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Classes in drama, dance and singing for children of all abilities and ages.

Our team are passionate about the performing arts and teaching. Each member of the team is an experienced specialist in their own particular discipline of acting, singing or dance.

Your child’s safety is paramount and all of our staff are DBS (police) checked and at least one member of staff on site is first aid trained. Spotlights have a child protection policy devised in association with the schools that we work with. Any of our team will be delighted to answer any queries that you have about our performing arts training.

Our Team

Our team are passionate about the performing arts and teaching. Each member of the team is an experienced specialist in their own particular discipline of acting, singing or dance.

Your child’s safety is paramount and all of our staff are DBS (police) checked and at least one member of staff on site is first aid trained. Spotlights have a child protection policy devised in association with the schools that we work with. Any of our team will be delighted to answer any queries that you have about our performing arts training.

Faye Headshot

Faye

Co-Director

Before setting up Spotlights with Al and Monnie, Faye studied drama at Manchester University and even shared a classroom Benedict Cumberbatch! Faye completed a post-graduate Diploma in Acting at Drama Studio London. Faye has worked professionally as an actress in theatre, film, television and voice over including performing plays in the West End and touring nationally.

Alongside acting Faye has always been passionate about teaching with many years experience working in primary, secondary and performing arts schools. Faye teaches the LAMDA exam syllabus at Spotlights and is proud of the consistent high grades Spotlights students have achieved. Faye has also worked with over 10,000 pupils in primary schools across the UK using drama role-play to tackle bullying through sister company – Anti-Bullying Workshop.

Al Headshot

Al

Co-Director

Al runs the Spotlights HQ office and handles everything behind the scenes from websites, accounts, marketing and logistics. He is always on site at the weekend to address any parents’ queries. Before setting up Spotlights with Faye and Monnie, Al worked in the oil industry as a Commercial Manager. Al has always had an interest in performing arts and in particular the technical challenges of putting on a show.

Al is an accomplished and creative photographer having trained with some of the best professionals in the business.

Al loves business books and improving Spotlights admin and software making life easier for parents to book classes.

Al’s favourite musical is Les Miserables as its the first one he watched live the West End. More recently he enjoyed Be More Chill and still has the track “Michael in the Bathroom” stuck in his head.

Monnie Headshot

Monnie

Co-Director

Monnie started her performing arts training at the tender age of 2. Monnie has been teaching at Spotlights from day 1 setting up the school with Faye and Al. Her professional background has always been in TV & Media working for the likes of Nickelodeon, BSKYB, Disney Theatricals as Media Director across London agencies.

Monnie is now at Spotlights full time where she runs our successful Talent Agency and continues to teach both Little Stars and Main School Drama.

Monnie also has the not so envious task of costuming over 750 students (at the last count) every Stars 12&3 show term and can be found running around backstage armed with safety pins and hairspray.

Emily Headshot

Emily

Little Stars & Dance Teacher

Emily has been dancing since the age of 3 and has completed a range of IDTA exams in Ballet, Tap and Modern.

She decided to turn her love of dancing, singing and all things theatre into a career and went on to train in Musical Theatre at both PPA and London Theatre School. Whilst training she also completed a diploma in drama and dance teaching. 

Upon graduating she performed in Cinderella (panto) at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Emily is now entering her 6th year teaching for Spotlights, and absolutely loves watching the children grow, develop and master skills in dance, singing and drama! The children always make her smile with their hard work and dedication and she’s proud of all of her spotlights students!

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Ellie

Singing, Little Stars & LAMDA Teacher

Ellie trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and holds a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Musical Theatre

Professional Credits include Wicked Women of the West End at The Union Theatre, Bernstein’s Mass at The Royal Festival Hall.

Credits whilst training include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Mrs Roach in Betty Blue Eyes, Sylvia in The Dreaming.

Growing up Ellie started playing cello, piano and singing and then moved into musical theatre at the age of 16! She Joined West End Musical theatre (WEMT) Sunday school and used to travel to London and back every Sunday to train. She played Elle Woods at West End Live for them when she was 18.
As a child I did all her exam grades to Grade 8 ABRSM classical singing before going to drama school.
Ellie is a very experienced teacher and she loves teaching at Spotlights because she loves the family environment. All of the kids are an absolute pleasure to teach, respectful, motivated and always smiling! She loves seeing the children develop from term to term and feels immense pride every time she sees them perform.
Ellie’s favourite shows are legally blonde, Memphis, Showboat, Wicked, Tick, Tick… Boom and anything Sondheim!!
Ellie’s inspirations are Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Jessie Mueller (favourite musical theatre voice maybe ever)

Ellen Headshot

Ellen

Dance, Little Stars & LAMDA Teacher

Ellen is an experienced teacher and trained at Laine Theatre Arts. She graduated in 2020 with a First Class Degree in Musical Theatre.

