Postgraduate progress: Lucie Rowley – from MA student to industry professional
We caught up with MA graduate, freelance performer, teacher, choreographer, and all-round nice person, Lucie Rowley to find out what she’s been up to since leaving us, and how she has developed as a creative professional.
What have you been up to since graduating?
Since graduating, I’ve moved back to my seaside hometown of Hartlepool. I spent a couple of months teaching and choreographing, which was really nice and gave me the chance to reconnect with that side of my work before stepping into my first professional contract. I then went straight into Rat Pack – A Swingin’ Christmas at The Sands with Veritas Entertainment. It was a UK and international tour, and I had the best time. We travelled to different places, including performing in Spain, which was an incredible experience.
A real highlight for me was making my West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre. I remember sitting on the edge of the stage during soundcheck, just looking out at the auditorium and taking everything in. It’s such a big moment, and nothing really prepares you for that feeling when you realise, “This is actually happening.” It felt surreal and very special.
How did the MA prepare you for a professional career?
Before starting the MA, I had a degree in Sports Science. Although I had always performed, I didn’t have the practical industry knowledge or tools that are essential for a professional career. For example, in September 2024, I didn’t even have a rep folder, which is something performers are expected to have ready at any time. I wouldn’t have been able to confidently offer five songs on the spot. Through the MA, I developed those practical skills, including building a strong rep, preparing showreels and headshots, and understanding what’s required to walk into an audition room with confidence. We had mock auditions with industry professionals like Helen Wolf, and I worked closely with Craig Mather on my rep and vocal technique. From the beginning, I was very clear about my goals, whether that was musical theatre, cruise work, or performance in general. The tutors supported that focus and helped turn those ambitions into a clear, achievable pathway.
How did the MA prepare you for the business side of performing?
Although I already had a teaching qualification before joining the course, it wasn’t until the business module that I really understood how to operate as a self-employed creative. That module gave me the tools to market myself, build a brand, and understand how to present my work professionally. It covered things I hadn’t previously considered, such as identifying my audience, tailoring content, and sustaining a long-term career rather than just focusing on getting work.
After graduating, I had a short period before starting my first contract, and I used that time to put those skills into practice by launching my business, Lucie Rowley Creative. I created a brand, built a social media presence, and began reaching out to dance schools. Since then, I’ve been working across multiple North East dance schools, delivering workshops and regular classes. The MA helped me realise that this wasn’t just something I did alongside studying – it could be a sustainable business in its own right.
Tell us about your business, Lucie Rowley Creative.
My work is split across performance and my business, Lucie Rowley Creative. While I sometimes refer to everything as Lucie Rowley Enterprises, the creative side focuses on teaching and choreography. I deliver workshops and classes in tap, jazz, and commercial styles, working with dance schools across the North East. This includes both weekly classes and one-off workshops, where students learn choreography and have the opportunity to perform it.
I also hold a licentiate qualification, which allows me to adjudicate competitions. That’s been a really rewarding experience, as I get to see so many passionate young performers developing their skills. One of the most fulfilling parts of teaching is witnessing the moment when something clicks for a student. Whether it’s a specific skill or a piece of choreography, there’s a real sense of shared joy when all the hard work pays off. That ‘lightbulb moment’ is something really special.
How did you take advantage of opportunities during the course?
For me, it was about recognising that opportunities would arise and being ready to take them with both hands. There were so many opportunities alongside the course itself, such as agent panels, in-house auditions, and extracurricular experiences.
I approached everything with the mindset that experience is always a win. It doesn’t matter what the outcome is – it’s all part of the journey, and everyone’s journey is different. That perspective helped me push past any fear and fully commit to each opportunity. The agent panel was a major turning point. I went into the room ready to show exactly who I am and what I can offer. That opportunity came from the work I was putting in during the course, and it allowed me to build professional relationships and gain industry exposure.
Looking back, I know I wouldn’t be where I am now without those experiences. They helped me build confidence, develop my CV, and establish connections with industry professionals.
How did you come to sign with your agent?
The process started with a self-tape that was passed on, which led to an opportunity to audition for Move It. I was cast as a swing in Emma Rogers’ piece, and during rehearsals, I was able to build a strong working relationship with her.
From there, further opportunities started to come up, including in-house auditions and the agent panel. For the agent panel, I performed a short song and learned a set piece of choreography before auditioning in front of multiple agents.
It was an intense process over several days, with recalls for singing. After that, I had to let it go and continue focusing on my MA work. A week or two later, I received interest from several agents and arranged meetings to see who felt like the right fit.
I ultimately chose the agent I felt most aligned with. Since signing, I’ve booked my first professional contract, continued auditioning, and have exciting opportunities ahead.
Why did you choose to do a master’s, and why do it at Performers?
Initially, choosing to do a master’s was a financial decision, as postgraduate funding made it more accessible than a top-up course. But it was also about pursuing something I’d been passionate about since I was a child. I remember being quite a nervous child, but the first time I stepped on stage, everything changed. From that moment, I knew that performing was what I wanted to do.
My journey wasn’t straightforward, as I went on to study Sports Science at university. However, during my degree, I realised that performing was still what I truly wanted. By my second year, I knew I needed to find a way back into it. I didn’t know anyone with a similar background, especially coming from the North, and I hadn’t seen many examples of people taking that route. But I decided to take the initiative, research my options, and find a way forward.
I had known about Performers since I was around 12 or 13 and was aware of its reputation. When I discovered the MA course, it immediately felt like the right choice. In fact, it was the only place I applied to. It just felt like everything aligned, and it was exactly where I needed to be.
To anyone starting the MA course, I’d tell them to grab every opportunity by both hands, absorb as much knowledge as you can, and keep putting yourself out there – everything’s a win if the goal is experience!
To discover more, including how to apply, visit our Postgraduate Study page. You can also contact us at [email protected] or book an Open Day on our Events page.
