“My daughter, Kitty, has been coming to Russell Actors for nearly five years and has had an absolute ball. Sherina and Sarah are the most wonderful teachers, incredibly talented, warm and encouraging.
Kitty has made lots of friends, had great fun and definitely become more confident and a better actor. I really can’t recommend the class enough.”
- Max Croft, Parent of RA student
''Over six formative years, I was taught by the wonderful Sherina Russell, who now leads her very own youth acting group, Russell Actors. Everything I learnt and all the skills I developed whilst studying with Sherina, from confidence to connectedness, creativity to clarity, have absolutely informed my progress through life, and continue to help me out to this day... They're a gift that keeps on giving. ''
- Bea Svistunenko, Alumni student and RADA Undergraduate
''Russell Actors means the world to me. When I first auditioned I was undoubtedly very nervous, but by the end of the session that changed into this longing to come back. I knew that this is where I wanted to be, that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting so many likeminded people at Russell Actors and it has been amazing working with them. I am happy to say that a lot of people became some of my best friends, true friends. I can't imagine where I would be today without Russell Actors. It is no longer an acting company to me; it has become an essential part of my life. The people I have met are no longer fellow actors, or even my friends; to me they are family .''
- Louise Barco-Morgan, RA 'Seniors' student
"A really fun and welcoming environment which is a great escape from school stress! We can be ourselves no matter how weird we might be, just a lovely community."
- Alissa Manuel, RA 'Seniors' student
"I joined Russell Actors because a friend recommended them to me, and ever since I joined it's been like a second home for me. I have made so many new friends. I have become much more confident and being surrounded by talented people and talented teachers has helped me in many ways. Thank you so much to Sherina and Sarah (the best teachers ever)."
- Gigi, RA 'Juniors' student
"Why Russell Actors is great: Every week we do something really productive and interesting. My imagination has become bigger as I often have ideas now for random scenes. The constructive criticism makes me more confident for next time. I feel like I learn a lot in a fun environment."
- Molly, RA 'Juniors' student
“Sherina taught my daughter at The Young Actors Company in Colchester for over five years. She also led two hugely successful drama workshops for 70 children in years 3 to 6 at Elmstead Primary School where I teach. Sherina is a fantastic drama teacher. She inspires her students with humour and charm, accepting nothing but the highest standards from them. She leads by example, fills them with confidence in their own ability and is kind, thoughtful and sensitive. She is multi-talented and I have seen her successfully motivating children as young as seven years right through to those in their early twenties. She has their undivided loyalty and attention at all times. She is professional, yet totally approachable and friendly, bringing the absolute best out of the children.”
–Helen Chambers, parent
“Being a member of RA was invaluable for my growth. Sherina’s teaching style perfectly balances direction, feedback, and the freedom to explore your innate capabilities; enabling you to become an articulate actor who can take on criticism, work with others and perfect your acting craft.
I strongly believe that these experiences at RA have defined who I am today. I have recently completed my degree at the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts in California studying Film Production; I wouldn't have been accepted onto the course if it wasn’t for the experiences, lessons and values I have learned over those four years with Sherina and our family of talented actors. Russell Actors is a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, commitment and, most importantly, endless fun!”
-Ben Wilkinson, alumnus, professional film director
On the Gloucestershire Outdoor Theatre experience:
''Having decided to travel up to Gloucestershire to watch the Peter Pan performance, I was half unaware of what to expect. What a delight it was....not only to see such great talent but to see how far my daughter had developed as a young actor through the efforts of Russell Actors. The support and skills that she has gained through Russell Actors are incomparable. Thank you to Sherina and the team for giving my daughter this new energy, direction and confidence.''
- Sandy, Parent of RA Student
''Gloucestershire was such a wholesome experience in many ways. It helped me grow as a performer and a person; spending time with a bunch of lovely, open minded people who shared my love of theatre was so fulfilling. I also improved upon one of my personal weaknesses as a performer, performing "up and out" as Sherina put it. I had never performed outdoors before and have always had a quiet voice and by the end of the week, I was proud of the change. Although I definitely felt stretched and challenged, everyone was so supportive and loving both on stage and off that I enjoyed the rehearsal process almost as much as the performances. I felt so grateful to be a part of something so special, with such a unique blend of talents. I had the time of my life!''
