Our Awards
WINNER! Southern Enterprise Awards 2024 - Children's Theatre of the Year 2024 - Berkshire
SILVER WINNER! Best Businesswoman Awards 2024
WINNER! The Stevie Awards - For Women in Business
WINNER! Parent & Baby Awards 2024 - Best Local Children's Theatre 2024 - Home Counties
WINNER! London & South East England - Prestige Awards - Children's Theatre of the Year 2024/2025
WINNER! Thames Valley Awards - Business Leader of the Year
Short Listed! Thames Valley Awards - Female Entrepreneur of the Year
Short Listed! Thames Valley Awards - Lifetime Achievement of the Year
Short Listed! Thames Valley Awards - Business of the Year
WINNER! Best Businesswoman Awards-working with Children and Families 2023!
WINNER! Theatre school of the year-Prestige awards 2023/24!
FINALIST! Best Children's Business in Berkshire-Muddy Stiletto Awards 2023!
A little about us!
Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow is predominantly a children's theatre school for ages 4-17 years, but what we really do is to create magical memories by giving our students fantastic opportunities within the performing arts and the confidence to pursue a career in the theatre should they wish.
With the support of an amazing team of talented teachers and a highly experienced Principal we have weekly classes in Wokingham and Woodley.
Lessons can be taken in Berkshire in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Singing, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Private Singing, Commercial and Street Dance. We have a specialist Troupe and have lots of performing opportunities including a bi-annual show in a professional Theatre and a trip to perform at Disneyland Paris every 3 years. In 2024 we performed at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom!
Our Mission Statement & Core Values
At Steppin Out we are passionate about inspiring, developing and nurturing the future stars of tomorrow.
We offer outstanding all round training in a supportive, safe and professional environment where every child is valued as an individual!
Kindness
Professional
Fun
Enthusiastic
Inspiring
Testimonials
Eva Bond, Age 11
Eva has been attending Steppin Out for 4 years now. She LOVES all disciplines but singing is her absolute passion. Her 1:1 private singing lessons with Shelley are the highlight of her week. Shelley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to these lessons, but she has also taken the time to get to know Eva as a singer in her own right, selecting songs that are perfect for her. Eva's singing has gone from strength to strength. I receive regular feedback and can even watch the lessons at the end of each term - I never knew singing was so technical! Aside from technique, Shelley also brings fun and laughter to every lesson as well; she really cares for her students and a very special bond has grown between Eva and this amazing teacher!
Oliver Benson-The Snowman 2023 and another West end show in 2024
We cannot believe we got to see our boy in the west end production of The Snowman. Thank you so much to Steppin Out for the opportunity and for training him so well. He has absolutely loved it. We are now very much looking forward to Oliver playing another lead in a West end show in 2024!
Roshan Thomson- The National tour of Chitty Bang Bang 2024
Shelley’s private one to one lessons really helped Roshan prepare for his professional auditions. She has so much experience in the industry. Her preparation and passion has given him so much confidence and self- belief. She is an honest, enthusiastic and fun teacher!
Chloe Chambers, Age 5
Steppin Out is brilliant. I love all of the dancing and the amazing teachers! The shows are my favourite. I have made lots of friends and love watching the older troupes in all their performances. I cant wait for summer school too!
Louise Benson
Harry started at Steppin Out 3 years ago. A friend recommended the school so we went for a trial and he came out with a beaming smile!
It's the one thing he looks forward to all week and comes home buzzing. Steppin Out teaches the children discipline, a love of performing and most importantly the opportunity to have so much fun.
Michelle Lewis
Isabelle joined Steppin Out 7 years ago! She has gone from strength to strength, and a lot of that is down to the hard work from the dedicated, supportive, and just generally wonderful teachers. Aside from the amazing opportunities the school has provided Isabelle, what I really love is the confidence it has given her. It’s a tough world for children to grow up in today, and finding something that gives children self belief and a chance to shine and be themselves without fear, is priceless. Steppin Out is more than just a performing arts school, it’s a family.