Ellen started dance from a young age and was invited to attend the Royal Ballet Junior Associates as a child. Ellen has completed LAMDA exams to Grade 8.

Ellen’s professional credits include commercial work such as featuring in adverts for Amazon Fresh, Matalan and BT.

Ellen has also featured in a TV series with Sheridan Smith.

Ellen also uses her talents as a social media brand ambassador for well know online brands.

At Spotlights Ellen likes to ensure that all children have the opportunity to improve their performance skills. Ellen likes to create a fun environment in class where kids can grow in confidence.

Ellen’s favourite musical is Follies and and other work by Stephen Sondheim.

Luke Headshot

Luke

Drama & LAMDA Teacher

Luke is a graduate from The Oxford School of Drama and LAMDA.

Luke is an experienced drama teacher.

Luke has recently appeared in Alan Ayckbourn’s production of All Lies at The Old Laundry Theatre.

His other professional credits include:

Theatre: Liam in Small (Soho Theatre); Tuzenbach in Three Sisters (The North Wall Arts Centre); Romeo in Romeo and Juliet;  Peter in After The Dance; Edmund in King Lear (The Oxford School of Drama); Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lamda); Nicholas in Punk Rock (Lamda).

Film: Danny in Fractured Minds (Amazon Prime); Ethan in Holding Hands; Edward in On Chesil Beach (The Oxford School of Drama). Radio credits include: Francis in Osama The Hero (Hats off Studios); Joe in Chapel Street (Hats off Studios); Narrator in The Unbearable Lightness Of Being (Hats off Studios).

Luke has a true passion for watching children grow and develop under my guidance whether that be through confidence or ability, seeing them improve on a weekly basis is a true joy and Luke thinks that Spotlights is a place where you see this kind of development on a regular basis.

He has many performing arts inspirations including;
Musical: Hamilton
Play: The Seagull
Writer: Alan Ayckbourn
Director: Christopher Nolan
Film: On Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest
Actor: Mark Rylance
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Yali

Singing Teacher
Yali has been doing ballet, Jazz and hip hop from the age of 3. She went to a performing arts school in Tel Aviv as a child, and then studied Musical Theatre in London at the BRIT School. She left the school with a D*D* level 3 diploma performing arts BTEC certificate, and went on to do a BA in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Perfuming Arts. She will graduate Mountview this year.

 

Alongside Spotlights teaching, Yali is currently working in voice over for a children’s tv program called ‘Baby Ricky’ where she plays a character called Chichi. She also recently finished filming an advert for Samsung which will be out in July 2022.
Yali has taught performing arts to kids for over 5 years.
What she loves about teaching the most is exploring the balance between hard work and fun. Singing in front of others can be exposing and scary, and overcoming that fear through fun activities builds confidence and allows the kids to make deep connections with one another. She loves guiding kids through their passion of the performing arts with kindness and respect.
One of her favourite musicals is The Band’s Visit by Itamar Moses. This musical is based on a classic Israeli film made in 2007 it explores the way two conflicting cultures come together by coincidence. The style of the music is completely unique to the show and combines musical theatre with the music of her culture. It inspires her to bring herself to everything she does, and she highlights the importance of individuality in her teaching.

 

Timo Headshot

Timo

Dance Teacher

Timo’s is an amazing dance teacher and all-round Musical Theatre performer.

His professional training includes: 

2022 BA (Hons) grad in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy. 

2 years BA at MuK Wien in Vienna

International dance competitions from the age of 8. Choreographer for Indeed Unique from 2014, winning “Best Choreography” at the Dancestar World Finals in 2017 for “Augen Auf” and in 2019 for “Stand By Me”.

