What does Performing Arts mean to you?

EVERYTHING – on so many levels. As a performer, the art, craft and passion that come with performing make it the best job, feeling, experience in the world. As a teacher I have seen the benefits it has for young people across the board…
Performing Arts changes lives it really is as simple as that.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

I have the best job in the world, it’s what I love. From the very first time I stepped on stage I knew this; the thrill, the excitement, the anticipation, and everything about performing for people. So obviously having the opportunity to pass my experience and love for the theatre on, is going to be one the most rewarding things I could ever do.

If I had to pick though it would be our productions, this is what it is all about, telling stories, making memories, watching my kids grow up. I have two beautiful daughters but through Centre Stage I have 100’s of kids that all mean the world to me!

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

I’ll start with a confession! When we opened I had never taught a class in my life… so getting through those first workshops was a pretty special moment. If I had to pick one moment though it would be Fame in 2013. It was a game changer for us, and we knew the direction Centre Stage was going to take from that moment on. I remember just crying tears of joy as my kids performed Bring on Tomorrow at the end of that show.

Performing Highlights?

The stage is where I’m happiest, in 2013 I performed in a play called Gutted, the play was a harrowing account of four brothers lives – our daughter Tallulah was born three days before we opened – so was a pretty emotional time.

Working on Legend in 2014 also stands out, obviously working with Tom Hardy was an amazing experience, but I also got to work with one of my heroes David Thewlis we spent a few days together and he shared some fantastic stories with me.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

When acting, dancing and singing you can be whoever you want to be! You can express yourself, make new friends with the same interests and create lifetime memories on the stage and at classes every week.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

It was always our aim to create an environment where every child no matter what their experience or background could come and learn to perform in a safe environment taught by leading professionals. We are proud of the family vibe we have created, where every child is safe to explore their emotions, learn new skills, gain confidence and thrive. So many of our students return to us to assist, teach and help out backstage and we absolutely love that they want to come back and help the younger members.

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

I haven’t actually watched a single show at CSTA because I am always backstage with the students! However, personally think this the best place to be! To see a group of students come off the stage with bright eyes and a beaming smile is something I will never want to give up! A student could be really nervous in the wing awaiting a solo, and with small words of encouragement they enter the stage returning moments later having overcome a huge challenge with the biggest grin. It is simply this that makes my job worth every second. I am lucky enough to watch technical rehearsals and so one of my favourite goosebump moments was Summer Thomas singing ‘Home’ in our production of ‘The Wiz’ SYP 2017.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

I’ve always loved performing. For years I was really shy, in fact, it took me almost 8 years at Centre Stage before I would sing in front of other people. Performing for me was not something I wanted to do as a career, but it was the highlight of my week. I still attend classes and have made friends for life with Centre Stage.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

Centre Stage is amazing and I’m so pleased to be working here, being behind the scenes is fascinating. As a student I don’t think you appreciate how much work goes into it all. Being in the office, every day is different, but show week is definitely the highlight working here.

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

Central High 2016 was one of my favourite shows. It was a coming of age for many of the students and bringing everyone together. All the academies made really strong relationships and friends. It was the start of something special at Centre Stage that continues today, for me it’s that sense of family!

Performing Highlights?

I’ve been in every Main Academy production ever! How could I possibly pick one moment, there are so many! Looking back I think Frankenstein in Harloween is probably up there! I miss that costume.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

For me, the Performing Arts is about freedom. Freedom to express, to explore and to excel in a something that you work hard to get better in. I think back to attending my first ever theatre group at the age of 6 and the profound effect it had on me socially, but more importantly as an interest that has been with me throughout my life.

When seeing a show of any kind, I love the sense of awe and wonder that you can get both onstage as a performer and in the audience, a sense of escapism, but also a sense of sharing an experience with the people around you. In short, you can probably tell that the Performing Arts mean a lot to me!

