Current Director of Blood Brothers. 

Owen founded Thespian Arts in 2017, after 13-years of theatre experience, company management, project turnarounds and community work. Owen manages the general running of the organisation and is determined to grow the company so that we can accommodate more people who will benefit from our projects. Owen also wants to create more job opportunities within Performing Arts.

Owen has previously founded: Dreams In Action Performance Company, Heightened Fitness, and Owen Allen Designs.

​

During my career in Performing Arts, I have experienced all aspects of the arts, performing on stages around the West Midlands in productions such as 'Annie Jr,' 'Wendy & Peter Pan,' 'Blood Brothers,' 'Allo 'Allo,' 'Kinky Boots,' and 'Urinetown.' I've played the lead role in short-length feature films, including ‘Me, Myself and Michael’. Additionally, I have enjoyed experience in Sound and Lighting Tech for many productions at The Lamp Arts Theatre and The Grange Playhouse Theatre. I've directed 'Bugsy Malone' and two productions of 'Wendy & Peter Pan.' I am looking forward to my next challenge of directing 'Blood Brothers: Play Version.'

​

My passion and dream for running a Performing Arts organisation started at the age of 15 when I co-founded The Dreams In Action Performance Project. The project gained momentum and won the Britain Has Spirit regional award. However, as the project relied on funding, obtaining it became increasingly difficult. This realisation led to the birth of Thespian Arts—a self-sustained Community Interest Company.

​

As the Chief Executive Officer of Thespian Arts, I not only oversee the organization but also teach various disciplines and serve as the Lighting & Sound Technician for our productions. With my extensive experience in theatre and a solid foundation in leadership and management, supported by my ILM Level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management, I am committed to driving the growth and success of Thespian Arts. In all our sessions, we prioritize confidence building, as I firmly believe that confidence is a key contributor to a successful career.

​

For my work in Performing Arts and Community, I have been honoured with ROCC’s Volunteer of the Year, Britain Has Spirit Regional Award, and Walsall’s Young Person of the Year (Community Winner).

I aim to continue to create career opportunities in Performing Arts, and my dream is to grow Thespian Arts. I hope we can offer more projects and branch out to other areas so more people can benefit from our services.

Current Artistic Director & Choreographer of School of Rock, Director & Choreographer of Into The Woods Jr

Alishea joined our organisation as a Dance Tutor in 2019, after graduating from the University of Derby. Alishea's extensive performance experience and qualifications made her ideal for the role. Alishea's desire to have more responsibility and her personable nature lead to her being promoted to Group Members Secretary responsible for handling the registration and management of all our members. After a fantastic 2 years in the role she was then promoted to Chief Operating Officer in charge of the day to day running of all operations. 

​

I joined Thespian Arts in the summer of 2019, initially just to have involvement in their project for Pelsall Carnival! My experience with the company was brilliant, and I knew that the family environment, with children who were eager to learn, and showed so much potential, was something I wanted to permanently be a part of. Since then I have advanced in my role, from being a dance tutor, to 'member's secretary and dance tutor', to now 'Chief Operations Officer'! I handle our social medias, all of the admin that goes along with our members and groups, and oversee all of our groups and branches I also teach mini mixers, dance, musical theatre, and drama groups! I thoroughly enjoy having an important role where I feel appreciated, trusted, and positively challenged.  I am now also a Director of Thespian Arts, aiming to manage and grow our provisions.

As well as my first class BA Hons degree in dance, I started dance when I was 7 and have my IDTA and MIDAA dance examination grades in ballet, tap, and modern. I also in 2016, received an 'Outstanding Media Contribution' award for my work on and off screen, in feature length movies with Midland's based company, Dialogue Media. I have a huge passion for acting, script writing, filming, and editing video. I also loved taking part in all of my secondary school's musical productions when I was growing up, and developed a passion for musical theatre too. I just love performing arts!

​

If I'm not teaching I'll be on your screens as I'm a TV Presenter for CBBC, an actor (most recently starring in series 8 of 'The Next Step') and a content creator. 

​

My goals have always included wanting to direct a musical production, and Thespian Arts allowed me to fulfil that dream in 2022, when I directed Matilda Jr! So I'd say my biggest dream currently is to be able to buy a house!