Professional performance credits:

Sondheim‘s Old Friends Concert (2022- Sondheim Theatre)

Grandmaster Chad/Niko in „Legally Blonde“ (2022 – Mountview)

The Boy Who Looks Like Billy in „Carousel“ (2022 – Mountview)

Thénardier in „Les Misérables“ (2021 – Mountview)

Emcee in „Cabaret“ (2021 – Mountview)

Jake in „Be More Chill“ (2019 – Premier Production in German at MuK Wien)

„The Third Man“ Workshop with Trevor Nunn (2018 – VBW)

Aaron in „Chicago“ (2018 – Musikfestival Steyr)

Creative Credits:

Choreographer for the 2022 Mountview Showcase (BA Musical Theatre)

Choreography/Direction for „Koide Pizza/Warms Bier“ (2020 – Blau AG)

Best Choreography and Gala Performance at the Dancestar World Finals in 2019 for „Stand By Me“ with Indeed Unique (IU)

Gala Nomination at the Dancestar World Finals in 2019 for „theQ“ with IU

Translation into German of the musical „The Theory of Relativity“ by Neil Bartram & Brian Hill  – premiered at MuK Wien in 2019

Choreography for the European Premiere of „The Little Mermaid“ by Yasuhiro Kasamatsu (2019 – Off Theater)

Best Choreography and 2nd Place at the Gala Performance at the Dancestar World Finals in 2017 for „Augen Auf“ with IU

Choreography for several events and competitions 

Timo loves teaching at SpotlightsWhat has always excited him most about dance and choreography is telling stories. For him, teaching dance is not about teaching steps, but about teaching performance through movement. He loves seeing a student who didn‘t see themself “as a dancer”, gradually gain the confidence to perform, and start working on their skill. Dance is hard work and requires a lot of discipline and training. Even though acting should always come first, (even in dance), skill and technique are the foundation for everything. But once you‘ve gone through that training, it really pays off, and you can tell your beautiful and often important stories through your movement.

Timo’s favourite shows are Cabaret, Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Into The Woods, Little Shop of Horrors and The Ocean at the End of the Lane (..really anything dark! Some of his favourite choreographers are Keone & Mari Madrid, Sean Lew, Holden Maples and Ian Eastwood. 

Abby Headshot

Abby

Singing Teacher
Abby trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has a Degree in Actor Musicianship. Abby can play 5 instruments and is an amazing singer.
Abby loves working with the Spotlights kids to help them with their vocal technique.

 

Kelsie-Rae Headshot

Kelsie

Singing Teacher

Kelsie trained at The Hammond, attaining Lower School & Diploma in Musical Theatre. Broadway Dance Centre New York, International Student Visa Programme.

Professionally Kelsie is Currently performing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne Theatre West End. Kelsie began her career traveling the world with Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Carribean Cruise Lines and Spirit Productions. After travelling Kelsie began to perform in West End and Touring Productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Cats, Dirty Dancing and The Producers.

 

Kelsie loves teaching at Spotlights and enjoys seeing kids come out of their shell and develop their performance skills.

Tanya Headshot

Tanya

Little Stars Teacher

Tanya has a Degree in Contemporary Dance from Coventry University.

Tanya loves working at Spotlights and seeing how the children develop their confidence and creativity. Her favourite thing about working at Spotlights is being with fellow creative minds and watching the children grow into there potential.

 

 

Tanya’s favourite musicals are Chicago for the powerful dance style and We Will Rock You for the majestic music. Tanya is also a fan of the Goes Wrong Show for the humorous theatre.

 

Chelsey Headshot

Chelsey

Little Stars Teacher
Chelsey trained at Northbrook Met and attained a Foundation Degree in Musical Theatre. Chelsey has a Level 4 Diploma in Performance (Distinction) from Reynolds Performing Arts.
Chelsey started dancing age 4 learning ballet, tap, street, modern and jazz. Chelsey has dance qualifications from ISDT and IDTA.

 

Chelsey loves teaching at Spotlights. She enjoys inviting students to create their own ideas which she then helps them put into practice in class.

Her favourite Disney story is Beauty and the Beast. Her favourite character is Belle. Chelsey is also an accomplished professional make-up artist.

Shervin Headshot

Shervin

Little Stars Teacher

Shervin studied at Central St Martins before working as a Little Stars teacher at Spotlights.

Shervin loves working with the Little Stars and watching their confidence grow each week.

 

Shervin is very creative and created some of the original Spotlights graphics.

Shervin is also a personal trainer and has an interest in how dance can improve physical fitness.

Shervin’s favourite Disney character is Prince Ali and his favourite Musical is The Lion King.
Jess Headshot

Jess

Office Admin & Little Stars Assistant

Jess studied Drama at the University of East Anglia graduating with a 2:1.

Jess also has a Distinction in Contemporary dance from ISTD.

Jess has performed in many productions since the age of 12 when she joined Lewisham Youth Theatre. In 2013 she had the lead role in their devised show, ‘Chuggers’. She had her first professional role in ‘The Wrong’, an independent film expected to be released in 2022.

