Aims

Our aim is to provide high quality training in performing arts, for children aged between 3 and 18. The training will be undertaken by professional West End performers and all classes take place on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

Classes will be full of enthusiasm and energy and adopt a positive approach in order to improve student’s confidence, self-esteem, social skills and conversational ability.

 

We aim to offer a stimulating, friendly and positive environment, providing fun and enjoyment for all young people with an interest in the performing arts whatever their ability.

 

We are dedicated to develop the potential of children in an environment of safety and security. We have a duty of care to students and parents need to feel confident that as an organisation we have the safety of children as our primary concern.

 

No previous training or experience is necessary but we do have high expectations and therefore require commitment as this is an important attribute to achievement.

Class Structure

Classes are organised to cover the principal components of performing arts. Lessons last for 4 hours divided into three sessions of singing, drama and dance, with no more than 10 children per teacher. There will be three separate age groups 3-6 year olds, 7-11 year olds and a senior class for 12-18 year olds.

Staff

The principals of Ad Astra Theatre School are Fiona Edwards and her husband Jeff Edwards, both experienced West End performers, who met in 2004 whilst working together on the Rod Stewart musical TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT. We shall be offering occasional workshops led by other professional performers such as Taofique Folarin  (Lion King),  Amanda Coutts (Starlight Express), Michael McKell (Eastenders), Maria Coyne (Wicked) ,Nathanial Morrison (Waitress) and Zaraah Abrahams (Coronation Street).

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As children become more experienced they are often given the opportunity to assist class teachers. Our current class assistant is Sadie Smith who has been with Ad Astra Theatre School from right from the very start.