Who We Are
Julie
Before becoming a professional actress, Julie began her career by taking part in Saturday morning dance and drama classes in Guildford. Under the guidance of the late Kay Dudeney, former Surrey Drama Inspector, CentreStage was formed in 1997.
“As a Mother I was searching for the right kind of classes for my own children. Something fun, but not too pushy. Something that would develop them as people, not necessarily as performers. As a professional actress I was disappointed with the classes that were available. The standard was not always what I expected. The only solution was to start my own school!
CentreStage has been an exciting and rewarding venture. Some of our earlier pupils have gone on to study drama full time at university, and we keenly follow their progress. But more importantly it has been wonderful to see painfully shy seven year olds blossom into confident ten year old extroverts. By gently encouraging we believe the children will develop at their own pace, and have been thrilled to see the encouragement and support they get from each other.”
CentreStage has enjoyed visits from actors, Clive Mantle (Holby’s Dr Mike Barratt), David McAllister (Hollyoaks), Simon Williams, Jenni Barnett, and TV Director Paul Harrison (Touch of Frost and Where the Heart is).
Ali
Ali has been teaching at Centre stage for over 10 years and still looks forward to her Saturday mornings!
Ali began her dance career, almost as soon as she could walk, and regularly attended drama classes too.
She graduated from Guildford School of Acting in 1999 with a BA(Hons) in Musical Theatre.
Since graduating, her acting career has been diverse. She has toured the U.K. with several professional theatre groups, appeared in various films including a Bollywood film and has had a cameo role in Eastenders, as well as featuring in several television commercials. She is currently a guest presenter for the QVC shopping channel.
In her dance classes, Ali incorporates current trends, with music from the pop charts and musical theatre. Alongside the freestyle choreography, the children also learn basic rhythm and musical appreciation.
" Our children all have different abilities and skills, and they can learn from each other, but the important thing is it's fun!".
Chris
Chris is currently training at the Guildford School of Acting on the BA Hons Musical Theatre course and graduates in 2010. Already, Chris has a wide experience and knowledge of theatre and the performing arts industry. He has worked professionally as an actor, musician, director and technician within theatre, film, radio and television. His theatre credits include: Snowboy (West Side Story), Bud (Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens), Ageisthus (The Oresteia), Daniel (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Edward Moulton-Barrett (Robert and Elizabeth) and Petruchio (The Taming of the Shrew). Chris was also one of the key members of Warwick Way Productions – a company set up to create new and exciting work for radio. Credits include: The Adventures of Dad, Conundrum, and A Night at the Imperial, performing and directing many. In 2003 Chris worked for Warner Brothers on both Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and the Goblet of Fire as a production assistant working with greats such as Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon.
Chris is currently rehearsing for Cinderella at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, this Christmas.
Tim
Biography coming soon...