity, professional-style training they received at college, they hit the ground running. After graduating, they each worked as professional actors on a range of exciting projects before discovering a shared passion for children’s entertainment – where they now spend their days bringing stories, characters, and a whole lot of magic to life.
Their journey is a joyful reminder of the unexpected adventures (and romances!) that can begin in a theatre classroom.
What made you want to join West Suffolk College?
Sophie:
I was unsure what route I wanted to take when I left school, so I went to look round multiple places. When I came to look round Conservatoire EAST I loved it instantly. There was such a lovely atmosphere, and the teachers were so knowledgeable and experienced within the field, I knew this would be an amazing place to come to study musical theatre.
Alex:
I instantly fell in love with Conservatoire East on my first look around at an open day. The staff and current students at the time were extremely welcoming and friendly! It was exactly what I wanted – a practical and vocational course that would give me the skills and experience to progress further on into my chosen industry.
How did your time at West Suffolk College influence your career?
Sophie:
After Conservatoire East, I went to study Musical Theatre at drama school. The course prepared me so well for this as it was run so similarly to how drama school was. It was intense and had I not been prepared for this at Conservatoire EAST, this would have been really difficult for me to get used to. Instead, I was able to throw myself in to my new course straight away! After graduating from drama school, I got an agent and worked as a professional actor for a couple of years. I then found my love for children’s entertainment so am now working in that field performing various children’s entertainment shows and being lots of different characters at different events! (The improv classes definitely helped with answering curious children’s random questions whilst dressed as a princess!)
Alex:
After being at Conservatoire East, I was accepted into The Musical Theatre Academy. I studied there for 2 years and then progressed as a professional actor, performing and working on various shows and projects. After doing this for a few years I then found a love for children’s entertainment and have been doing that ever since. I absolutely love it and would not be able to do what I do now without the skills and knowledge that I started picking up at Conservatoire East. One specific project we did at Conservatoire East was Theatre in Education, which was performances aimed at, and performed to, just children. This was a project that I often take knowledge and inspiration from when performing to children in my job now.
What’s your favourite memory from your time at the college?
Sophie:
I have so many special memories of my time at Conservatoire EAST. We were given so many opportunities to do so many things and perform in various places. A couple of my favourite shows we did would have to be Spamalot & The Railway Children! Thank you ConEast for providing somewhere that people can train specifically in their chosen field to a high standard!
Alex:
I just have so many amazing memories of my time at Conservatoire East. The staff, students and general ethos of the college was incredible. All the shows will have a very special place in my heart for various reasons. I will always be so grateful for how the college prepared me for going forward in life.
What advice would you give to future students at Eastern Education Group?
Sophie:
Enjoy every minute as the time really does fly by!
Alex:
Have the best time ever and soak up everything you can.