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

It has to be the moment when a show comes together. We are so lucky to have a team that go above and beyond to produce the best experience for the pupils. When all the pieces fit together and the pupils are onstage being awesome, I love this the most. This is especially true when it comes to our annual SYP, where months of planning, but only 10 days of teaching produce an entire full scale musical. A sense of relief initially, but then pride at the students and team for pulling it off is immense.

What is your favourite CSTA moment?

This one is easy! During SYP 2019 – ‘Our House’ we were in the home straight of putting the (incredibly complicated) show together. Our cool set had just been put up and the live band had arrived to play through the show with the pupils. During ‘Baggy Trousers’, which I can only describe as 5 mins of craziness, myself and the creative team watched from the auditorium in complete awe of what was happening of stage. The cast were phenomenal, they were giving 150%, the band was insanely good, it was the best thing I have seen CSTA produce. So much so, that all of the creative team spontaneously jumped out of their seats and shouted ‘YES’ at the end of the number. Pure elation, pure pride in the pupils.

Why do you teach?

I teach because of the best teachers that have taught me throughout my life. I won’t embarrass them on here, but there are a handful of individuals who truly inspired me, challenged me and simply cemented my love for the arts. In short, I teach because I want to be able to try and emulate just a small part of what they did for me to others if I can.

Performing Highlights

‘Spring Awakening’ 2018, Southend, simply the highest quality show I have ever been in. The director of that piece was insanely creative and produced the most incredible show.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

The Performing Arts provides so many opportunities for young people, as a parent I have seen my daughters grow up with a love for performing and the happiness it had brought them. It has really shaped who they are and what they want to do with their life.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

It’s a dream job, managing Bexleyheath and Dartford Academy and working in the office everyday means no two days are the same. I love seeing all the students progress, make friendships and perform in the shows.

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

I have so many memories of watching my girls perform, when they sang together in Red’s Revenge, Ella being awarded the Mason Mercer award in 2018. The opening night of Dartford Academy has to be up there too, we are now going from strength to strength and I can’t wait for the future.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

It helped me grow and develop as a person and I owe so much to the people I have trained and worked with. It allows a little bit of us to stay in neverland!

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

My favourite thing is; watching the nervous, shy kids that I met years ago, exceed my expectations with every show and every piece of work.

Why Do You Teach?

My theatre teachers had such an impact on me as young man, I want to help pass on my knowledge and help young people gain similar experiences that helped shape me growing up.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

‘Before you learn to talk, you sing. Before you learn to walk, you dance.’

It is so true. Young or old, the performing arts is a part of everyone’s growth. It is a way to express, to feel, to nurture, to grow. The Performing Arts are a huge part of my life; I’m lucky enough to call it work!

What is your favourite aspect of CSTA?

The Students. Working alongside our students; watching them develop, discovering their talents, helping them through when it’s not that easy, to try and be the best versions of themselves, and then standing back and watching them shine.

Closely followed by.. The Team. Our CSTA Team is a family, I have made best friends working here, and there is never a dull moment!

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

So many to mention, I loved the concept and the show ‘Circus’, I loved watching our students ‘fly’ in ‘Wonderland’. The transition of Caterpillar to Butterfly was a magical moment, I loved the music from ‘A Brooklyn Tale’. So in short, I love seeing the students perform. Those are my favourite moments, I’m always in the wings, crying with pride.

Why Do You Teach?

I teach for those lightbulb moments, when the students just ‘get it’, or they just ‘feel it’, and I see it on their faces, and they believe in themselves, and they are proud of what they have achieved in that moment.

Performing Highlights?

I have been lucky to travel the world singing, with summer seasons across Europe. ‘Rock in Rio’ Festival in Lisbon. I’ve performed at Pride. Hastings Festival to an audience of 5000 and so many more amazing venues.

WHAT DOES PERFORMING ARTS MEAN TO YOU?

