BERKSHIRE ARTS ACADEMY, BARTA TEACHERS & PATRONS
Berkshire Arts Academy, BARTA is committed to providing excellent training, we will work with both regular teachers and specialists throughout the course of a term to provide a balanced and rounded training experience. We will work with teachers with the necessary skills, drive, ambition, energy and passion to deliver inspirational training.
Mark Hooper, DRAMA TEACHER, BA (Hons) Drama.
Mark graduated from the University of Exeter in 2011 with a first class degree in Drama and has worked as a casting director for leading London casting firms. As an actor, acting coach, director, editor, producer and drama facilitator/tutor his work has taken him as far as Indonesia. Mark has extensive experience working with young people from a range of backgrounds and recently provided drama tuition on the Turnaround program; an intensive course for young people exhibiting challenging behaviour at school. Mark has also taught for drama schools on both theatre and film projects and is used to developing bespoke, innovative arts projects. In 2011, Mark was invited to produce a one man show (One Fine Day) for South Hill Park. The show received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival and was nominated for a Stage award for the best solo performance. Mark currently works as the Creative Learning Coordinator for South Hill Park Arts Centre and is responsible for all young people creative projects at the centre and for drama, dance and music courses.
Dan Little, DANCE TEACHER
Dan is the founder of the award-winning Vanquish Entertainment, with over 14 years experience he is one of the UK’s most established presenters / choreographers and is renowned for his electrifying energy, style and creativity. Travelling the country he teaches workshops and classes where his choreography and teaching style is respected by professionals and amateurs alike.
Dan continues to direct and choreograph new and exciting projects whilst teaching and developing Vanquish Entertainment.
Amongst Dan’s many successes, in 2010 Vanquish were crowned winners of the highly acclaimed ‘Has Reading Got Talent’ Competition beating over 500 other acts. He has also featured and contributed to many prestigious shows, videos and performances. He co-created and directed two hugely successful UK tours, has over ten video credits and is the presenter, choreographer & trainer for Dancing On Ice’ star Jayne Torvill and her dvd for Universal Pictures. Dan aspires to continue achieving within the industry, his aim is to continue developing, inspire and excite his followers and reach out to a new generation, creating excitement and passion for dance and movement. For More Info - Vanquish Website
Dan continues to direct and choreograph new and exciting projects whilst teaching and developing Vanquish Entertainment.
Amongst Dan’s many successes, in 2010 Vanquish were crowned winners of the highly acclaimed ‘Has Reading Got Talent’ Competition beating over 500 other acts. He has also featured and contributed to many prestigious shows, videos and performances. He co-created and directed two hugely successful UK tours, has over ten video credits and is the presenter, choreographer & trainer for Dancing On Ice’ star Jayne Torvill and her dvd for Universal Pictures. Dan aspires to continue achieving within the industry, his aim is to continue developing, inspire and excite his followers and reach out to a new generation, creating excitement and passion for dance and movement. For More Info - Vanquish Website
Alex Stocker, DANCE TEACHER, BA (Hons) Dance and Culture.
Alexandra graduated from the University of Surrey in 2011 with a Degree in Dance and Culture majoring in Labanotation, African Peoples’ Dance, Ballet and Contemporary. Alexandra has also completed a Sports Leadership award in Dance. Since leaving University she has developed her work as a dancer, choreographer and teacher delivering school clubs, curriculum based classes and also working with early years and adults. Alexandra has trained in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Ballroom, Zumba, Latin and specialises in Contemporary, Street Dance and has recently trained in Bollywood through Just Jhoom! In addition to teaching, Alexandra has performed in many Dance shows including the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium in 2010. Future exams include Associate Teaching Qualification in Freestyle Dance with the IDTA.
Katie Dale, SINGING & VOCAL COACH
Katie has been singing for nearly 17 years and has been training with Janet Edwards since 2009 (Janet has trained singers including Leona Lewis, Michael Ball and Ruthie Henshaw). Katie graduated from Redroofs Theatre School in 2009 and has been involved with local musical theatre for many years appearing in shows including Hairspray (Tracy) Fame (Sereena) Beauty and the Beast (Mrs Potts) and Billy Elliott (dead mum). Katie also appeared in Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, reaching the final 50 contestants. Kate not only performs, she also writes music and wrote a charity single for Helen and Douglas House hospice for terminally ill children in memory of her cousin. Katie is really looking forward to working with the students and improving their singing and vocal technique.
Jane Howard, CREATIVE WRITING
Jane achieved a degree in Drama Studies at Bath Spa University and a Masters in Playwriting and Script Development at the University of Exeter. In 2010 she founded South Hill Park's writers group Park Scribblers and produced the community playwriting festival "ScribblerFest" in October 2011. She has had two plays performed in SHP's Studio Theatre - Reality Check (2008) and Sherlock Holmes and the Bearded Imposter (2011). In addition to pursing a career in events and arts administration, Jane continues to write plays, act, teach music and facilitate writing workshops.
In a creative experiment with our 13 plus students Jane will be working alongside Mark Hooper on creative script writing whilst working on the short film project.