- Riana, RA Student
''Gloucestershire is without a doubt the highlight of the summer if not the entire year. It's such an intense week but the payoff is huge, not just the play but the time spent with such likeminded people is worth every second. There has never been a place where I've been able to make so many friends so quickly, and they really are friends for life. It's crazy how quickly everything goes but that's what happens when you are having fun! It's an amazing week in a stunning country setting. Some of my most treasured memories come from Gloucestershire, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.''
- Peter, RA Student
On the Gambia experience:
"Going to Gambia with Russell Actors was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I had such an immense time meeting the actors of the Ebunjan theatre and made some great friends for life, it felt like a big family when we first met them as they were so friendly and welcoming. Collaborating with the Gambian actors was a great experience; they used lots of singing and dancing in their performances which made it a great laugh and a great education towards my acting which I feel I have brought back to England with me. What's more it was fantastic to show them some of our acting styles and games.
After the experience of collaborating with the Gambian theatre and the applause of the crowd, it really brought back to me how much I love acting and how happy I feel when I’m doing it. I'm now auditioning for drama schools.
When we went to the Gambian schools to run workshops I found that the children were so happy even though they had very little, which really did make me appreciate everything I have. For me personally when I came back I had definitely changed. It may have only been for a week but it was an experience of a lifetime. The food was incredible, the weather was lovely, the people we met and the people I went with were great to be around, and I can’t wait to go back!"
-Laurence Browning, RA alumnus
"I am so happy I had the opportunity to take part in the wonderful experience that was visiting The Gambia with Russell Actors. Collaborating with an African theatre was not only so exciting and diverse but also opened my eyes to a warm, loving culture. The Gambians we met (both the actors and directors) were so welcoming and I instantly felt comfortable in their company. Rehearsing and performing with the Gambian actors was so much fun and I learnt a huge amount from the experience that will stay with me forever. I had a truly amazing time and cannot wait to go back!"
-Marisa Bamberg, RA alumnus
"Going to Gambia was a truly life changing experience. Never have I felt so welcomed by a group of people; the Gambians we met were incredibly kind and generous. The actors we worked with were brilliant, talented people and through rehearsing and performing with them we learnt a lot about their fascinating culture. An amazing experience that helped greatly on my university applications and development as a person, I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone."
-Robbie Taylor Hunt, RA workshop leader and professional director
Kitty has made lots of friends, had great fun and definitely become more confident and a better actor. I really can’t recommend the class enough.”
- Max Croft, Parent of RA student
''Over six formative years, I was taught by the wonderful Sherina Russell, who now leads her very own youth acting group, Russell Actors. Everything I learnt and all the skills I developed whilst studying with Sherina, from confidence to connectedness, creativity to clarity, have absolutely informed my progress through life, and continue to help me out to this day... They're a gift that keeps on giving. ''
- Bea Svistunenko, Alumni student and RADA Undergraduate
''Russell Actors means the world to me. When I first auditioned I was undoubtedly very nervous, but by the end of the session that changed into this longing to come back. I knew that this is where I wanted to be, that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting so many likeminded people at Russell Actors and it has been amazing working with them. I am happy to say that a lot of people became some of my best friends, true friends. I can't imagine where I would be today without Russell Actors. It is no longer an acting company to me; it has become an essential part of my life. The people I have met are no longer fellow actors, or even my friends; to me they are family .''
- Louise Barco-Morgan, RA 'Seniors' student
"A really fun and welcoming environment which is a great escape from school stress! We can be ourselves no matter how weird we might be, just a lovely community."
- Alissa Manuel, RA 'Seniors' student
"I joined Russell Actors because a friend recommended them to me, and ever since I joined it's been like a second home for me. I have made so many new friends. I have become much more confident and being surrounded by talented people and talented teachers has helped me in many ways. Thank you so much to Sherina and Sarah (the best teachers ever)."
- Gigi, RA 'Juniors' student
"Why Russell Actors is great: Every week we do something really productive and interesting. My imagination has become bigger as I often have ideas now for random scenes. The constructive criticism makes me more confident for next time. I feel like I learn a lot in a fun environment."
- Molly, RA 'Juniors' student
“Sherina taught my daughter at The Young Actors Company in Colchester for over five years. She also led two hugely successful drama workshops for 70 children in years 3 to 6 at Elmstead Primary School where I teach. Sherina is a fantastic drama teacher. She inspires her students with humour and charm, accepting nothing but the highest standards from them. She leads by example, fills them with confidence in their own ability and is kind, thoughtful and sensitive. She is multi-talented and I have seen her successfully motivating children as young as seven years right through to those in their early twenties. She has their undivided loyalty and attention at all times. She is professional, yet totally approachable and friendly, bringing the absolute best out of the children.”
