By Johanna Humphries

What is Centre Stage?

Centre Stage is a performing arts school that is for all ages between 6 and 16 years old. There is a range of different things included in Centre Stage which are:• Jazz• Contemporary• Street• Drama• Musical Theatre• Ballet• Singing• Tap

Centre Stage is based at Monkseaton High School on a Friday night at 4:30. Everyone is divided into three different groups. 6-9 year olds until 7:00, 9-13 year olds until 7:30 and 13-16 year olds until 8:00.

About the peopleThere are three coaches At Centre Stage: Leigh Henderson, Andrew Clarence and Jo Roxborough.

Leigh trained at Northern Ballet School and went on to perform in the Corps de ballet and as a soloist with Manchester City Ballet company. Leigh then went on to perform in musical theatre, working with director Paul Kerryson and choreographer David Needham, performing the role of Eliza in the original ‘The King and I’. Leigh has had a wealth of professional experience, including several tours with dance companies abroad, and many theatre performances in the UK.

I have been excited by, and become passionate about performance and dance from a very young age. Performing locally and internationally to professional level in a variety of shows, festivals and cabarets in hotels and theatres. I still perform but I also have experience of teaching performing arts and dance for over 10 years in stage schools, educational settings, holiday summer schools and privately. I have developed my skills in choreography for performances throughout the region and for companies worldwide and have creative and writing roles in a variety of projects locally.

Centre Stage is a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop skills and grow in confidence and I am proud to be part of it.

About the people continued

Andrew graduated from Huddersfield University with an honours degree in music before working in secondary education as Head of a Music department for twelve years. He currently works as a freelance vocal coach, workshop leader, academic tutor, musical director, composer and arranger, enjoying a wide variety of musical pursuits.

As a musical director he has worked with many societies and production companies and has coached singers of all ages and levels of experience, both amateur and professional. Past credits include: Return to the Forbidden Planet, Guys and Dolls, Copacabana, Little Shop of Horrors, A Chorus Line, Titanic, Rent, Jekyll & Hyde, Beauty & the Beast and Jesus Christ Superstar to name but few.

Who can go?Anyone can go who are 6-16 years old and enjoy

dance, drama and singing. There are currently 22 people who go and

have fun doing what we love. Everyone is great friends and we all get on very well.

We do many different performances in public and for friends and family.

To get in contact

To get in contact and have a free trial go to Centre Stage website at www.centrestagewhitleybay.co.uk and fill out a form that looks like this. Then click send.