For me, performing arts is a safe space for people to connect, grow and inspire each other. I started performing at the age of 14, I had very little confidence and found speaking to people and putting myself out there very difficult. Singing was my safe space, I found subjects at school difficult but loved to sing from a young age. Performing has changed so many aspects of my life and has made me into the person I am today!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT ABOUT WORKING AT CENTRE STAGE?

My favourite thing about working for Centre Stage is that we truly are one big family. I joined Centre Stage at 14 and loved everything Centre Stage was, I knew then that I really wanted to be a member of the team and give children the love and support that I was given at that age. Frankie and Lydia believed in me from 14 all the way up till now and have supported me though everything.

WHY DO YOU TEACH?

I love teaching performing arts because it’s so rewarding. Performing arts is an amazing skill to learn to help children to express themselves and gain confidence. I am always so overwhelmed with joy when I get to experience one of the students accomplish new things and have the confidence to really go for it on the stage!

PERFORMING HIGHLIGHTS:

I have played many different roles while being in the performing arts industry, All parts are special to me for all different reasons, each part made me learn something new and grow.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

I love the challenge of becoming someone else, transforming into a new character and exploring their world. Since I was young, performing has been my favourite thing to do.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

Being a part of a performers journey and helping them grow is so rewarding. Having been part of the CSTA family for so many years, I’m so pleased to be able to share my experience and knowledge with the students.

Why Do You Teach?

Centre Stage means everything to me, I’ve made life long friends and gained so much from my time as a student. It’s given me a direction and path to follow and I hope that through teaching I will be able to inspire the future generation of Centre Stage students to follow their dreams.

PERFORMING HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve been so lucky to be involved in so many productions at Centre Stage, Summer Youth Project each year has always been the best. I guess I would have to say my highlight has to be playing Joe Casey in Our House. Over 40 costume changes and running around backstage was insane, but I loved every minute.

One year after graduating Italia Conti, I am thrilled to have landed my first professional role in the UK tour of Only Fools and Horses The Musical!

Training: Miskin Theatre (2019), Performers College (2024)
Role: Little Ones and Dance Teacher across Gravesend, Maidstone, Beckenham and Medway Academies

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing Arts to me, means being free. Hearing cheers and a round of applause whilst performing is a feeling that I will never be able to describe. It’s amazing to feel that all of your hard work has paid off and you’ve been able to be a part of an amazing cast and production.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

My favourite part of teaching is being able to see the kids grow out of their shell. When you notice a child that at first won’t even speak out loud, to then go on and see them perform their hearts out, it’s definitely my favourite part of working with Centre Stage.

Why Do You Teach?

Watching the kids go from a school hall to a professional theatre performing in front of hundreds of people is one of the best feelings, and definitely one of the main reasons I teach.

Performing Highlights

A highlight that stands out for me is definitely when I was a student at Centre Stage and performed in Summer Youth Project 2019 ‘Our House’. Being a lead in that show and taking a bow at the end, hearing the cheers and applause. That is feeling that I always strive for now and is 100% of of my favourite performing highlights.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Expressing yourself, letting go, being whoever you want to be.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

There’s such a great team behind you, they are always thinking outside the box and pushing the teachers and students to improve.

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

Watching any of the shows is always a proud moment, how far the kids have come, and seeing all your hard work up on stage.

Why Do You Teach?

It’s rewarding (most of the time lol) seeing the students grow. Passing on your knowledge.

Performing Highlights:

Dancing with Kylie has to up there, but Saturday Night Fever, the MTV awards and Party in the Park (Hyde Park) in front of 200,000 people was amazing.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Everything! It’s my life!

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

I love seeing the kids improve and their confidence build after every show. I love working with such a fabulous and hilarious team. And most of all… I love choreographing SYP!

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

Watching the first run through of Baggy Trousers during Our House SYP19, Dave and I were in the auditorium, it was the first time with Scott and the band during tech… we literally looked at each other and went ‘this is good!’ We were all so proud!

Why Do You Teach?

Because I love it!

Performing Highlights?

