David is the Creative Director of Centre Stage with a focus on the creative output on the company through it’s productions but most importantly overseeing the class output across the company. He regularly works between management and staff across the company to develop the experiences that students have with Centre Stage.

Through his earlier career experiences as a qualified Secondary Drama Teacher, David is constantly looking to develop the company’s pedigogical approaches, looking at how the Performing Arts can be used as a tool to develop student’s confidence, communication, and efficacy in the arts.

Specialist Workshop areas:

‘Devising through Practitioners Eyes’ (Brecht, Artaud, Berkoff, Stanislavski, Lecoc)

’Tanztheater’ – Bridging the gap between Dance, Drama and Physical Theatre – (Frantic Assembly/Pina Bausch/ Jasmin Vardimon/ Complicite/ Matthew Bourne )

‘Creative Environments ’ CPD for staff that are looking to find creative ways of using their classrooms to inspire their classes.

Bespoke Interventions for students with social, emotional Needs

GCSE/A Level English Literature Brought to Life – Exploring Themes, Characters, Plot of set syllabus through Drama.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

Performing arts to me is an escape from reality. You can take on the role of a character and leave all your worries behind, be that in dancing, singing or acting. It’s something that everyone can do no matter how old or young you are.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

There is such a family feel at Centre Stage both amongst the staff and amongst the children. The children are always so dedicated and full of personalities. They are a real pleasure to teach and CSTA are a great company to work for.

Favourite CSTA moment:

When I first started at CSTA I was an assistant but I soon had my first After School Club, watching them perform on stage in their first ever show was an amazing experience and I was so proud of all the hard work they had put in, it was a great achievement for us all!

Why Do You Teach?

Teaching children is a very rewarding job. Seeing them put in all their hard work in the build up to a show, or even conquering a dance move in class; guiding them on that journey and seeing how happy they are with the end result is amazing. Personally I fell in love with performing arts and found it a great escape, so passing my love and knowledge on to others is a fantastic feeling.

Performing Highlights?

My performing highlights include performing with the Eastenders cast for Children in Need, being Pikachu in a Pokemon Commercial in Japan, appearing in I-Boy (a Netflix original) along with performing in several pantomimes as a professional dancer.

Farli is our lead vocal coach at Centre Stage having worked with the team for over 9 years, her strength lies in one to one vocal coaching, developing students range and technical ability in a way that is relatable and understandable for students of all ages.

Work one to one, or with an entire choir Farli gets the best our of her students and make sure that everyone is having the most fun doing it.

Holly trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in Musical Theatre and her performing career spans over 15 years. She has performed around the world onboard some of the most prestigious cruise lines, theatres, TV shows and international and UK theatre tours.

Holly is also a qualified Dance teacher and has been teaching for over 20 years alongside her career. She has taught children of all ages and abilities including those with special educational needs. These positions include extra-curricular classes, government curriculums and also stand-alone Musical Theatre industry workshops.

Holly has been a part of the Centre Stage family since 2018 and teaches Drama, Singing, Dance and Little Ones classes.

Specialist Workshop Focus:
– Musical Theatre workshops (can be show specific)
– Dance workshops in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Commercial and Latin and Ballroom styles.
– Acting through song
– Choreography

Clinton has been a professional dancer for many years graduating from the prestigious Performers College, where he trained in all aspects of dance, from Musical Theatre, Commercial/Street Dance/Bollywood to Jazz.

He passed with his teaching associate in A.I.S.T.D with distinction.

He then went to on to work in the West End with ‘Saturday Night Fever, ‘Copacabana’ and the movie ‘Phantom of the Opera’.

Before moving on to commercial success with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Sugababes, Robbie Williams, Geri Halliwell and numerous times on TOTP and the MTV awards

Since then, Clinton has moved over into choreographing/lecturing where he choreographed the filming of movies in Bollywood and TV awards ceremonies in Mumbai.

He was been working with Centre Stage since 2011. Enjoying spreading his knowledge and passion on to students and watching them have fun grow.

Specialist Workshops:
– Bollywood
– Street Dance
– Commerical
– Musical Theatre

As a performer Dom enjoyed success in Musical Theatre, and is currently in the ensemble of the West End Production of Frozen.

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.

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

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).

Nathan is the Educational Development manager at Centre Stage, his role includes developing new relationships with schools and developing personalised programs of study to help students progress.

As an Actor, Theatre maker, workshop facilitator and poet Nathan started to produce theatre in his late teens and has a real workshop approach to site-specific pieces. Nathan has been part of the Centre Stage family since 2016 and is one of our senior workshop facilitators.

