LAUREN DERWENT - SINGING TEACHER

 

Lauren graduated from Middlesex University with a BA Hons in her Music Degree and has trained under Trinity College and The Royal Associated board of Music. After leaving University, Lauren became lead Vocalist and percussionist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra where she taught weekly vocal workshops. She has performed extensively in Theatres throughout the UK , as well as touring in Europe and America with such greats as Cleo Laine, Tina May, Danny Williams and the incredible Jamie Cullum.

Lauren has played the piano and sang since the age of 11 and is also proficient in drums, percussion and guitar. Lauren has always had a passion for Musical Theatre which has taken her onto the stage with 42 nd Street , Dazzle, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Barnum and The Lion King . She is currently performing regular gigs across the country with various professional musical outfits and is a member of girl band Little Miz .

DAVID DORRIAN - DRAMA TEACHER

 

Trained at Cambridge University and Central School of Speech and Drama. He has worked as a freelance Youth Theatre Director and Drama Coach for several years, most recently at Summer Schools for the Cresset Theatre in Peterborough and Stagecoach in Colchester. In addition to work with children and young people, David works regularly as a director at Off-West End venues in London . 

In April 2006 he directed the UK premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's Lucky Nurse and Other Short Musical Plays at the Finborough Theatre in Earls Court, and is returning to the Finborough in December to direct The Maid of The Mountains .  As an assistant director David has worked with Fiona Laird, for Greenwich Theatre's 10 Minute Musical Challenge, and Daniel Kramer's, on Hair (Gate Theatre, Notting Hill). 

As a performer David has been seen on stage at The Leeds Grand, Newcastle Theatre Royal, The Old Vic, The Shaftesbury Theatre and the RSC's new Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon . David is a dedicated professional and StageArts are thrilled he has joined their team.

VANESSA GAYTON

CENTRE MANAGER / DANCE TEACHER

 

Vanessa trained at the Arts Educational School, London and moved on to complete her three-year diploma in Dance with Highly Commended. Her career as a performer spanned eight years including television, theatre, music videos and fashion shows which enabled her to travel extensively.

Her credits include; The Russ Abbot Show, Bobby Davro TV series, The Freddie Starr Tour, Michael Barrymore Live, The Brit Awards with Take That and, Levis and Dainese Fashion shows, Trevor Sorbie Hair shows, commercials for Access, Harvester and John's Smiths Bitter. After this period, Vanessa studied Fashion Media at the London College of Fashion, the outcome of which led her to work for Detail jewellers in Sloane Square . Four years ago, Vanessa began working for StageArts, teaching Street Jazz at their after school clubs and this fruitful partnership has now progressed to Centre Managing our Saturday Theatre School at Hemel Hempstead .

Vanessa is currently busy producing a Fashion Show for StageArts at Merryhills School in Enfield . Vanessa is married with two children and one of her children, Georgia, attends our Hemel Hempstead School. StageArts are thrilled to have such a wonderfully dedicated addition to their team.

MARIANNE HEADINGTON

SINGING TEACHER

 

Marianne spent four years at the Birmingham Conservatoire studying a Bachelor of Music Honours degree in Vocal and Operatic studies. Whilst there she performed many times including: Carmen (Carmen, Bizet), Dog (The Cunning Little Vixen, Janacek), Sorceress (Dido and Aeneas, Purcell), Ciesca (Gianni Schicci, Puccini), and in the Marriage of Figaro , Mozart, Wonderful Town , Fiddler on the Roof and many more.Her Oratorio works include: Magnifica t (Vivaldi), Dvorak Mass in D and Mozart's Requiem and she was the finalist in the Oratorio prize and the Leider prize.

Outside of College, Marianne has also performed with the Ouse Valley Big Band touring in Paris , Italy and Britain . Since leaving college Marianne has continued performing and teaches for Stagearts Theatre School , Buckinghamshire County Music Service, Northamptonshire Music Service and also Milton Keynes Music Service.

She also provides vocal coaching and private tuition to individuals of all ages and experience. We are delighted to have Marianne as one of our singing teachers.

NICOLAS D. BLAKE - DRAMA TEACHER

 

Nicolas trained at The London Academy of Performing Arts. He completed his Post Graduate in Classical Acting, in September of 2005. His first professional role was as a drummer at the Barbican for The London Symphony Orchestra. He has since toured nationally in plays including Shakespeare's Twelfth Night , and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. Nicolas' television work includes Eastenders, The Bill, and Footballer's Wives.

His film work includes appearances in Mike Nichols' Closer and Oliver Stone's Alexander. Additionally, he has performed in West-End musicals To Die For at The London Palladium and Life On Earth at The Theatre Royal. Nicolas is currently touring London in The Comedy School's production of It's No Joke, a play about knife crime aimed at teenagers. His other passions are teaching and directing and Nicolas has taught and directed plays in different London Primary Schools.