Shelby joined our organisation and instantly made an impact. Shelby was always going above and beyond our expectations, for this reason, she was promoted to Fundraising and Events Manager. She plays a crucial role in securing financial support, fostering relationships with sponsors, and organising events to promote the business. 

​

I joined Thespian Arts in June 2018 with a passion for the arts. I studied drama at sixth form and participated in many performances such as, Les Miserable, Bugsy Malone and a variety of showcases. I’ve had many amazing opportunities and experiences in tutoring Drama and I believe that this was the career path chosen for me, however, during my time of studying Drama I had a hiccup to which led me to having time away from the thing I loved most.

By the end of 2018, I had fallen in love with a language I came across in a Television program called ‘Switched at Birth’, where one of the main characters in the show was Deaf and used American Sign Language as a way to communicate. With further research into this I found that Britain had a similar language known as British Sign Language, to which I took on as a challenge to learn something new.

I attended two courses at Walsall Deaf Centre, where I obtained my level 1&2 in British Sign Language through the signature exam board. I later decided to carry this on to university where I have recently graduated and have obtained a BA(Hons) Degree in British Sign Language and Deaf Studies from the University Of Central Lancashire.

I am now working to complete a MA Interpreting Course to be able to qualify as an interpreter. Once completing this, I would like to to merge my two passions together and be able to devise performances for both hearing and Deaf actors to be apart of, and for Deaf and hearing audiences to enjoy at Thespian Arts.

Current director of Annie Jr The Musical

We are really pleased that Lydia joined us in October 2023. I am confident that her expertise and connection to the local area will be a real asset to us moving the branch forward to the next level. She has made an instant impact, and we look forward to seeing her progress in this role.

​

I have performed in Musicals since my first role in 'Annie' aged 5. I got distinctions in all 8 singing grades for ABRSM classical voice and transitioned to Musical Theatre voice for my Diploma where I achieved 96% and was invited to attend a High Scorers concert where I was asked to perform a song for the Mayor of Wolverhampton. I studied Health & Human Science at Durham University whilst running two jazz ensembles, fronting the Durham University Big Band, directing two musicals that went on to win 'Best Musical' at the Durham Oscars Awards, and many choirs! I have recently graduated from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with a Distinction in Musical Theatre MA and secured myself an agent. 

​

In my spare time I write and record my own music, read countless science magazines and go to the gym!

Current director of The Wind In The Willows, Musical Director of Into The Woods Jr.

Sophie is tasked to inspire the next generation of performers at our Pelsall branch, we have no doubt that she will achieve this. She has a clear passion for performing and teaching, with lots of experience. Sophie has also taken on more responsibility in Business Development, currently working on our T.O.P system which will be used by schools to deliver top quality music provision working alongside the national curriculum.

Hello there! I’m Sophie and my role here is centred at the Pelsall Branch, where I'll be working with the mini-mixers, singers, and the drama group, but also the mini mixers and performers at our newest branch: Ashmore Park.

​

My journey in the world of performing arts began at a young age, and I've had the privilege of receiving both Lamda awards and Performance Arts Awards along the way. This passion for performing arts was nurtured during my school years, and it was during this time that I became certain I wanted to pursue this field further at the university level. Fast forward three years, and I'm proud to say that I've earned a first-class degree in musical theatre from the University of Lincoln.

I'm eagerly looking forward to collaborating with the talented individuals at Thespian Arts! :)

Current Musical Director of The SpongeBob Musical, and School of Rock

Georgia has obtained the highest grade in Flute, Saxophone and Piano, is highly graded in Drums, and has many years of experience playing in band pits and on stage! She was ideally suited to join our organisation as an Instrument Tutor with the ability of tutoring most of our music sessions. We are confident that her knowledge and experience will help our organisation to grow our instrument groups and increase our school provision.

I am a musician who began playing the flute at the age of 7, followed by the piano at aged 9 and eventually taking up the saxophone at the age of 11, achieving three grade 8’s by the age of 17.

I now play a total of 11 instruments with a passion for the jazz and funk genres. In 2020, I graduated university with a First Class Honours Degree in Music as well as an ABRSM Certificate in Music Education and I then went on to graduate with Masters in Music in 2021.

When I am not teaching, I am performing at a range of different gigs spanning from weddings and events to musicals and operas. When I am not performing, I am usually singing and playing my saxophone on TikTok.