I’ve performed as an actress, dancer and model for some of the biggest companies in the world. I regularly model for Mac Cosmetic, I have danced with Olly Murs, appeared in Music Videos for Will Young, Rak-Su and Example and appeared in Channel Four series Humans.

Training: BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at Arts Ed
Role: Singing Teacher at Orpington and Beckenham Academy

WHAT DOES PERFORMING ARTS MEAN TO YOU?

Absolutely everything! I started dancing at 4 years old and have never stopped since. There is nothing else in the world that gives me the buzz that performing arts does – whether that’s performing in front of thousands, singing in the kitchen or teaching a class.

If it wasn’t for performing arts, I would never have met most of my friends or my fiancé! So for that alone, I am eternally grateful.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF WORKING WITH CSTA?

The kids never give less than 100%, and as a teacher that is the dream! I could be having the worst day in the world, but I know that as soon as I come to work I’ll be greeted with a huge squeeze from excited students who have been looking forward to coming back to CSTA all week.

The students get so many opportunities to perform, and it is honestly mind-blowing to see the difference in their confidence after working towards a show and being able to demonstrate all that they have worked towards. The company really are so lovely to work for and I feel extremely lucky!

WHY DO YOU TEACH?

It just fills my heart with so much joy! I owe so much of my professional success to my teachers, and love being able to now share my knowledge and skill set with the next generation of performers. Seeing students grow from strength to strength in both confidence and ability gives me so much fulfilment, and I truly care for each and every student that I have the pleasure of working with at CSTA.

PERFORMING HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve been lucky enough to have a professional stage career working in the West End & touring the UK. I think a personal highlight for me was making my West End debut in the 20th Anniversary cast of ‘Mamma Mia!’. It was a real pinch-me moment and felt like all my hard work had finally paid off.

Being part of the Original UK Cast of ‘Dr Seuss’: How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ was another incredible experience. The entire process was so creative performing in theatres and stadiums across the UK seating as many as 3500 people was surreal.

Singing is a passion of mine, and I’ve had the opportunity to sing at The Royal Albert Hall on numerous occasions – for Disney Broadway Hits (streaming on Disney+) and The Olivier Awards (televised on ITV). On screen I have also performed on TFI Friday (Channel 4) and Children in Need (BBC).

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing is the only thing I have ever wanted to do. When I was little, I would always put on shows for my mum in the living room and it all kicked off from there! Performing Arts isn’t only inspiring, but also transporting and up lifting. Whether it be a Show, TV Programme, Movie, Dance, Song or Play – any form of Performing Arts allows you to be lost in a story in another world. It allows you to let your imagination run wild and express yourself without judgement.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

As Centre Stage Alumni it is always amazing to see kids who i’ve known since they were 8 grow up and become amazing performers at the age of 17. One of my favourite parts of teaching is seeing the improvement in the kids every term. Centre Stage is a real family environment and I love how close the team are, as well as the students.

Why Do You Teach?

I found a real love for teaching this year. Nothing beats the feeling of your vision being brought to life by the students you care for. I see myself in a lot of my students and that really allows me to connect with them on a deeper level and push me to help them improve.

Performing Highlights

I’ve had some dream roles during my time as a student with Centre Stage, from Sherrie in ‘Rock of Ages’ to Nancy in ‘Oliver’ and Fiona in ‘Shrek’. I also got to play one of the leads in both ‘American Idiot’ and ’13 the Musical’ whilst training at The Brighton Academy.

I have recently started my professional career with a job in an independent 70s feature film and after graduating in 2022, I am now looking forward to continuing my professional journey.

Training: Diploma in Musical Theatre at D&B Academy
Role: Dance Teacher at Northfleet and Strood Academy

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing is a great way to let go, forget about everything and dance! Its the perfect way to de-stress and just be yourself! You can express yourself through the choreography and routines. It’s a great way to build confidence and make friends who share the same passions and interests as you.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

The students at CSTA are great! They are full of such personality and really cheer up my Saturdays. They try so hard in all my classes and really want to nail the routines I teach! The way the students are friends with each other is amazing to see, they encourage and help one another. I see the students going over the steps together in and out of class and I know they have gone home and practiced and come back better each week.