Sam Gunter
My daughter has attended classes with Steppin Out since September 2018. She loves it and has grown so much in confidence and ability during this time. Steppin Out has given her so many performing opportunities which has seen her perform in carnivals, fayres, shows and at Disneyland Paris. She has made some amazing friendships and learnt many transferable skills. Thank you to Shelley and her amazing team for all they do and the skills they share.
Harley Coles - Gypsy- The Mill 2023
Shelley told me about an audition for a professional production of Gypsy. She gave me lots of words of encouragement and was so supportive through various 121s. I was absolutely thrilled to get in! I had the most amazing time and made some wonderful friends. I am so grateful that Steppin Out gave me this opportunity and it is one that I will remember always.
Liberty Petty-Italia Conti Musical Theatre course
I attended Steppin Out for 13 years. I loved how creative each week. Termly we had specialist workshops with industry professionals which was so exciting. Steppin Out became a family to me very quickly and I fondly remember getting excited on Saturday to go to my lessons with my friends I made for life. The singing lessons were my favourite . I can’t thank the school enough for giving me the confidence to make me the performer I am today. Under Shelley's careful and kind audition prep I was thrilled to then go onto a full time 2 years performing arts course. Now I am following my dream of Musical Theatre at the prestigious Italia Conti. It is lovely to go back to the place where it all started and pass on fresh industry knowledge to the next generation when I can!
Elizabeth Young, Age 15
I Started Ballet at Steppin Out last year after being in step 4 for many years .I didn’t realise how much I was going to enjoy it, it is so much fun and I loved getting my award. I also love being part of troupe and I have private singing lessons too which I also love so much. Thank you Shelley for all you do!
Mia Stone, Age 11
I’ve been at Steppin Out for 5 years and I saw the amazing tap performance they did at out at the annual show and I immediately wanted to try Tap. I love it! It’s my favourite part of being in Steppin Out. Ellie is an amazing teacher and I’ve learnt so much.
Ruby Lott, Age 16
I have attended Steppin Out classes for the last 10 years, building incredible friendships and creating truly amazing performances together. This is all credit to Shelley and her inspirational leadership and her team.
Being a member of troupe has been amazing. Thank you for providing a safe, fun environment where I have been able to express myself. The classes are the highlight of my week.
The Toley Family
We are so grateful to Steppin Out. We ALL love everything about the school. You’ve touched our hearts in so many ways. We really appreciate all that you do and your dedication and spirit. Seeing Anoushka perform at Disney was so fun, magical and we had the most incredible time. It was the icing on the cake after the most amazing 3 years seeing her perform at the awards night recently. What a year! You are very special person Shelley. Thank you!
Sophie Bidgood- Gypsy-The Mill 2023
Sophie had the fantastic experience of playing Baby Louise in Gypsy at The Mill, Sonning. Steppin Out gave her the confidence to audition and the skills to succeed, Shelley was brilliant at giving advice and guiding Sophie and us (as parents) through the process - Sophie had the time of her life!
Darcie Butchart, Age 9
Steppin Out is a huge part of my daughters life, her confidence has grown so much. I can’t recommend the school enough!!
Emma Lainsbury- Lead in "Greatest Days" The Musical
Steppin Out has given me all the tools to survive in an ever changing industry. I am so grateful for all the amazing opportunities I had there and all the school stands for. I love going back to teach!
Josh Wenstrom- BA Hons Acting
Since leaving Steppin Out I I have gone on to study BA(Hons) Acting at the University of Chichester. I can definitely say that the school played a huge part in my decision to pursue a career in the arts, as it was the place where my confidence grew. I will always fondly remember my time there and will be grateful for the experience I gained.
Freya Griffiths - Les Miserables West End
I loved everything about my experience in Les Misérables in London's West end and I will always be grateful for the training at Steppin’ Out and support.
