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Teachers

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Helen Cole
 Principal, Dance Teacher

I have been dancing since I was 5 and loved working through all the grades and passing exams in Tap, Ballet and Modern. I also helped teach, for many years, at the dance school where I trained.

As a dancer I have taken part in a large variety of shows, including many at the Queen’s Theatre, my favourite being Beauty and the Beast. I have choreographed many children's shows including Phantom of the Opera and Barnum. 

I now work full time in dance, running my own dance fitness business: Dance Energy.
In October 2012 I was approached by the Barnstaple Musical Comedy and Dramatic Society with a fabulous offer to teach at Centre Stage School.

I love giving everyone the opportunity to learn different styles of dance, from a complete beginner to an accomplished dancer, and watching them grow in confidence, co-ordination and performance.

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Liv Edwards 
Main Drama Teacher

Theatre has had a great impact on my life.
I have been a part of local theatre groups performing in both The Landmark and The Queen's Theatre in many shows including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, 42nd Street, White Christmas and many more. 

When leaving school I moved onto achieving a distinction star in a two year performing arts college course. Taking leading roles in the musicals such as Sally in Me and My Girl.

Finally I moved on to training three years at Chichester Conservatoire achieving a degree in Musical Theatre.  

After graduating I performed in my first professional production playing Rapunzel in a Christmas pantomime in Yorkshire. 

I have a huge passion for performing and I feel so lucky to be able to pass on what I have learnt and loved to the children.

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Emma Nottage
Main Singing Teacher

Music and the other Performing Arts have always been a part of my world. Growing up in Hampshire I was a member of the ‘The Solent School of Dance’ between the ages of 5-18yrs. I did GCCE Drama and Theatre Arts and was a member of several orchestras, musical groups, choirs and Hampshire Country Youth Theatre.

I received my Grade 8 ABRSM certificates in Voice (Soprano), French Horn and Music Theory.

I studied A –Level Music at South Downs College and went on to gain a BA Hons degree in Music from the University of Exeter, following this with a PGCE in Primary Education with a semi-specialism in Music also from the University of Exeter.

I have had a twenty year career as a primary school teacher in Devon and alongside this I have been, and continue to be, a private one-to-one music tutor for all ages. I have been involved with amateur musical theatre productions over the years, both on stage as a chorus member and playing French horn in the orchestra pit. Three years ago I began tap dancing again and performed on stage in a local dance show.

I love singing and am passionate about helping people embrace and develop their own unique singing voices and about how music can support wellbeing and build confidence. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to teach at Centre Stage School to encourage the next generation of stage performers.

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Shannon Wayborn
Dance Teacher, Assistant

I started dancing when I was 6 Years old and I never stopped. I took lessons in ballet tap and modern and did exams for those lessons.

I then took more of an interest in musical theatre and joined Centre Stage School as a student when it started 7 years ago. Now, 7 years later, I am into my third year as a teacher/teaching assistant. I have performed in shows in the Queens Theatre since I was 9 including 42nd street, Cats and Carousel.

I have always had a love for dancing and performing and it gives me great pleasure to be able to pass that love and passion onto the children I teach.

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Sophie Lavercombe
Assistant

I started dancing at the age of 6 where I took part in ballet up to grade 8 and tap up to grade 5 until I was 18.

I am still passionate for dance but it took a back seat as I started a job working in childcare.

Here at Centre Stage School I can put both of my interests together by getting to teach children dance.It never fails to put a smile on my face when I see the students giving everything a go and having the confidence to perform.

Alongside the Stage School I also Co-Direct and choreograph the North Devon Gang Show which I have done for the past 6 years.

Erin Wyeth 
Teaching Assistant

Molly Harding 
Teaching Assistant

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Trevor Wayborn
Business Manager

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Sophie Kerslake
Singing Teacher

Music, dance and drama have played a huge role in my life since I was small. I grew up in a very musical household where concerts, shows and performances were part of my everyday life.

I have performed in many productions over the years in various guises - orchestras, bands, theatre groups and dance shows. I teach singing and all aspects of music in many local schools and establishments and am so grateful that my background has enabled me to work in this fun and exciting field.

Centre Stage is great fun and it’s amazing to see the children shine!

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Billy Buckingham
Drama Teacher

I have been an active performer since a very young age.
My first appearance on stage was in the North Devon Gang Show in 2002 which gave me the confidence and passion for performing arts and since then, I have appeared in over 100 productions ranging from musical theatre, dance, Shakespeare, comedy and even a one man play!
I make regular appearances at Fringe Theatrefest in Barnstaple and I have been proud to direct and tour a few shows there also.
I hold a BA (Hons) in Theatre and Performance from the University of Plymouth and I am also a qualified primary school teacher.
I have always been passionate about working with children and inspiring them to be confident and unique individuals who aren't afraid to be who they are.

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