Current Choreographer of Annie Jr.

Tash joined us initially to help tutor our ever growing Dance provision in Brownhills and Rugeley. She has really embraced the challenge of tutoring dance and is always willing to take on more responsibility. Tash is also highly graded on Drums and as a result has taken over as lead tutor in Drums. After assisting as choreographer for musical productions, this year she has the challenge of being lead choreographer for our production of Annie Jr!

​

I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old and I've always had a huge passion for performing!

I’ve competed in many competitions and completed many shows and graded exams. I like to dance in various different styles which include ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, character, cabaret and acro!

​

I’ve been playing percussion since I was 8 years old, consisting of drums, xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel, vibraphone and timpani! I also enjoy playing the flute and piano. Currently, i’m studying A-level music and working on my grade 8 drums and orchestral percussion which I hope to complete soon!

​

Corey joined us in January 2023 with the aim of helping to grow our Guitar provision in school and community settings. He has since became a popular member of the team receiving great feedback from our members. Corey also plays Piano and Drums so is able to assist in those sessions when required. Corey has some great ideas for new projects which he would like to lead at Thespian Arts. We look forward to him making his mark on the organisation.

​

I've been immersed in the world of guitar since I was around 8 years old, and it's a passion that's only grown over time. Starting out as self-taught, my fascination with the instrument continued to flourish.

Throughout my journey, playing guitar has opened doors to incredible experiences. One highlight was traveling to Germany with a band, performing three unforgettable shows and delving into a new culture—a first-time adventure that left a lasting impression. Additionally, I've had the privilege of playing numerous gigs, making new connections and friendships, and even playing the character of Zach in School Of Rock The Musical. These opportunities, stemming from my dedication to the guitar, are ones I never envisioned but really enjoyed.

​

Now, as a student at BIMM University pursuing a degree in music education, my goal is to impart this passion onto others. Teaching holds a special place in my heart because I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music. Having been self-taught, I understand the importance of guidance, and I'm committed to empowering aspiring musicians to surpass their own expectations. My journey has been enriched by the guitar, and I'm determined to pay it forward by helping others achieve their dreams and surpassing my own abilities.

Dhana joined us from September 2023 and has been assigned as a lead music tutor at one of our primary school contracts. He has a wealth of knowledge and tutoring experience. He has already made an impact at Thespian Arts - we can't wait to see what else we can achieve with Dhana's support. 

​

I have been playing music since the age of seven. I started with trumpet, I then began to learn bass guitar, and after a few years I finally found my calling which was drums. I quickly fell in love with the instrument and began to work my way through the grades. I completed my grade 8 and decided I wanted to pursue music as my career. I achieved a BA (Hons) in Professional Musicianship at BIMM Manchester specialising in drums.

​

After graduating university, I taught drums for 4 years, teaching students aged 3-70, progressing them through their grades. as well as this I regularly perform and record in my originals band ‘Portside’.

in my spare time I really enjoy watching live music in a variety of genres. I love attending concerts and watching other musicians doing what I enjoy so music. Outside of music, you can often find me at the gym or painting Warhammer miniatures with my cats Harley and Angus.

Current Choreographer of  The SpongeBob Musical

Charlotte joined our organisation in February 2019 and was given the task of setting up & leading our dance group. Charlotte is highly graded in these styles and has many years of teaching experience. She is a wonderful personality loved by so many Thespian members. 

​

I have completed my graded levels in tap, modern, and ballet. Fuelled by my passion for dance, I’ve personally competed in many dance competitions, and even championships. I’ve also entered my own students into competitions, where they’ve done extremely well, and I was very proud of them.

​

When I’m not teaching I’m a postie! Otherwise, I’ll probably be exploring and camping.

​

I love the self expression, enjoyment, and progression that dance allows for, which is why it is a goal of mine to inspire other people, particularly my students. I love to see them develop.

Current Assistant Musical Director of School of Rock & Musical Director of Into The Woods

Kaitie has extensive performance experience and has a first class degree in BMus Music Honours. She has also achieved an ABRSM Certificate of Music Education. Kaitie has made an immediate impact by taking on responsibilities and working hard to achieve the company objectives. She has been instrumental in the set up of group vocal sessions for adults. 