Amy Wilding - PPA Degree Musical Theatre
I attended Steppin Out for 6 years. I had an amazing time. I am now at PPA in Guildford on the 3 yrs Musical Theatre and Steppin Out has really played a big part in my journey to get here.
Alice Kearsley - 3 year Degree Musical Theatre Bird College
Steppin Out was such a special place to me growing up and now. Shelley is a friend to every child and parent. She taught me the absolute essentials of performing arts and nurtured me every step of the way into my professional training. I hold such beautiful memories of my time at Steppin Out. I would not be the performer I am without Shelley’s support!
Abi Undrell - University of Chichester Conservatoire - Musical Theatre (Music)
Abi was at Steppin Out until 2020 when she left to attend Artemis Performing Arts college full time. Whilst there she performed in South Hill Park shows Shrek (as a puppeteer for the Dragon) and Kinky Boots. She is now in her first year at the University of Chichester Conservatoire, studying Musical Theatre (Music). “My time at Steppin Out taught me so much about the industry and gave me some fantastic performing opportunities- Wembley Stadium, Silverstone at the GP weekend and Disneyland Paris as well as annual shows at real theatres. Private singing lessons were a must for me and gave me so much confidence. Steppin Out helped me to achieve my dream of studying Musical Theatre full time.”
Ethan Undrell - Guildford College - Performing Arts
Ethan joined Shelley age 4 and loved it right from the start. He had the opportunity to be on a TV show, danced at Disneyland Paris, was in an intro film for Matt Stirling’s theatre show, performed at Wokingham May Fayre and took part in many shows. “Steppin Out was like my second family. I made so many friends there and it was where my passion for dance began. I loved my Saturday mornings” He is now studying Performing Arts full time at Guildford College and also competes in Ballroom and Latin dance.
Daisy Macdonald
"I had been at another theatre for a few years. However it was Steppin Out that really pushed me to improve my skill range and build my confidence leading me to successful auditions at full time colleges. I’m so grateful! It’s an amazing place!"
Annual Awards
We have a glittering award ceremony every year where children are awarded trophies, medals and certificates to celebrate their success.
“It was amazing getting an award for Personality this year as at Steppin Out I can be myself!”
Isabelle Lewis
Agency
We have a fantastic childrens agency called Happy Feet that we work very closely with.
All students are given the opportunity to audition should they so wish.
Auditions are held yearly in February.
Our Business Awards
In 2024 we have won the following awards:
Winner! Best Local Children's Theatre School - Home Counties at the Parent & Baby Awards
Finalist! Best Business at the Best Business Women Awards
Finalist! Most Inspiring Business Woman at the Best Business Woman Awards
Winner! Business Leader Of The Year at the Thames Valley Awards
Winner! Theatre School Of The Year at the Prestige Awards
Finalist! Business Leader of the Year at The Great British Awards
Nominated! Steve Franks Shining Star Award for Excellence and Innovation at the National Children's Activity Awards
Shortlisted! Business Of The Year - Thames Valley Awards
Shortlisted! Female Entrepreneur Of The Year - Thames Valley Awards
Shortlisted! Lifetime Achievement Award - Thames Valley Awards
In 2023 we won:
Winner! Best Business Woman Working With Children and Families at the Best Business Woman Awards
Finalist! Best Children's Business In Berkshire at the Muddy Stiletto Awards
"As an expert in Performing Arts I can pour all of my knowledge and professional experience into my school. I have worked as a professional in theatre for over 30 years. Winning an award means we can share our success with the entire school through press interviews, radio and bring even more opportunities to the next generation of future stars!"
Shelley Otway-Wood
Principal & CEO
Term Dates
Autumn 2024
Term Starts: Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th September 2024
Half Term: Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November
Term Ends: Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December 2024
Winter/Spring 2025
Term Starts: Thursday 9th, Friday 10th and Saturday 11th January 2025
Half Term: Thursday 20th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February
Term Ends: Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April
**2026 Show Dates: The Harriet Walter Theatre, Reddam House, Wokingham
Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday 30th, Sunday 31st May 2026