Why Do You Teach?

I teach to see the journey of the pupils. I love seeing students who find dance difficult and are nervous about dancing, really improving and feeling confident to perform the routines in front of people at the shows. The energy the kids bring every week and the way they enjoy the music and can add their own personalities to my routines. It’s great to see other people perform and enjoy your choreography.

Performing Highlights

I have been dancing since the age of 3. I first starting competing in street dance from the age of 5. Representing England around the globe. I have won several titles from UK Champion, European Champion, Dutch Open Champion and Second in the World Hip-Hop Championships. I have also appeared as a semi-finalist on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and been a warm up dance act for the band McFly. Whilst I was training at dance college I secured many dance roles, including dancing for Eastenders (Children in Need), a main dancer on the Pop Party DVD and being in the original main cast of E4’s Stage School which ran for two seasons. After graduating college, I was successful in getting a dancer role upon P&O Australia cruises, dancing professionally around the Pacific for two and a half years. In-between contracts I have also had roles in choreography such as assisting in Pantomime at Christmas.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing arts is my world, I have lived within it all my life. From studying at Miskin who built my skills to obtaining a full scholarship for Performers college in Essex, to then performing in the Industry, doing world tours and cruise ships around the world. All of this lead me to find my love for teaching where I have taught at major colleges such as Laban, Miskin theatre and now a member of the performing arts lecture team at Mid Kent college developing creative thinking and new study techniques. Furthering young adults to build confidence, changing opinions, instilling values and translating experiences to further their skills to improve their future in the performing arts industry.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

Centre Stage is my family, they lead the way for young students, their passion shines through each student. CSTA are the most outstanding school for performing arts. I love working for CSTA for the energy and commitment year after year from staff and students

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

My favourite moment of CSTA is the pride I receive after seeing every student develop through their journey with CSTA.

Why Do You Teach?

I have a degree in teaching because I want to make a difference in the lives of as many students as I can. A teacher does more than teach, and their impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a teacher, you are more than just an educator. you are a mentor, a confidant and a friend and teaching performing arts gives you that freedom to unleash and inspire the minds of the young generation of today.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing arts has always been part of my life, it’s the only thing I’ve ever been interested in and I can fully express myself throughout Singing, Acting and Dance.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

My favourite thing about working with CSTA is that I’ve been able to grow up with them, Centre Stage has been a major part of my life and I’m so glad I can still attend my favourite thing to do on a Saturday but now as a teacher!

Why Do You Teach?

I love teaching because I get to see confidence grow each week throughout every single child, there’s children in my class who wouldn’t speak a word who are now begging to sing a solo! If there’s anything I want them to take away from my lessons it is that I want them to believe in themselves and I see them pushing themselves every single week.

Performing Highlights

One of my favourite performing highlights has to be when I was a dancer for the live XFactor Finals at Wembley 2018. It was my first professional job on a real arena stage and I remember realising how much I loved performing and being on stage in that moment.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing Arts means everything to me. Since starting Centre Stage around the age of 11, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Nothing beats the feeling of long rehearsals and being on stage.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

My favourite aspect of working at Centre Stage is getting to teach the Little Ones. Giving them all of my knowledge and getting them introduced to Musical Theatre. Also, the family environment of everyone at Centre Stage.

WHY DO YOU TEACH?

I teach because it’s amazing knowing that I have the knowledge to pass onto the younger students. It’s so exciting to see the students grow and progress every single week.

