About us

 My curiosity for dance began at a young age. It was at 8-9 years old that I found myself attending regular dance classes first as a hobby which later flourished into a possible career pathway. My passion has seen me through college and university where I achieved a BTEC National Diploma and Bachelor Honours Degree both in Dance. My background in dance includes an extensive range of techniques which include the traditional conventions of Ballet, Contemporary and Musical Theatre, but also touch upon the controversial styles of Indian, African and Street Dance.

Now, equipped with the correct skills and tools I have been able to overcome many obstacles and achievements, some of them have given me the opportunity to travel around the U.K as well as overseas. Not only has Dance offered me the pleasure in teaching but also the professional aspect to perform on stage including a range of musicals, live concerts and competitions.

Now, working with Big Arena my goal is to transfer these tools within my current students in hope that too will peruse their dreams as rising performers. 

 Kate started learning stage and screen techniques when attending The Garrick Rep School of Acting for 5 years. From there she has performed in many productions from Shakespeare in the Park to independent short films at film festivals as well as The Crescent Theatre in Birmingham. She studied a Foundation in Acting at Birmingham school of Acting. Here she had lessons in Movement, voice, contextual studies and stage combat. She gained a Grade 8 Distinction in the Trinity College London Award for Plays in Production. Along with this she had the privilege of performing on Shakespeare's Globe in London. During the week days she works for a Talent Agency in London gaining inside knowledge of the performing arts industry. She originally taught French through drama in her home town and on a work placement in France teaching English. She now enjoys sharing her love for the theatre with young people here at Big Arena. 

 James started at Big Arena in 2009 where he was quite shy but the next week he soon jumped right in with the older group where then that day he got the part of Mr Salt in the play ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’ and from there he moved on to playing the part of Prince Charming in ‘Cinderella’ . Progressing to a main part meant that he’s come a long to being a great actor. He then moved on to being Dandy Dan in the play ‘Bugsy Malone’.  Then in 2015 moved on to playing the role of the Wizard in the production ‘The Wizard of OZ’ all of which were full scale productions. Outside of the Big Arena he has achieved a grade 3 distinction and a grade 4 merit in a LAMDA but all to the thanks of Big Arena. He dedicates his all to acting but not only that in early 2015 he was offered a job at Big Arena to help and support the kids out and tidying the studio. His predicated GCSE grades are as follows: English-B, Maths-C, Music-C, Product Design-B and BTEC science-merit (B). Other thing he’s achieved is a bronze award in DofE which involves volunteering, skills and physical challenges and 2 day expedition. His hobbies are Drama and running. He has a verity of interests for the future such making his own business or working in something that involves what he loves most which is drama. He has also accepted a course in performing arts diploma 3 at Sutton collage where he can pursue his dreams.  

My name is Jess. I have been dancing since the age of 3 when I attended the local dance school studying National Association Teachers of Dance Ballet, tap and modern. I stayed at this dance school until I was 21, performing and competing at numerous venues. My love of dance continued through my academic years, studying GCSE performing arts, BTEC dance at Shrewsbury College and the BA Hons in Dance practice at Wolverhampton university. My love for dance developed into a love of teaching. I have been teaching in local secondary schools for 11 years after achieving QTS status. I have taught GCSE, BTec and A Level dance. I have directed a number of shows including The Chorus Line and Bugsy Malone. I enjoy teaching all age groups and even had a great time teaching Zumba to adults for 2 years. I thrive on sharing my passion for dance and igniting it in others.

 Hi
My name is Emma. I have an long history in Drama, specifically teaching. I have my degree in drama (BA hons) and have extensively studied practitoners and techniques from the recent past to expand and improve my knowledge. I love performing arts and am passionate about helping young people to enjoy performance. I always strive to be friendly and approachable and am happy to help with any part of the performance process or any concerns. 
 

“ I graduated in 2018 from the University of Wolverhampton with a BA (Hon) First Class degree in Musical Theatre. I have had an undying passion and love for theatre and the arts from a young age and this is something which I aim to pass on to younger generations. I have a passion for direction and I understand the complexities of culminating the fundamentals of musical theatre. Thus, my teaching focuses on the singing and the performance of character through song. 

 
Currently, I teach as a vocal coach and also work as a theatre technician for the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham. 

 
I am excited to be joining the Big Arena Performing Arts team for 2019. ”