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.

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During my career in Performing Arts I have experienced all aspects of the arts, including 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 have also played the lead role in short length feature films including ‘Me, Myself and Michael’. Lately, I have enjoyed experience in Sound and Lighting Tech for many productions at The Lamp Arts Theatre, and The Grange Playhouse Theatre. I have previously directed Bugsy Malone, and two productions of Wendy & Peter Pan. I am looking forward to my next challenge of directing Blood Brothers: Play Version.

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My passion and dream for running a Performing Arts organisation started from the age of 15 when I co-founded The Dreams In Action Performance Project (Avenues Community Association Charity). The project went from strength to strength and won the Britain Has Spirit regional award, however, the project relied on funding, and as the need for funding grew, it became increasingly more difficult to obtain. This was when I knew things had to change. I had to set up an enterprise which was self-sustained. That was where Thespian Arts was born - a self sustained Community Interest Company.

 

As well as being Chief Executive Officer, I teach various disciplines at Thespian Arts and am Lighting & Sound Technician in our productions. In all of our sessions, we teach Confidence building I am a huge believer in confidence being a main contributor to a successful career. Moving forward I want to grow our partnership with local schools and support them with encouraging and teaching the arts within schools.

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

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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 Director & Choreographer of Wizard Of Oz: Youth Edition, and Director of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Alishea joined our organisation as a Dance Tutor 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. 

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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 permanent 'dance tutor', to 'member's secretary and dance tutor', where I handle our social medias and all of the admin that goes with our members, and now I also teach the musical theatre group and drama group! I thoroughly enjoy having an important role at Thespian Arts, where I feel appreciated, trusted, and positively challenged.  I now am 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, and producing media based content. 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!

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If I'm not teaching I'll be on your TV screens, as I'm also a TV Presenter for CBBC, and an actress, most recently starring in series 8 of 'The Next Step' in a recurring role.

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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! 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 Business Support Officer. Her role now is to help develop the business and its services.

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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.

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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. 

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

Current Choreographer of  A Night On Broadway

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. Our Dance Group has become one of our most popular classes thanks to her work. She is a wonderful personality loved by all Thespian students. 

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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.

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

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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 Musical Director of The Wizard Of Oz: Youth Edition

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 Assistant Musical Director of The Wizard Of Oz: Youth Edition

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. 

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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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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. She is a brilliant tutor and we look forward to working with her and helping her to develop her tutoring ability and grow her experience.

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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!

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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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Dan has joined us to lead our Mini Mixers, Dance and Drama projects at our Pelsall Branch. He has lots of performing and tutoring experience and has a perfect balance between being firm, and being fun. We look forward to working with him and seeing how he develops through the company. He is a pleasure to work with and has already proven he is the right person to move the Pelsall Branch forward.

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I have performed in multiple shows since a very young age and always had a passion for performance -in particular dance, singing and playing various instruments. I am graded in flute, play ukulele, guitar and piano. Playing instruments helps me along my performance journey playing in bands and some orchestra pits. My dance skills vary to many genres such as tap, jazz, contemporary, musical theatre and hip-hop all of which are offered in our classes.   

 

I have performed in Dance competitions and have even had students of mine entered into dance competitions where they scored very well. I finished my musical theatre and dance degree at the university of Wolverhampton with a first class honours. 
I have been teaching performance since I was 16 and continue to enjoy it to present.

Dhana joined us from September 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. 

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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.

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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 director of A Night On Broadway

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".

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​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.

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.

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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.

Current director of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

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. We look forward to working with her and seeing how she can help to take our Pelsall classes to the next level.

 

Hello there! I’m Sophie and I’m excited to introduce myself as the newest member of the Thespian Arts team. My role here is centred at the Pelsall Branch, where I'll be working with the mini-mixers and the drama group.

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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! :)

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. ​

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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.

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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.

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

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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!​

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I have a level one qualification in carpentry and joinery, and I am currently studying Level 2 site carpentry. I am aiming for my level 3, and plan to keep working hard so that I can one day lead my own carpentry business and become a set designer full time! 

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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!

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When I'm not set designing, or in my day job as a manager for Nandos, I enjoy going for drives, playing on my Xbox, reading comics, building with Lego, and building things with wood and experimenting with power tools. I like playing board games too.

 

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.

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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!

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.

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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.

Mike our chief mascot joined us to help comfort our new members who were a little shy to get involved in sessions. ​Mike does a great job at encouraging members to join in with the sessions and is more than happy to be their first Thespian Arts friend. Alongside Mike the Monkey who is based at Brownhills, Great Barr and Rugeley, we have Dave the Sloth who is our New Member Buddy at Pelsall.

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Hi, I am Mike. I joined Thespian Arts because I love, love, LOVE to dance and sing, I also really enjoy meeting new people and making friends. You will often find me swinging from branch to branch dancing to my favourite tunes. I love my job of supporting shy members at Thespian Arts, mainly helping with the Mini Mixers session where often it is the first class that my friends would have joined so naturally they feel a little anxious to get involved.