Why I set up Drama North

I graduated from RADA in 2000 having been one of the youngest ever to be accepted. Straight out of RADA I picked up a role in the ITV drama series Peak Practice, followed by other TV, theatre and radio work. On a visit back up to Yorkshire I met my soon to be husband and decided to stay up north, which would never be the best career decision for an actor, but my heart was set. Fast forward 13 years and I'm now an established Drama Teacher working in Yorkshire schools, for the last 3 years working at Beech Hill school in Halifax where I teach drama to year 3 through to year 6. My award-winning work has been so well received and the infectious enthusiasm from the children and fellow teachers has given me the desire to teach independently in other schools. I believe that there is a lack of authentic drama training using RADA influenced techniques across Yorkshire and I have seen just what it can achieve, often with quite challenging children. That's why I set up Drama North this year. Because I believe I can draw out talent and confidence in young children that inspires them to want to perform to the very best of their ability, applying techniques that I was lucky enough to be taught myself at RADA. Not everyone wants to go on and be a performer, but the advantages of using such techniques and skills at an early age can help children to project themselves and communicate better with new found confidence. A gift worth nurturing I think.