First Act Farnham
Students' Work
As well as acting in the Summer show, a number of Ruth's students have gone on to take part in local theatre productions, ranging from Pantomime to serious drama. Some have gone on to be professional actors, and even appeared in the West End.
Ruth is often approached to suggest suitable young cast members for local productions.
Ruth's students have taken part in (among others):
Pantomimes (particularly at Churt Amateur Dramatic Society),
Tilbourne Players' family shows e.g.:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,
The Winslow Boy,
Around the World in 80 Days (Haslemere),
The Three Musketeers (Churt),
Whistle Down the Wind,
The Railway Children,
The Last Resort,
and writing and acting in a play
on Homelessness for Shelter.
Students' Testimonials
'I I joined First Act when I was 8. From learning with First and Second act, I got parts in school plays, and was a part of the first play of the Tilbourne players. I still have the review from the Herald stuck on my wall. Although I have not acted in many years, the confidence in standing up and talking to a room full of people is a skill I use every day."
“I remember how much spaces like drama club felt like home. The amazing people you meet, the incredible skills you learn, the opportunities you get, and the fun you have is indescribable, and a space you feel comfortable in is irreplaceable. Being young and already knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life is really difficult, because there’s always someone telling you to keep your options open or that you can’t, but working and learning with Ruth really motivated me to pursue my passion and grow as a performer and a person."
“Being a member of Second Act was such a great experience. I made some lifelong friends and it was the best opportunity to build my confidence, which was a skill I took outside of the group. Ruth was so fantastic leading each club meet, pushing us out of comfort zone and encouraging us to be ourselves.”
Parents' Testimonials
“The summer shows were a highlight of our family gatherings and my daughter really started to spread her wings in so many ways through taking part in these productions. She has gone on to study creative writing for her UG degree and she is writing a screenplay for her dissertation. As a parent I am hugely grateful to Ruth Ahmed fostering such a wonderfully supportive atmosphere in First and Second Act drama clubs.”
“Our daughter is 20 years old studying performing arts at the Royal Central School. She attended Ruth’s Drama club for several years. Ruth’s natural enthusiasm and encouragement helped our daughter grow in confidence, resilience and determination. Ruth’s skills go far beyond teaching, she has been an inspiration to our daughter. In our lifetime there are people you are grateful to have met and have in some way helped us to become a better person, Ruth is one of those teachers that will have a lasting positive impact on the people she teaches.”
“My child struggles with school, she doesn't like being forced into situations. But she never misses drama with Mrs A. She always comes back enthused and excited with what she has done. We aren't really an extra curricular family. Life is busy with six of us. But if we mention ducking out of drama, it's no go. She loves it, it really helps with her confidence.
My 16 year old has gone on to do Performing Arts at college. Mrs A was a massive part of his education. She also really helped my now 21 year old with her confidence, making a real difference to her going on to University. I can't praise her enough.”
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“For me as a parent drama club gave a precious opportunity for my child to be creative in a safe space in a really fun way. I don’t know of any other situation where the youngsters were given such autonomy and responsibility. Because of the way Ruth Ahmed facilitated each project - great friendships were forged resulting in impressive end results. The performances were absolute highlights on the calendar.”
“My daughter joined First Act just before the summer 2022. She was immediately made to feel welcome and very involved by Ruth. From being a stage helper she very quickly progressed to a small part in their summer production with speaking lines. The confidence she gets from doing this class is fantastic. She recently told me that it's her favourite club, she wishes it was every day and that the improvisation is so much fun.”