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MEET THE TEAM

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Owen Allen MCMI

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Mental Health First Aider    |    Designated Safeguarding Lead

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 meet our ambitious goal of inspiring and empowering young people aged 3 to 17 across Walsall by providing inclusive access to high-quality performing arts and music experiences. 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 had the pleasure of directing Thespians first ever musical, Bugsy Malone and two productions of Wendy & Peter Pan, and my all time favourite, 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 development of the organisation 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 prioritise 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. As a member of the Chartered Management Institute I focus on personal development working towards achieving chartered management status upon completion of my CMI Level 6 in Leadership and Management.

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Alishea Campbell-Drummond

Chief Operating Officer & Branch Leader (Brownhills)

First Aider    |    Designated Safeguarding Lead

Current Artistic Director & Choreographer of 'Legally Blonde Jr' and 'The Addams Family'. Director of 'Treasure Island'.

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 might be on your screens as I'm a presenter, actress, 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!

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Lauren Hindley

Business Development & Performing Arts Tutor

Lauren joined our team in 2021 as an assistant dance tutor to support our growing dance group, using her diverse experiences to teach young people. After graduating from the University of Chichester, she was promoted to Business Development Manager, a role that reflects her dedication to the company and her contribution to our continued development.

I joined Thespian Arts in 2021, initially assisting in the dance department, which allowed me to pursue my passion for teaching dance. Over the years, I have secured a more permanent position within the Thespian Arts family and have taken on various projects, including choreographing, directing, and organising events, while collaborating with exceptional staff members. My experience with the company has been incredibly rewarding, and I greatly appreciate the sense of community fostered by trust and a shared passion for the arts. 

 

Since returning from university, I have assumed the role of Business Development Manager, where I manage the financial aspects and oversee all branches to ensure the company continues to thrive. I am thoroughly enjoying this new role and look forward to making my mark on such an inspiring and remarkable organisation.

My passion for the arts began at the age of five when I attended my first dance class. Since then, my love for theatre has flourished, leading to numerous opportunities, including performances in musicals, achieving distinctions in LAMDA qualifications in Acting and Musical Theatre, and receiving a merit on my DDE intermediate examination.

My enthusiasm for teaching began during my time with a dance touring company, where I delivered workshops to local schools while performing at various venues across the Midlands. This eagerness to teach continued as I pursued an undergraduate degree in Teaching Musical Theatre at Chichester University. Throughout my studies, I embraced many roles, including serving as a student representative, acting as a mentoring ambassador, and producing a student-led production, graduating with first-class honours.

My current goals are to continue supporting the company’s growth and make a positive impact, as well as to direct my first musical theatre production.

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Shelby Allen

Fundraising and Events Manager

First Aider 

Current Artistic Director of 'Seussical Jr'.

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 RSLI (Registered Sign Language 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.

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Georgia Burgess

Musical Instrument & Performing Arts Tutor.

Branch Leader (Great Barr)

First Aider

Current Artistic and Musical Director of 13 Jr, and Musical Director of 'Legally Blonde Jr'.

Georgia has obtained the highest grade in Flute, Saxophone and Piano, 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.

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Lydia Rae Stephenson

Performing Arts Tutor & Branch Leader (Rugeley)

Current Artistic and Musical Director of Frozen JR.

We are really pleased that Lydia joined us in October 2023. I am confident that their expertise and connection to the local area will be a real asset to us moving the branch forward to the next level. Their first task with us was to direct our Annie Jr production and it went excellently! Lydia has made a brilliant impact, and we look forward to seeing the progression of the Rugeley branch, under her lead.

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!

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Ashley-Eva Johnson

Performing Arts Tutor & Branch Leader (Pelsall)

Current Choreographer of 'Peter Pan Jr'.

We are excited to introduce Ashley, who joined us in September 2024 after an impressive 8 months of volunteering with us. During her time as a volunteer, Ashley demonstrated remarkable dedication, passion, and a genuine love for the performing arts, making her a natural fit for a more involved role within our organisation. She is now a key part of our Pelsall tutoring team, where her enthusiasm and expertise will greatly contribute to the development of our young performers.

 

My journey and passion for the performing arts began at the age of 3, when I first discovered my love for dance and singing. This early passion led me to attend a performing arts school, where I trained weekly from the age of 3 until 18. Over the years, I have participated in numerous workshops, auditioned for various shows, competed in competitions, and filmed projects that involved singing, acting, and dancing. I’ve also auditioned for TV shows and performed at many public events.

