Sarah Hitchin

Act First Drama School was founded in 2015 by Sarah Hitchin, a professional actor, director, and drama teacher with over 20 years’ experience in education and the arts. While working in schools, Sarah recognised that something vital was missing in the opportunities available for children who loved drama. With so many performing arts schools focusing primarily on musical theatre and dance, there was little on offer for those whose passion lay in acting itself. From this realisation, Act First was born—a place where young people could develop their craft as actors, explore character and storytelling, and build confidence both on stage and on screen. Starting with just eight students in one class, Act First has since grown to offer over 16 weekly classes across Essex and Suffolk, with more than 500 young people enrolled each year. What makes Act First unique is its mixed-media approach. Every show combines stage performance with screen acting, allowing students to experience both disciplines in a supportive and professional environment. We are also proud to offer recognised qualifications in acting and screen performance, giving our students the chance to gain skills and awards that support them both academically and personally. Sarah herself is proudly neurodiverse, and she credits this as one of the driving forces behind Act First’s success. Her creativity, ability to think differently, and determination to carve her own path have shaped Act First into the thriving, inclusive, and innovative school it is today. As a business owner and entrepreneur, Sarah continues to inspire both her students and her team with her vision: that drama should be exciting, accessible, and transformative for every child. At Act First, we don’t just teach acting—we build confidence, imagination, resilience, and joy.