​

I have been a singer since I was 9 years old, and I have now achieved my Grade 8 singing Grade 5 Music Theory qualifications. Singing is my escape, and I have a real passion for encouraging children to pursue singing too.

When I am not teaching at Thespian Arts I am teaching music in school. I have always dreamt of being a music teacher and although I waited until my 30s I was finally following my dreams. I have 3 young children of my own and most of my spare time is spent entertaining them. We like going for walks and playing board games together.

​

Mai-Lin has joined us to tutor our Mini Mixers, and dance projects at our Pelsall Branch. She has lots of performing and tutoring experience. We look forward to working with her and seeing how she develops through the company. Her energy and enthusiasm is something we are sure will be contagious to our members!

​

I started performing in 2017 at the age of 13 and really have grown to love the world of K-pop dance. I started off practically self-taught learning K-pop dances off YouTube tutorials and videos to my favourite groups and songs. I decided later on to take Performing arts (Dance) as a subject for my GCSEs - in which I achieved High level Distinctions. Dancing with K-pop was not popular at all and was practically unknown. It did not have the respect that it has now in current time so I had to learn to embrace this part of myself.

When I joined my current dance academy at the age of 13, I was given plenty of opportunities to perform and learn different styles under the street and hip-hop umbrella such as commercial, locking, house, whacking, and many more. I have taken part in multiple IDTA dance examinations and have gotten scores over 94% for every exam as well as having the amazing opportunity to take part in yearly dance showcases. I was also able to take multiple dance workshops such as with Kaea Pearce twice from the Royal dance family (from Australia) and Kimberly Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls. I also have been teaching dance classes and assisting with classes at my academy since 2021.

​

In 2020, I won first place in an online dance competition, which allowed me to join onto the Elite competition dance group in my academy. I submitted my first K-pop dance cover as my competition entry and was overjoyed when I had found that I was successful. This encouraged me to keep up my efforts and led me to join the dance course at my college in 2022. Ever since I have started college, I have been able to learn about various styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, abstract contemporary, street, heels, burlesque, lyrical, commercial and even bhangra! I also have been able to perform at Flexus. Adding onto this I have been able to perform at Walsall Arena with my college for the yearly Pantomimes, which lasts for about 2 weeks. Pantomimes include Sleeping beauty 2022 and Cinderella 2023. 

​

Most importantly I have joined a K-pop dance cover group from Birmingham called IVIX (@ivixdance on YouTube Tiktok, and Instagram). Ever since joining not only have I made such amazing friends, I have been able to perform at huge events such as Comic Con London (2023 May), Anime con Birmingham (2023 June), Comic Con Birmingham (2023 December), IVIX Kpop Day (2023 September), countless RPDs (Random Dance Challenges), and so much more! I have filmed multiple dance cover videos that have been on YouTube and I have even had training with Jay Kim and Theo Song, two very well known Korean choreographers that have created work for popular K-pop bands and artists. Most recently, this year (2024) I have taken part in performing at the Lunar New Year festival in China town Birmingham with the Hippodrome on top of doing other dance covers and will even have my own dance cover performance filming in late February as a solo for YouTube.

​

I can't wait to start my journey with Thespian Arts; get to know the wonderful students and staff and start a new chapter in my life!

Current director of The SpongeBob Musical

Josh is a fantastic tutor and has a unique teaching style which really benefits the members he works with. His drama expertise and his focus on finer details and lighting design makes him a real asset when it comes to directing productions. If you meet Josh, it won't be long before you hear his call sign... "Suuueeeyyy".

​

​Hello, my name is Joshua Gallagher. I am one of the newest staff members of Thespian Arts, and I was the director of Oliver Jr, the Great Barr branch's first musical production.

​

Prior to joining Thespian Arts, I graduated from Staffordshire University with a 2:1 in acting, theatre, and performing arts in 2014. After this, I participated in shows in the Stoke area in a pantomime and our house the musical. Once Covid began, I began working within a troupe in Stratford upon Avon, and once lock down eased, we were the first to perform Shakespeare's merry wives of Windsor Within this same troupe, I created pieces based around horror and continued to work distanced within this group as a writer.