In a creative experiment with our 13 plus students Jane will be working alongside Mark Hooper on creative script writing whilst working on the short film project.
BERKSHIRE ARTS ACADEMY, BARTA PATRONS
Cat Simmons
Cat Simmons trained with the Oldham Theatre workshop and National Youth Music Theatre. Cat is an English actress, best known for her roles as Nancy in the UK Tour of Oliver and DC Kezia Walker in the long-running ITV drama, The Bill. Cat also stared in Family Affairs as Scarlett Anderson. This year Cat will be playing the role of Billie Holiday in LIGHTNING CHILD for Matthew Dunster at Shakespeare's Globe and as a Witch in MACBETH, also at the Globe, for Eve Best. We are delighted to have Cat as a patron.
Simon Bowman
Simon was born in Cardiff and trained at Mountview Theatre School and played the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the Queens Theatre in London’s West End.
Theatre credits include: Creating the role of Chris in Miss Saigon in the original West End cast at the (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Marius and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables (Palace & Queen’s Theatres), Young Elvis in Alan Bleasdale’s award-winning Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Phoenix Theatre), Raoul and The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s), Blondel (Old Vic and Aldwych), Eddie in Mack & Mabel (Aldwych), Vernon Gersh in They’re Playing Our Song (Dublin), Kangaroo in Just So (Watermill Theatre Newbury), Poetry in Motion (Richmond Theatre), Narrator in Paddington Bear (UK tour), Che in Evita (Isle of Man) and Elvis in This Is Elvis (UK tour).
Theatre credits include: Creating the role of Chris in Miss Saigon in the original West End cast at the (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Marius and Jean Valjean in Les Misérables (Palace & Queen’s Theatres), Young Elvis in Alan Bleasdale’s award-winning Are You Lonesome Tonight? (Phoenix Theatre), Raoul and The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s), Blondel (Old Vic and Aldwych), Eddie in Mack & Mabel (Aldwych), Vernon Gersh in They’re Playing Our Song (Dublin), Kangaroo in Just So (Watermill Theatre Newbury), Poetry in Motion (Richmond Theatre), Narrator in Paddington Bear (UK tour), Che in Evita (Isle of Man) and Elvis in This Is Elvis (UK tour).
Jake Addley, DRAMA TEACHER (currently on tour with Teechers)
Jake graduated in 2009 from The Brit School Of Performing Arts. In between acting jobs jake has worked as an acting tutor for South Hill Park, Glive, Camberly theatre, RBAPA and Fuzzy Logic Dance Company teaching countrywide in schools.
Jakes previous credits include: Rodger in Rent, Marius in Les Miserables, directed by Peter Polycarpou; touring with The Original Theatre Company in their production of A Midsummer’s Nights Dream. Jake made his professional theatre debut as Peter Pan at South Hill Park directed by Danny Austin. As well as teaching for them Jake is also a member of the award winning all male dance company Fuzzy Logic. Fuzzy Logic were commissioned by Sadler’s Wells to devise a performance highlighting the plight of AIDS victims which toured to Namibia. Jake has performed for the Queen at Buckingham Palace with the NYMT. His most recent success was “One Fine Day” a one man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he was nominated for The Stage Award of Acting Excellence for Best Solo Performer. One Fine Day transferred to London’s Waterloo East Theatre. Jake toured the UK from Sept - Dec with Blackeyed Theatres Mother Courage, appeared as Will Scarlet in Robin Hood at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple and will be touring the UK from April with Blackeyed Theatres Teechers.
Jakes previous credits include: Rodger in Rent, Marius in Les Miserables, directed by Peter Polycarpou; touring with The Original Theatre Company in their production of A Midsummer’s Nights Dream. Jake made his professional theatre debut as Peter Pan at South Hill Park directed by Danny Austin. As well as teaching for them Jake is also a member of the award winning all male dance company Fuzzy Logic. Fuzzy Logic were commissioned by Sadler’s Wells to devise a performance highlighting the plight of AIDS victims which toured to Namibia. Jake has performed for the Queen at Buckingham Palace with the NYMT. His most recent success was “One Fine Day” a one man show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he was nominated for The Stage Award of Acting Excellence for Best Solo Performer. One Fine Day transferred to London’s Waterloo East Theatre. Jake toured the UK from Sept - Dec with Blackeyed Theatres Mother Courage, appeared as Will Scarlet in Robin Hood at the Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple and will be touring the UK from April with Blackeyed Theatres Teechers.
Jonathan Ashby, DRAMA TEACHER (currently on tour with 1984)
Jonathan graduated Redroofs Theatre School in 2011. He has taught Drama, Dance & Singing for several years and has also taught Gymnastics to a high level since 2004. Jonno as he is also known, performs on stage, on screen and of course in musical theatre. Since Graduating he has worked frequently between all three disciplines. He recently toured Australia with Petula Clark in Concert, worked with Lazarus Theatre Company performing in King Lear & As You Like It in Rep and in August 2012 can be seen in Edinburgh performing in Greek Myths with Backhand Theatre.