As part of my training, I completed multiple exams, including UKA musical theatre exams, where I achieved the highest level with distinction. I also took ballet exams with UKA, reaching Grade 6, again earning distinctions. Additionally, I worked with Trinity College London, completing exams up to Grade 8, achieving distinctions in all of them.

I am excited to bring my experience and skills to Thespian Arts, and I look forward to fostering a love of performing in the children who attend, while ensuring they have fun along the way.

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Natasha Mulvey

Musical Instrument Tutor & Performing Arts Tutor

First Aider 

Current Choreographer of 'Frozen Jr' and '13 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 Frozen 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!

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Kaitie Surridge

Performing Arts Tutor 

Current Musical Director of 'Seussical Jr' and 'The Addams Family'.

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 growth if our vocal and musical theatre projects. 

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.

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Sophie Fletcher

Performing Arts Tutor 

Current Director of 'Space Girl'.

Sophie is working to inspire the next generation of performers at our Pelsall branch. She has a clear passion for performing and teaching, with lots of experience. 

 

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.

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.

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Mai-Lin Tsang

Performing Arts Tutor

Mai-Lin has joined us to tutor our Mini Mixers, and dance projects at our Pelsall Branch, since joining her groups have continued to grow and she has even inspired us to set up a K-Pop Dance Group. She has lots of performing and tutoring experience. Her energy and enthusiasm is something we are sure will continue to 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.​

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Charlotte Orton

Performing Arts Tutor

Mental Health First Aider    

Charlotte joined our organisation in February 2019 and was given the task of setting up & leading our dance group. Charlotte is a highly graded dancer and has many years of teaching and performing experience. She is a wonderful personality loved by so many Thespian members. After 5 years of working with us, we felt she was ready for her next challenge which is the lead our Great Barr branch.

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.

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Dhana Green

MelodEase Project Manager & Musical Instrument Tutor

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 been instrumental in the development and launch of our MelodEase product and our in school services.

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.

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Anton Guttridge

Musical Instrument Tutor 

First Aider 

Anton re-joined us in October 2024 after taking a couple of years off to focus on his education. We’re excited to welcome him back to oversee our music community projects and teach instruments in schools, primarily guitar. Anton has a passion for music education and is dedicated to inspiring young musicians. During his previous time with us, he made a significant impact, and we’re eager to see the innovative projects he will lead at Thespian Arts this time around. We look forward to Anton bringing his enthusiasm and expertise back to our community! ​​

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Josh Gallagher 

Performing Arts Tutor

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 productions. If you meet Josh, it won't be long before you hear his call sign... "Suuueeeyyy".

Hello, my name is Joshua Gallagher. 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, and I'd love to one day potentially venture into the horror genre with the company.

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Kian Kirwin

Performing Arts Tutor

 

Current Director of 'Peter Pan Jr'.

Kian joined us in January 2025 as we launched the Pelsall Musical Theatre Group. As a former student, he was the perfect fit to take on this challenge and advance to the next stage of his career. We are excited to collaborate with him and look forward to seeing his growth within our company.

 

My love for the performing arts started, like most of my theatre friends, at a very early age. I remember going to the theatre to watch Matilda the Musical (still my absolute favourite show) and barely being able to see between the people in front of me. After I was first introduced to the theatre, I was hooked and have since been a member of numerous amateur theatre companies. However, my start was actually with Thespian! Owen founded Thespian in 2017 and gave me the foundations for my skills in theatre which is something I have carried forward since day one.

 

I am also a keen drummer, working at Grade 8 Level, having played in many performances, and have a love for music and musical scores. I am currently a member of Brownhills Musical Theatre Society, Walsall Operatic Society performing two shows with each company a year. It’s safe to say there’s rarely a night in my week without a rehearsal and I am so glad to add another one, making use of my skills and experience in theatre to foster the new generation of young thespians!

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Faith Bartlett

Performing Arts Tutor

Current Musical Director of 'Peter Pan Jr' and Choreographer of 'Seussical Jr'.

Faith is passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers. With experience in teaching and a love for creating a supportive learning environment, she’s excited to help students build confidence and develop their skills. We’re delighted to welcome her to the Thespian Arts family!

​I started performing at the age of 2, where I joined a ballet school my sister taught at. As I began to show I loved performing I was also put into a theatre class where I enjoyed, singing, dancing and acting. This passion was nurtured through my school years where I completed assessments within various dance styles, along with musical theatre singing exams and trumpet exams. I also had the opportunity to take part in many amateur dramatic shows which further grew my passion for performing. I am now furthering my education at university where I am in my final year studying a BA honour degree in musical theatre.