PERFORMING HIGHLIGHTS

Centre Stage student from 2014-2020. Pantomimes at The Woodville Theatre 2014 & 2017. Bird College MT & Dance Projects 2021-23. Bird College 2nd year Summer Showcase 2023.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

To me performing arts means freedom of expression and building your confidence, skills and talents to be the best version of you.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

The family and team element of the Academy. Ever since day one of working for CSTA, the staff and students have always been so welcoming, friendly and helpful. I see this on a daily basis as new students are always welcomed with open arms. I also love that each child is given multiple opportunities to perform throughout the year.

Have you got a favourite CSTA moment?

I have 2 – My juniors doing a piece from Matilda where we spent weeks practising a stamina driven piece of choreography along with the challenge of flipping boxes during the song to show certain letters of the alphabet at key parts of the song. Watching them get it right from the audience was a special moment after all their hard work and dedication! Second moment – Frankie in the flying rig at “Wonderland”. The kids didn’t stop laughing for an hour at least!

Why Do You Teach?

I teach because I love it!! I love so many aspects of teaching – from choreographing new routines for the students, encouraging them to work on new techniques and most importantly, making sure everyone has fun in class. I love working with each student to reach their full potential and ensure every child feels important, listened to and respected in every class.

Performing Highlights?

It’s so hard to choose just one as I have loved every minute of performing professionally! One special highlight though would be from when I worked for Shrek’s Adventure in London. We got to work with DreamWorks and Merlin to put together a special show for a children’s hospice and I played Princess Fiona. The children were mesmerised by the whole experience and the DreamWorks team completely transformed the hospice into the Kingdom of Duloc and Shrek’s Swamp – it was a magical day!

Training: Conservatory of Music and Drama (2012)
Role: Drama Teacher at Sidcup Academy

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing arts means finding your voice, your passion and your tribe. Whether it’s seeing a show, working backstage, on stage or front of house, performing arts brings people together, telling stories and sharing new ideas (and keeping the classics alive).

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

My favourite aspect of working with CSTA is seeing the love and support from all the students and teachers when the performer of the week certificate is given. It’s so lovely seeing how proud the kids are of themselves and their classmates at the end of a hard-working morning.

Why Do You Teach?

I teach performing arts because it fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Performing arts provide a unique outlet for self-expression and help children develop essential life skills. By engaging in drama, kids learn to appreciate different perspectives, manage their emotions, and overcome challenges, all while having fun and building a sense of community

Performing Highlights

Playing Brooke Windham in Legally Blonde the musical a the Hong Kong Arts Shousen Theatre (singing, dancing and jumping rope – at the same time).

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing Arts is a safe haven for everyone, to express themselves and learn skills that are applicable in so many other careers.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

MY favourite thing about teaching is watching young, shy kids make friends, develop and become confident, until they’re suddenly singing a solo or playing a part!

Why Do You Teach?

As someone who came through the arts clubs growing up, I know how much it helped me, and I love being part of that process for someone else.

Performing Highlights?

As a teacher, watching my first show at CSTA, there was so much talent and I loved the excitement of it all. As a performer, I got to sing on stage in We Will Rock You with Brian May and Roger Taylor playing, and I’ll never forget that!

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

I started dancing at the young age of 8, and have since been infatuated with theatre, film and dance. I have only ever been drawn to teaching the Performing Arts as I think it’s important for teachers to have a passion for what they teach – it’s my aim as a teacher to be the kind of teacher I loved to have when I was a kid.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

I’ve loved teaching for CSTA and what really makes my job is seeing the improvement and progress you help to facilitate in students. It’s the most rewarding part of teaching and, as cliché as it sounds, it is this that makes the job worthwhile.

Performing Highlights

As a performer I’ve enjoyed success in Musical Theatre, having covered leading roles in the West End and on Number One UK Tours such as ‘Evita’ and ‘Jackie’. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the world’s greatest choreographers including Ashely Wallen (Greatest Showman), Bill Deamer (Olivier Award Winner) and Arlene Phillips (Strictly) I have also played leading roles in Pantomimes, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella (I was the Prince, not Cinders).