Since PQA first opened its doors back in 2007, we’ve seen thousands of students walk through the door of their local academy, ready to take part in their very own PQA journey and realise their full potential, having a heap of fun along the way! In 2012, Jemima Winter was taking those very steps at PQA Brentwood to become one of PQA’s longest-standing students! As she departs PQA now aged 18 and ready for adventures new, let’s take a look at her PQA journey …
Jemima joined PQA Brentwood in September 2012 as a fresh-faced Green Group student! Aged just six, she has since excelled in all modules – Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & TV – with unwavering enthusiasm. We always encourage our students to go for it and try new things, creating an environment in which they can really flourish, creating many special opportunities for our students to both grow and have unforgettable experiences. Jemima’s true focus and dedication to PQA each week saw her thrive artistically, stepping into her own spotlight and achieving a whole host of amazing milestones!
Jemima is one of only a few PQA UK students who has performed in THREE of PQA’s West End performances at the heart of London’s Theatreland! First appearing in ‘Fright Night’ in 2014 aged just eight, she went on to star in ‘Lazy Ace’ in 2017 and ‘Trouble’s a Brewin’ in 2019. An excellent actor, it’s been fantastic to see her grow as a performer with each show. Indeed, Jemima is no stranger to the West End, having also performed in the Ambassador Theatre production of ‘The Secret Garden’, as well as playing Belle in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. With her dance school she has starred at His Majesty’s Theatre in ‘The Wind in the Willows’, ‘Joseph’, ‘Fame’, ‘School of Rock’, ‘Anything Goes’, ‘Shrek’ and she’s even performed solo singing pieces.
Performing in front of a live audience is an integral part of our student experience at PQA and it’s been a pleasure to have Jemima take to the stage at the Chelmsford Theatre with PQA Brentwood for both ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘I Wish’, an original musical play, written and directed by Ashton Moore. But it’s not just stage, Jemima has also had a taste of life in front of the film camera, appearing in a science fiction feature film called ‘Let’s Be Evil’. Shot at the Secret Nuclear Bunker, it also starred Isabelle Allen (the Young Cosette from the movie ‘Les Misérables’) and was directed by Hollywood’s Martin Owen. Away from PQA, Jemima has excelled in her dancing and singing over the years, winning many awards performing tap and lyrical dance, as well as solo singing awards and gold and silver medals, as well as earning distinctions in her exams.
It might be time for Jemima to leave PQA, but it’s great to see her continuing her journey in the performing arts! As well as currently rehearsing ‘Our House’ with the Billericay Operatic Society (BOC), due to be performed in March 2024, Jemima is also preparing for a dance show in September, playing the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. We’re sure she will be fabulous!
Principal of PQA Brentwood, Stephen Hawke says:
“We’ve seen such dedication to all she does both inside and outside of PQA. Always with a smile, kindness and enthusiasm, Jemima has been a wonderful student, whom we are very privileged to have had at PQA and we’re delighted to make her a PQA Ambassador at PQA Brentwood.”
Well done Jemima on your incredible PQA journey and good luck for the future.
Find out more about PQA
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Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.