 

I started gaining experience within teaching children performing arts last September and this has since made me realise how much I enjoy nurturing the new generation and providing them a safe space to develop their own love for performing arts. Therefore, I cannot wait to begin teaching at Thespian arts and create an environment where children can develop their skills and grow in confidence.​​

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Jade Stamps

Performing Arts Tutor

Jade was eagerly recruited to teach our after school clubs, based on her extensive skillset and huge passion for her craft. She impressed us straight away, and her organisational skills, ambition, and drive to motivate young people meant that we couldn't wait to start working with her.

 

I have been dancing since the age of 3. From a young age, I always knew that dance was going to be in my life. I am confident in a range of styles , such as ballet, contemporary, commercial, heels, lyrical, jazz and MT jazz. I have also studied tap dance and street dance. 

I have taken many IDTA examinations and I have also faced many battles in my dance journey so far, due to injuries, however I have never let that stop me. 

I have performed in many shows, my most recent one being Disneyland Paris' 'Performing Arts on Stage'. This opportunity was an amazing experience and it got me noticed by Disney choreographers. As well as this, I have also performed in pantomimes such as 'Sleeping Beauty' and 'Cinderella', for which I was dance captain.

 

I cannot wait to teach the younger generations the art and passion behind dancing and show them how dance can be a way of expressing themselves.

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Zach Andrews

Musical Instrument Tutor

Zach has grown tremendously within our company, starting as a dedicated student and now stepping into the role of a tutor. Zach has made an excellent start in his tutoring role, demonstrating enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping students succeed. We are excited to support his journey and look forward to seeing his continued growth and contributions to our team.

Hi, I'm Zach, I'm a tutor here at Thespian Arts and a passionate student of musical theatre outside the company with half a decade of experience in performing.

 

I'm proud to be teaching guitar and musical theatre at Thespian Arts, helping young people unlock their musical and theatrical potential.

I've performed in several shows and pantomimes in the past with youth theatre companies and am currently performing in the latest shows with Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre. I'm studying drama and English literature at the moment, honing my own theatrical skills to transfer onto younger students within the company.

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Eliott Pike

Events Technician / IT

First Aider 

We were so excited to welcome Eliott to our team and allowing him to grow! 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.

Hi, I’m Eliott. I work as a live event tech and IT guy, and I love the industry because every day brings something new. I handle lighting, sound, and all the techy stuff that makes shows run smoothly.

In my spare time, I build apps and websites just for fun. I’m into React Native, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and I know my way around Swift and Python too. I’m always working on new projects or coming up with ideas to make cool things.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me at a gig, editing videos, or messing around with lighting setups. I’m all about mixing creativity with technology and trying new things, whether it’s on stage or online.

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Jacob Barrett

Scenic Carpenter

First Aider

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. 

 

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Rebecca Pountney

Trainee Tutor

We are so proud of the progress and growth that Rebecca has shown during her years at Thespian Arts as a member. Joining us when she was eight, we have seen her go from strength to strength and she is such a role model and asset within the company. We were delighted to offer her a position as a trainee tutor, allowing her to pass on her knowledge, as well as gaining experience ready for when she decides upon a career path!

 

I joined Thespian Arts in Summer 2018 as a guitar student at the age of 8 and loved it so much, I am now working towards my grade 5 in guitar! I enjoyed being a part of Thespian Arts so much I then became a member of the drum group, drama group and musical theatre group, attended many of the music and theatre workshops and I am now working towards my 9th production with Thespian Arts (which will be my 14th in total!). 

 

Not only has Thespian Arts taught me so much, I have also made lifelong memories and friends here. I am excited for my next step at Thespian Arts as a trainee tutor, which I am passionate about, hoping to spread my knowledge to others! 

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Luke Hindley

 Theatre Technician

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.

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Rhys Parcell

Theatre Technician

We were delighted when Rhys expressed interest in the role of Theatre Technician. His enthusiasm for gaining experience in the field was evident, and we are excited to support his ambition of turning this passion into a career. We look forward to working with Rhys and providing him with the highest quality training in theatre technology. 

I've always loved theatre tech but recently I went to watch one of the shows at my school and l thought "That's what I want to do!", an opportunity like this first came when my school then offered me a role as a Theatre Technician and I was overwhelmed when I got this offer. To further add to my experience, I was looking for a theatre to become a technician at and when I saw Thespian Arts I liked how they run things with tech around the company. So, when I decided to get in contact with Owen, he was more than happy to take me onboard! 

In my spare time, I like to relax, play football, play darts, listen to music and maybe even do a little bit of website building or editing. 

I am happy to be working here at Thespian Arts and can't wait to gain some experience and do the thing I would like to turn into my career!​​

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Ben Harley

Performing Arts Tutor

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!

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