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 Mason

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 25 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

DANCE TEACHER

Annabelle Crosby-Stewart

Annabelle began her Performing Arts and dance training at a young age. At 9 years old, she was cast as ‘Debbie Wilkinson’ in the West End run of Billy Elliot the Musical. In 2018, Annabelle gained a contract in Disneyland Paris as a character and parade peformer, including the role of Snow White. She then went on to work as a CBeebies show presenter at the Alton Towers resort.

Annabelle has taught Dance and Drama to children aged 2-16 in the North East. She has previous managerial experience within a national Performing Arts School.

Annabelle is fully DBS checked, first aid trained and a professionally licensed child chaperone.

DANCE TEACHER

Joanne Mason

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 25 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.

SINGING TEACHER

Hayley McKay

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.

DANCE TEACHER

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.

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.

Madison Parkinson

(Photo credit Scott Akoz)

Natasha Park

*Staff are fully qualified DBS (Enhanced) checked*