​

Additionally, I have written and performed in two pieces for Bombay theatre company based in Mumbai, India, the second consisting of actors from Sweden, India, the UK and America,  all acting remotely. I am very excited to work & grow with Thespian Arts over the next few months and into the future, perhaps venturing into horror.

Lauren joined us as an assistant dance tutor to help with our ever developing dance group. Lauren is an experienced dancer and performer with an ambition to teach dance to younger people. She has made a great start with us and we look forward to watching her develop in her role.

​

I am qualified to Grade 6 LAMDA, tour regularly with a dance company, and I have been dancing since the age of 2. 

I am currently undertaking my next stage of education at The University of Chichester. I am also completing my LAMDA qualifications in solo acting grade 7, after receiving my previous grades all at distinction level.

During my spare time, I am part of Flexus Dance Collective: Sterran Touring Company, which involves touring around the Midlands in both schools and theatres.

My aspirations for the future consists of studying a degree in musical theatre, teaching at university, and subsequently gaining a career in the performing arts industry.

Ben joined us as a drama tutor to help with our ever developing Drama activities. Ben is an experienced actor and performer with an ambition to teach drama and performing arts to younger people. He has made a great start with us, helping to increase our member numbers, leading our Holiday Activity and Food programs. Ben was voted in to Directing two of our productions in 2023.

​

I am very interested in musical theatre and stage performance, having been performing since I was 8 and having performed in 45+ amateur productions of varying scale I see the importance that youth theatre holds and wish to help give other children the same opportunities. I have achieved my Grade 8 LCM Musical Theatre Singing qualification and my gold medal in LAMDA Musical Theatre. I am currently working towards my Musical Theatre Vocal Techniques diploma with LCM.

When I was 8 I also developed an interest in miniature painting and my 10 year collection currently houses close to 1000 tiny plastic models!

A final fun fact about me is that my official title is Lord!

I was really excited to meet Eliott and offer him the role of Theatre Technician. Eliott is clearly passionate to learn Theatre Tech and even web design & photography. We look forward to giving him the experience and training needed to become a brilliant technician in the future. I am sure he will be an asset to our team moving forward. ​

​

I'm Eliott, I basically like anything slightly techy. I've always had a passion for technology and recently got into lighting and sound after doing the tech for a musical at my school.

​

In my spare time I enjoy playing games, editing videos, and working on other graphic design related projects. I'm starting to increase my knowledge on lighting design. I've gotten familiar with the Zero 88 Boards.

​

I'm looking forward to working on future musicals with Thespian Arts. :)

​

​

Jacob has been a friend of the company for years... little did we know he was an A* artist and a trainee carpenter. Needless to say he is now very busy during our productions. He has taken our productions to the next level by taking the responsibility to design and build our sets. He has a can do attitude and loves a challenge. He is an asset to the company and we look forward to working on many more sets with him!​

​

I have a level two qualification in carpentry and joinery, and site carpentry. I am aiming to one day lead my own carpentry business and become a set designer full time! 

​

I enjoy drawing, sketching, and designing, and I have recently become a musical theatre lover, so this role allows me to enjoy both at the same time! I love going to see a show and taking note in my head of how they do the set changes and what the design is like overall.

​

When I'm not set designing, I work as a scenic carpenter where I help to put on events for companies, building things from fake fireplaces for the BBC, to an event set up for Lloyds. It's great to be tasked with different things and be able to travel around creating. 

We are pleased to have Luke in our team working alongside our Director to learn Lighting and Sound Tech. Luke Has already led the sound for one of our productions and is showing huge potential. We are confident that he will be able to get involved with many more Thespian Arts productions.

​

I have always had an interest in the arts through taking part in performing at school, however my passion has always been technology. Being able to use technology to bring someone's artistic vision to life and create an engaging and entertaining performance was always something I was intrigued by. My aspirations involve seamlessly combining the world of tech and theatre to form immersive and interactive performances for all ages. I believe tech can be used in innovative ways to establish a bigger impact on the audience.

​

​

Mike and Dave are our branch mascots who joined us to help comfort our new members who were a little shy to get involved in sessions. They get up to all sorts of mischief and are loved by even our older members. Mike the Monkey is based at Brownhills and Great Barr, and Dave the Sloth is based at Pelsall and Ashmore Park. We look forward to 'hiring' a mascot for our Rugeley branch, hopefully soon!