–Helen Chambers, parent
“Being a member of RA was invaluable for my growth. Sherina’s teaching style perfectly balances direction, feedback, and the freedom to explore your innate capabilities; enabling you to become an articulate actor who can take on criticism, work with others and perfect your acting craft.
I strongly believe that these experiences at RA have defined who I am today. I have recently completed my degree at the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts in California studying Film Production; I wouldn't have been accepted onto the course if it wasn’t for the experiences, lessons and values I have learned over those four years with Sherina and our family of talented actors. Russell Actors is a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, commitment and, most importantly, endless fun!”
-Ben Wilkinson, alumnus, professional film director
On the Gloucestershire Outdoor Theatre experience:
''Having decided to travel up to Gloucestershire to watch the Peter Pan performance, I was half unaware of what to expect. What a delight it was....not only to see such great talent but to see how far my daughter had developed as a young actor through the efforts of Russell Actors. The support and skills that she has gained through Russell Actors are incomparable. Thank you to Sherina and the team for giving my daughter this new energy, direction and confidence.''
- Sandy, Parent of RA Student
''Gloucestershire was such a wholesome experience in many ways. It helped me grow as a performer and a person; spending time with a bunch of lovely, open minded people who shared my love of theatre was so fulfilling. I also improved upon one of my personal weaknesses as a performer, performing "up and out" as Sherina put it. I had never performed outdoors before and have always had a quiet voice and by the end of the week, I was proud of the change. Although I definitely felt stretched and challenged, everyone was so supportive and loving both on stage and off that I enjoyed the rehearsal process almost as much as the performances. I felt so grateful to be a part of something so special, with such a unique blend of talents. I had the time of my life!''
- Riana, RA Student
''Gloucestershire is without a doubt the highlight of the summer if not the entire year. It's such an intense week but the payoff is huge, not just the play but the time spent with such likeminded people is worth every second. There has never been a place where I've been able to make so many friends so quickly, and they really are friends for life. It's crazy how quickly everything goes but that's what happens when you are having fun! It's an amazing week in a stunning country setting. Some of my most treasured memories come from Gloucestershire, and I wouldn't trade them for the world.''
- Peter, RA Student
On the Gambia experience:
"Going to Gambia with Russell Actors was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I had such an immense time meeting the actors of the Ebunjan theatre and made some great friends for life, it felt like a big family when we first met them as they were so friendly and welcoming. Collaborating with the Gambian actors was a great experience; they used lots of singing and dancing in their performances which made it a great laugh and a great education towards my acting which I feel I have brought back to England with me. What's more it was fantastic to show them some of our acting styles and games.
After the experience of collaborating with the Gambian theatre and the applause of the crowd, it really brought back to me how much I love acting and how happy I feel when I’m doing it. I'm now auditioning for drama schools.
When we went to the Gambian schools to run workshops I found that the children were so happy even though they had very little, which really did make me appreciate everything I have. For me personally when I came back I had definitely changed. It may have only been for a week but it was an experience of a lifetime. The food was incredible, the weather was lovely, the people we met and the people I went with were great to be around, and I can’t wait to go back!"
-Laurence Browning, RA alumnus
"I am so happy I had the opportunity to take part in the wonderful experience that was visiting The Gambia with Russell Actors. Collaborating with an African theatre was not only so exciting and diverse but also opened my eyes to a warm, loving culture. The Gambians we met (both the actors and directors) were so welcoming and I instantly felt comfortable in their company. Rehearsing and performing with the Gambian actors was so much fun and I learnt a huge amount from the experience that will stay with me forever. I had a truly amazing time and cannot wait to go back!"
-Marisa Bamberg, RA alumnus
"Going to Gambia was a truly life changing experience. Never have I felt so welcomed by a group of people; the Gambians we met were incredibly kind and generous. The actors we worked with were brilliant, talented people and through rehearsing and performing with them we learnt a lot about their fascinating culture. An amazing experience that helped greatly on my university applications and development as a person, I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone."
-Robbie Taylor Hunt, RA workshop leader and professional director
