Acting Alumni Return to Inspire the Next Generation

East Sussex College recently welcomed back two of its Acting alumni, Mia Longman and Samiah Khan, who returned to share their industry experiences and career journeys with current second-year students.

Ten years after completing their studies at the College, Mia and Samiah have both built exciting careers in the performing arts.

Mia has made her mark in pantomime and musical theatre and now performs across the country with her own Dua Lipa tribute act – a high-energy show that showcases her talent and passion for live performance.

Samiah has carved out a successful path in film and television, appearing in major productions including Disney’s Star Wars: Andor and Prime Video’s The Power, among others.

During their visit, the pair offered invaluable advice on progression, auditions, and what life is really like working in the industry. They spoke about the importance of resilience, networking, and staying true to yourself as a performer.

Speaking about her return to college, Mia said, “It was such a wholesome day visiting the performing arts building that I spent pretty much every day of my college life in. It still has that friendly and buzzing atmosphere that I remember so well. Talking to the students took me right back to 10 years ago and reminded me of how lucky I was to have studied at Lewes with the tutor I had. I wouldn’t be where I am now without their coaching and support!”

Andrew Stanley, Performing Arts Course Leader for Acting at East Sussex College, said: “It’s incredible to see former students come back and share their journeys. Mia and Samiah are perfect examples of what our students can achieve with talent, dedication, and determination. Their visit has inspired the current students and given them a real insight into the industry.”

Their visit left students feeling inspired and motivated, showing that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, success in the creative industries is within reach.