Taking Centre Stage: Sophia’s International Career in Performing Arts

From the studios of East Sussex College to stages across Europe and South America, Sophia Tyndall-Bristow has carved out a dynamic career as an actor, dancer, and teacher.

Now 29, Sophia is set to make her Vienna’s English Theatre debut this winter, playing Ida in the fast-paced comedy See How They Run. It’s another exciting milestone in a career that’s seen her perform in pantomimes, tours, cabaret, and international theatre productions.

Sophia studied Performing Arts at East Sussex College, where her passion for theatre and dance really began to take shape.

“I started by studying Dance BTEC, Dance A Level and Performing Arts at ESC and in my second year the Musical Theatre course became available,” said Sophia. “Musical Theatre was the exact direction I wanted to head in so I knew that I had to do it. Since leaving ESC,I have been back to watch productions and teach workshops which certainly opened a gateway to teaching, which wasn’t something I’d ever planned on doing. Having access to these courses allowed me to develop my skills across these disciplines and also learn about the next steps and direction in which my career could go, as well as to create my own career goals.”

As we celebrate Creative Careers Month this November with workshops, alumni talks, and hands-on opportunities that showcase pathways into the creative industries, she looks back on her own journey with gratitude - remembering her time at the College fondly and crediting her tutors for giving her the confidence and skills to pursue a professional career.

“I loved my time at ESC and continue to have a good relationship with so many of my teachers. The singing teacher on the course at the time was just fabulous at encouraging and supporting me, then during my training at The Brighton Academy, and all the way through to my professional career. Claire now represents me as my agent with her agency CBL Management.”

Sophia added, “The support of my teachers across the disciplines of acting, singing and dancing definitely gave me the self-belief and confidence to go forward in pursuing a career in the performing arts. They provided great support, preparation and references for my auditions for musical theatre schools.”

After completing her training at The Brighton Academy, Sophia’s career took off. She appeared in Tony Blair: The Rock Opera by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, performed in short films and commercials, and toured with The English Theatre Company in Spain and Belgium.

“Dancing my way around South America has definitely been a highlight of my life,” Sophia told the College. “Particularly training and improving my salsa dancing in Cali, Colombia, the world capital of Salsa. Doing my first international job with the English Theatre Company in Spain and Belgium, was such an eye opener. It’s pretty close to what repertory theatre was years ago, with three shows on rotation and a small company that you live and work with. You learn a lot, not only about acting and maintaining performance level, but also how to be a great company member.

“A few years ago I did an R&D process and performances of Tony Blair: The Rock Opera (Harry Hill and Steve Brown). That was such an amazing experience as it was very much a musical but with the emphasis very much on the acting and performed predominantly by actors, not musical theatre persons. I learnt so much about comedy and bringing bold characters to life.”

Her creativity extends far beyond acting. Sophia co-produced and starred in the hit Brighton Fringe cabaret Sassy, which sold out for five consecutive years and became a local favourite for its energy, humour, and originality.

“I grew up around Fringe theatre and had worked at a fringe venue for years before my sister decided to produce her own show and asked if I would co-produce it, as well as create and perform with a dance troupe. Creating a show from scratch was a whole new challenge but we had a lot of experience of cabarets in terms of what works and where the gaps in the market were.

“We wanted to create a fresh, high-energy cabaret that gave new cabaret artists a platform to develop their artistry. I learnt how important communication and collaboration is. In creating the dance troupe we collectively chose the music, choreographed and co-created the entire concept, tone and delivery of the Sass Squad. Performing in a cabaret style and space is so different to traditional theatre that it allowed me to use and develop a very different set of skills.”

Now, as she prepares for her Vienna’s English Theatre debut, Sophia is embracing another exciting challenge.

“I’m so excited to be performing with Vienna’s English Theatre, the company is incredible! We’re very lucky to be working with a script that’s so well written (Philip King) with such iconic stock characters,” said Sophia. “I LOVE Ida! I think she’s my favourite role I’ve played so far. She’s an audacious, cheeky, ungainly maid who is the humorous observer of all the chaos unfolding around her. It’s an absolute gift to be able to play such a bold character and to really explore and play with physicality, voice and comedy to bring her to life.”

Alongside performing, Sophia shares her love of movement through teaching. She’s now a salsa teacher and co-producer of “Salsa & Flow”, a dance and wellbeing brand that blends rhythm, confidence, and self-expression.

“The founder of Salsa & Flow, Verity, is also in the Brighton Latin Dance community and asked me to teach for her when I returned from my travels in South America. The concept is focused on the idea of bringing dance to people with a focus on letting go of any fears or negative self-beliefs we might have – dancing for enjoyment and for community, dancing to feel good – not just to ‘look good’.

“We’re already building a beautiful community of people who are supporting each other and watching each other blossom in confidence and ability. We strongly believe that dancing can be healing and that by stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new, will not only provide you with a new hobby, but also with confidence, new friends and a new outlook.”

For Sophia, every chapter of her career - from college training to global tours - has been fuelled by curiosity, creativity, and the courage to take on new challenges. Her advice to students is:

“Honestly, I would say be open and be prepared for your career or the idea that you have for the trajectory of your career to change. I never imagined that I’d do half of the things I have done. I know that a career in the arts isn’t going to be an easy one but it sure will be a rewarding one.”

She added, “Work hard, be willing to learn, listen to yourself, take time and allow yourself to develop as a person not just as a performer. We can bring so much that we learn from day-to-day life into our work. See everything as an opportunity.”

Sophia’s story shows just how far an East Sussex College education can take you – giving you the skills, confidence, and creativity to build an exciting career full of adventure and expression. Your Creative Career Is Closer Than You Think.