Edinburgh College students swap classes for the big screen as they feature in Netflix film The Princess Switch: Switched Again

Two students from Edinburgh College’s performing arts department have swapped classes for the big screen after they featured in the anticipated Christmas film The Princess Switch: Switched Again.

The dance students featured alongside Vanessa Hudgens in the anticipated Christmas film

Evangeline Hoggan, a BA Dance and Drama student and recent BA Dance graduate Delphi Doig both featured in the sequel to first film The Princess Switch alongside Hollywood star actress Vanessa Hudgens.

The Princess Switch: Switched again debuted on Netflix in November, with some scenes being filmed in notable Edinburgh locations including Hopetoun House, Parliament Square and Mimi’s Bakehouse in Leith.

Evangeline and Delphi were cast as dancers, spending four days on the set of the movie and had the opportunity to work alongside award-winning choreographer and movement director Caroline Pope.

BA Dance and Drama student Evangeline Hoggan and recent BA Dance graduate Delphi Doig

Speaking about the experience, 22-year-old Delphi said: “It was the most surreal yet amazing experience. I had the opportunity to work alongside world famous actress Vanessa Hudgens, whom was my idol when I was growing up as an aspiring performer.

“I met many artists, creatives and dancers who I have kept in contact with and will be friends with for life.

“I got the job as a featured dancer in the film through my casting agency and I have since gone on to receive more job opportunities.

“When the performing arts industry returns back to normal I plan to continue to take auditions and hopefully land myself a job performing on cruise ships which will enable me to travel the world.”

24-year-old Evangeline said: “This was my first time on a professional film set so it was a pretty surreal experience. From having grown up around the time of High School Musical it was kind of mind blowing that I would be in the same production as Vanessa Hudgens who played Gabriella Montez.

“Our choreographer and assistant choreographer were a dream to work with along with all my fellow dancers. It is an experience I will forever be grateful for.

“Before lockdown I had two cruise contracts that I was set to start back-to-back. When they were suspended due to Covid-19 I felt very deflated, but I then came across the BA Hons Dance and Drama course at Edinburgh College. I decided that this would be a great time to progress my training even further and take advantage of this opportunity to learn from more amazing lecturers right on my doorstep.

“I’m not sure what the future of our industry looks like right now but we are nothing if not dedicated and resilient people. I believe that we can get through anything and I hope I can get back to living my dreams on a cruise ship again sometime in 2021.”

Edinburgh College dance lecturer Hannah Mason added: “Delphi and Evangeline are a credit to the College. They are both absolutely dedicated to their craft, and should be very proud of their achievements this year.

“To have the opportunity to work on this film, with such amazing choreographers, will give them the knowledge, experience and confidence to continue following their dreams and become successes in this industry.”

The film stars Vanessa Hudgens three times over as Margaret, Duchess of Montenaro, her lookalike cousin Lady Fiona and Chicagoan doppleganger Stacy.

The story follows on from the first film with Duchess Margaret suddenly inheriting the throne to her home country and as her Christmas coronation approaches, she and Stacy switch places once again so Margaret can fix her relationship with Stacy's friend Kevin.

Unbeknownst to both women, a third lookalike, Margaret's evil cousin Lady Fiona, disguises herself in a scheme to steal the throne.

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