What makes Darlington Academy of Performing Arts different to other groups is our emphasis on Musical theatre.

Where some dance schools have a focus on a little acting, drama groups may include a little singing, and vocal groups may include a little dance...

we focus on all three disciplines. This allows your child to express themselves fully and learn skills that they may not have had chance to before.

The musical productions we write specifically for our students are designed to allow each child to have their moment to shine.

Writing our own shows creates opportunities for large group numbers and smaller dialogue scenes giving our students chance to play to their strengths and improve in all areas, even if your child has no previous experience.

*There are no added charges through the year for extra and extended rehearsals in the lead up to performances.*

Why Us?

DIRECTORS

Paul was born in Middlesbrough where his love for theatre began at a very early age. He attended local classes in dance, drama and music and then went on to formalise his education at Teesside Tertiery College and Dance City as well as continuing with private tuition.

With over 30 years of theatre and performance experience Paul has performed in numerous shows throughout his career including principal parts in DarlingtonOS and MAOS and has worked professionally throughout Europe as an actor and dancer. Paul toured with the Northern Youth Dance Company working with several professional choreographers including Liv Lorent of balletLORENT.

Paul took his passion for the arts further by recently studying and achieving a First Class BA (Hons) in Performing Arts at Teesside Uni.

Paul has worked with Middlesbrough Youth Theatre for several years so has vast experience in getting the best out of young performers. Paul has directed and produced several shows for children and young adults

Joanne has formal dance training in ballet, tap and jazz, and studied performing arts for several years, attaining certificates in GNVQ Advanced Performing Arts and A Level Performing Arts.

Joanne has over 30 years of theatrical experience, including playing many Leading and supporting roles in DarlingtonOS over a period of over 15 years. She also has vast experience behind the scenes in costuming, stage make up and props. She also ran a costume business making and hiring theatrical costumes to multiple companies across the UK.

Joanne has a 2:1 BSc Hons degree in Psychology, specialising in child psychology, child development and social development.

DANCE TEACHERS

(Photo credit Scott Akoz)

Laura has been a dancer since the age of 4 and has formal training is Modern Stage, Ballet and Tap, she has performed for most of her life, most recently with DAPA, where she also loves being part of the creative team, making costumes and set, stage managing and generally spending as much time as she possibly can immersed in the world of musical theatre.

She has over 18 years’ experience teaching and coaching people of all ages from Rhymetime sessions with babies and toddlers to school PE lessons and exercises classes in care homes and has a BCS Hons degree in Sports Coaching and Exercise as well as A-Level Drama and Theatre.

Natasha started her training from a very young age and throughout her childhood performing was one of her biggest passions. She decided to make a career out of doing what she loved, first by studying Musical Theatre after leaving school and then carried on in her studies to gain her biggest achievement, a BA(HONs degree) in Performance and Events Management. She has since carried on performing for over 10 years as a Children’s Entertainer, dancer and vocalist on Holiday Parks.

SINGING TEACHERS

Madison has been with DAPA as a student from day one back in 2018, She has also trained with Stagecoach, and went on to formalise her training with NDC college before furthering her studies at Stockton Riverside College. Madison regularly performs in major roles in DAPA shows and was nominated by NODA for her role as Elsa in our production of Frozen JR. Madison is an active member of Darlington OS and performs twice a year at the Hippodrome.

With such a wealth of experience already we think Madison is going to be a fantastic addition to our team.

Hayley is a professional singer songwriter and has been teaching vocals for over 10 years after studying at Brighton Institute of Modern Music and gaining much experience through the industry and working alongside some amazing coaches.

Hayley has performed as a supporting act to artists including Tom Jones, Martha Reeves and Scouting for Girls, and has performed her own original material on TV, Radio and at major festivals. Hayley loves all types of music and her lessons are fun, practical and Hayley loves to share her favorite vocal and performance techniques that she uses herself.

Clare grew up with a love of classical music and musical theatre. After achieving Grade 8 in several instruments and Speech and Drama, she gained a place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester where she studied as a violinist and graduated with a BMus(Hons). Clare has toured Europe and the UK both as a soloist and as an orchestral musician but her heart has always been in musical theatre. Since the age of 16 she has played in shows and taught. Clare continues to play in theatres across the North East and now runs a successful music school where she teaches strings, piano and voice. She has recorded and featured on several albums and DVD’s for local bands and regularly performs across the North East with several bands.

JUNIOR LEADERS

Junior leaders assist in our Infants and Juniors classes, encouraging and nurturing our little performers from classes and rehearsals all the way through to helping them backstage in their shows. They will be a constant support to help them thrive.

They are amazing at interacting with the younger students and know exactly the safe, encouraging. family environment that DAPA is all about.

This is also a wonderful opportunity for them to build skills to last a lifetime - responsibility, leadership, team work and adding backstage experience to their Performing Arts skills.

*Staff are fully qualified DBS (Enhanced) checked*