Specialist Workshops Focus:
– Devising and improvisation
– Characterisation and naturalism
– Scene Study
– Classical Text
– Stanislavski, Brecht and Artaud

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

Leah has been dancing since the age of 3 and joined the Centre stage team in 2022. She first starting competing in street dance from the age of 5. Representing England around the globe. She has won several titles from UK champion, European champion, Dutch Open champion and Second in the IDO World hip hop championships.

Credits include:
P&O Australia, Eastenders (children in need), Pop Party DVD, Britains got talent – Semi Finalist.

Specialist workshop focus:
– Street dance
– Hip hop styles
– Commerical

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

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

It means connection, passion and dedication! Finding Performing Arts means finding your tribe and learning things about yourself that you never knew you could do.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

The extraordinary talent and dedication of the students, and the way they support each other.

Why Do You Teach?

I love talking about what I love (acting) and seeing the next generation of creative minds find their voices through drama!

Performing Highlights

I have recently wrapped production of my first screenplay called ‘BURN IT’, available to stream in 2023!

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

It means a lot as it’s all I’ve ever known. It was something me and my sister grew up doing with support from our family every step of the way. There’s no feeling like performing and giving other people enjoyment when watching a show you are in. The industry is like no other, it’s the hardest but the most rewarding, with so many different journeys to be grateful for. 

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

It reminds me so much of a Saturday Theatre school I attended when I was younger. It brings back so many lovely memories and makes me remember why I wanted to be a dancer in the first place. I love the fact they live for putting on performances, as it’s such an exciting time. The dynamic and relationship between teachers is lovely too. 

Why Do You Teach?

I teach because I love sharing my passion for performing with children. Everything I know is from my dance teachers and I owe them so much, dancing was a place you could be yourself with no judgment, only support! I want to give back the support, passion, drive and love I received from them to kids today.

Performing Highlights

I have been lucky enough to perform all over the world in different shows and productions. My first ever job out of college was a year longs contract in the USA. Here I found my feet and was given more opportunities to perform in Canada and go on east coast tour of the USA in a Broadway Christmas Wonderland show. These were moments I could never forget! I also have been lucky enough to perform in front of huge crowds at sporting events at Wembley Football Stadium and at the Rugby Sevens in Dubai. I love performing in cabaret style dinner shows and I was lucky enough to perform for 3 seasons at the globally known “Buddha Bar” in Marrakesh, which led to opportunities performing in Doha Qatar, Casablanca Morocco, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

I have been involved with performing arts from a very young age and it really has formed me as a person and is a huge part of my identity. It’s definitely more than a job for me.

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

My favourite thing about working with CSTA is definitely watching students’ abilities grow, as well as their confidence throughout their time with us.

Why Do You Teach?

I teach because my teachers had such a great impact on me, I would love to be able to pass that on.

Performing Highlights

I’ve been very lucky to have lots of special moments when it comes to performing, however singing at Buckingham Palace has to be top of the list as it’s something I will never forget!

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 to 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.

What does Performing Arts mean to you?

There truly is nothing else like it! Being in a theatre as the lights go down, feeling a hush come over the audience, then going on stage and sharing a story. It’s a sense of community as well as an awesome adrenaline rush!

What is your favourite aspect of working with CSTA?

I love how performance-based the training at CSTA is! There is always a new show to work on, and there is no better way to learn performing arts skills than jumping on stage in front of an audience. CSTA students are always so professional, and I love seeing them actively apply all the skills we learn in class to their productions.

Why Do You Teach?

I adore watching my students grow to love performing just as I did when I was a kid. That moment when something “clicks” and I see a student really understand and apply what we are learning about is so incredibly rewarding.

Performing Highlights

My students will tell you – it is my absolute favourite thing to see things go wrong on stage! I love watching performers work around problems, and how well they can make it look like it all happened on purpose. With that in mind, my favourite moment performing was at the national finals of a singing competition back in Australia. My music cut out halfway through my performance! I ended up singing the rest of the song acapella – terrifying but exciting!

Training: Musical Theatre at Italia Conti Graduated 2021
Role: Little Ones and Singing Teacher at Medway, Dartford, Maidstone and Gravesend Academy

Centre Stage honestly changed my life so much! I first joined when I was 13 years old, I was so nervous talking to people and singing and acting in front of people would bring me to tears. Frankie and Lydia believed in me and gave me opportunities to build on my confidence. The teachers helped me with my technique in all of the disciplines and supported me through my whole time there. If it wasn’t for everyone at Centre stage including the students I wouldn’t be where I am now.

I have recently graduated from Italia Conti, training in Musical Theatre and have now become a Little Ones and Singing teacher across multiple academies, whilst also managing our new sister company; CSTA Parties!