Theatre: The Sword & The Dope (Kings Head & Greenwich Playhouse) Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (UK Tour), Maurice in Lord Of The Flies (UK Tour),Whit in Of Mice And Men (Brockley Jack), Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing (Windsor Globe), The Adoration Syndrome (The Horse), Aslan in The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe, Noughts & Crosses & Herb in Godspell (Wilde Theatre) Wanted Dead Or Alive, Hansel & Gretel & Red Riding Hood (Ascot Novello) Snow White (Hull New Theatre)
Film: The Lights Twinkle Sometimes, Opus Diablo, Blind Spot, This Is Intercourse, What Makes it Stick TV: You Me At Six Music Video,10:10 Campaign Commercial, Don't Stop Believing, Cock n Bull Kid Music Video, Yes Cadets Music Video.
Voice: Lloyds TSB Torchbearers Commercial, BARTA Commercial
During Training: Charles in Blithe Spirit, Geoffrey in The Lion In Winter, Daniel in The Beautiful Game, Fuilly in Les Miserables, Nick in Fame, Vershenin in Three Sisters, Lycander in A Midsummer Nights Dream & Charlie in Breathing Corpses.
Theatre: The Sword & The Dope (Kings Head & Greenwich Playhouse) Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (UK Tour), Maurice in Lord Of The Flies (UK Tour),Whit in Of Mice And Men (Brockley Jack), Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing (Windsor Globe), The Adoration Syndrome (The Horse), Aslan in The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe, Noughts & Crosses & Herb in Godspell (Wilde Theatre) Wanted Dead Or Alive, Hansel & Gretel & Red Riding Hood (Ascot Novello) Snow White (Hull New Theatre)
Film: The Lights Twinkle Sometimes, Opus Diablo, Blind Spot, This Is Intercourse, What Makes it Stick TV: You Me At Six Music Video,10:10 Campaign Commercial, Don't Stop Believing, Cock n Bull Kid Music Video, Yes Cadets Music Video.
Voice: Lloyds TSB Torchbearers Commercial, BARTA Commercial
During Training: Charles in Blithe Spirit, Geoffrey in The Lion In Winter, Daniel in The Beautiful Game, Fuilly in Les Miserables, Nick in Fame, Vershenin in Three Sisters, Lycander in A Midsummer Nights Dream & Charlie in Breathing Corpses.
Phil Ryder, VOCAL TEACHER (currently working as a musician / performer in Scandinavia)
Philip trained from a young age with Peer Productions Theatre Company before studying Performance Art and Music. He was then fortunate to receive personal mentoring from professionals whilst working in the industry. He currently works as a vocal/music coach at various youth theatre’s and educational establishments alongside professional engagements.
His Directing credits include, The Wind in The Willows, Animal Farm and has co-directed Peter Pan & Wounds to The Face.
He has also musically directed Godspell, Aladdin, Wicked, Joseph & A Slice of Saturday Night.
Philip has also directed many showcase performances and been Assistant Director on many other shows. He was the Musical
Co-ordinator for Windsors got talent 2011 at Windsor Theatre Royal and worked on A Christmas Carol at Greenwich Playhouse Theatre and touring the UK in a Midsummer Nights Dream June - Aug 2012.
His Directing credits include, The Wind in The Willows, Animal Farm and has co-directed Peter Pan & Wounds to The Face.
He has also musically directed Godspell, Aladdin, Wicked, Joseph & A Slice of Saturday Night.
Philip has also directed many showcase performances and been Assistant Director on many other shows. He was the Musical
Co-ordinator for Windsors got talent 2011 at Windsor Theatre Royal and worked on A Christmas Carol at Greenwich Playhouse Theatre and touring the UK in a Midsummer Nights Dream June - Aug 2012.
Nick Pack, DANCE TEACHER
Nick graduated from Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts in 2009 with a National Diploma in Performing Arts.
Nick has worked as a freelance dance teacher for three years in schools such as Arts Academy, South Hill Park, RBAPA and Holloway Arts Factory. As well as presenting workshop classes At South Hill Park, Nick has also choreographed various shows including Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Dreaming, Thirteen the Musical, A Grinch’s Christmas and many Dance Festivals.
In addition to teaching Nick is also a member of the Reading based dance crew ‘Supremacy’ who recently won a place with The International Dance Federation to represent Great Britain in 2012. Nick is currently touring the UK as a dancer in the Angelina Tour.
Nick has worked as a freelance dance teacher for three years in schools such as Arts Academy, South Hill Park, RBAPA and Holloway Arts Factory. As well as presenting workshop classes At South Hill Park, Nick has also choreographed various shows including Picnic at Hanging Rock, The Dreaming, Thirteen the Musical, A Grinch’s Christmas and many Dance Festivals.
In addition to teaching Nick is also a member of the Reading based dance crew ‘Supremacy’ who recently won a place with The International Dance Federation to represent Great Britain in 2012. Nick is currently touring the UK as a dancer in the Angelina Tour.