 

Jess has worked with children for many years babysitting and tutoring and has absolutely loved the step up to Teaching Assistant at Spotlights. She loves seeing how passionate the children are about performing. Jess’s favourite thing about teaching is watching the kids develop confidence and come out of their shells by giving them a safe space to express themselves.

Jess’s favourite film is Pretty Woman which she went to see on stage on its opening night post lockdown, it didn’t disappoint. Right now, her favourite musical is Hamilton. She loves how it makes learning accessible by taking it out of the classroom and making it fun.

An actress who inspires her is Florence Pugh because she’s incredibly versatile in her work.

In her spare time she enjoys baking. Children’s birthday cakes are her favourites because she can get creative with the designs, and she’s even had a few commissions for these.

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Tierney

Little Stars Assistant
Tierney trained with us at Spotlights up to the age of 18. She often got the lead roles. She has a stunning singing voice.
Alongside working at Spotlights, Tierney is training to be a primary school teacher.

 

Tierney loves working with our Little Stars and helping them prepare for their end of term shows.

Tierney loves all things Disney.

Lily Headshot

Lily

Little Stars Assistant
Lily is a Spotlights graduate starting classes in drama, dance and singing with us age 4.
Lily has a GCSE in Dance.

 

Lily loves teaching Spotlights classes to our Little Stars. She loves seeing the kids get more confident.

Her favourite musical is Dream Girls. She loves the music, dancing and all the glitter!

Ashleigh Headshot

Ashleigh

Little Stars Assistant
Ashleigh has a GCSE Drama and an A-level Film studies. She grew up in theatre and dance classes (jazz and commercial) from 8-16 years old. Ashleigh has achieved LAMDA acting exams to Grade 8.

 

Her professional credits: The Outlaws Season 1 (BBC), Superhoe, Urban Myths and various commercials.
Ashleigh enjoys teaching at Spotlights and seeing the children become more confident and involved with the classes and performances.
Some of Ashleigh’s favourite films are Bonnie and Clyde directed by Arthur Penn, The Imitation game and The Prestige. She also really likes A24 productions.
Erin Headshot

Erin

Little Stars Assistant

Erin is one of our own having trained in drama, dance and singing with Spotlights from the age of 7 to 16. 

Erin is a keen and accomplished dancer. She started ballet age 3 years old and has both RAD and ISTD dance qualifications. Erin has also trained in Modern style dance from age  7. Her current dance passion is tap. 

She loves watching the children develop their skills and seeing their confidence grow. Watching them enjoy performing as much as she did at their age brings her joy! 

Her favourite musicals include Singing in the Rain, Chicago and Hairspray. She also loves traditional ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Her favourite Disney movie is definitely tangled. 

Laura Howard Headshot

Laura Howard

Patron

Laura is an actress and has worked extensively in television and theatre since she was in her early teens, most notably as the longstanding regular character Cully Barnaby in ITV’s Midsomer Murders. She has appeared in recurring roles in Soldier Soldier (Central Television) and Young Dracula (CBBC), leading roles in Jack Rosenthal Screen One films (BBC) and short films for Brag Productions and RSA Films, as well as numerous guest appearances for the BBC and ITV. Laura’s theatre credits include productions at the Donmar Warehouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, Watford Palace and Liverpool Playhouse, and premiers of new writing at Theatre Royal Stratford East and HighTide Festival. She has also toured the UK in shows for The English Touring Theatre, Northern Stage, Touring Consortium and for Sir Alan Ayckbourn.

Patti Clare Headshot

Patti Clare

Patron

Whilst studying at Glasgow University way back in the last century Patti had an evening job at the internationally renowed Citizens Theatre in Glasgow. During her time there she was encouraged by the directors to train professionally as an actress so joined The Acting Company run by David Harris (Arts Ed Schools).Since then she has appeared in most of the major rep houses in the U.K plus Londons West End. Recently she has begun TV work with parts in Torchwood,Doctors and Young Dracula and can be currently seen in the world’s longest running TV drama Coronation Street where she plays series regular Mary Taylor. Patti is extremely proud and honoured to be a patron of Spotlights Theatre School.

Circle

The STAR System forms the structure of our classes.
The philosophy behind it is the key to our on-going success.

S

Self Confidence

Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 20. Your child will have the support and attention they need to grow as a performer each week. Your child will receive feedback and encouragement from teachers on a regular basis. This will boost their confidence and challenge them to develop their skills and techniques.

T

Teamwork

Your child will be encouraged to work as part of a team in their class. We will teach your child that as performers, working together brings out the best in each other. Your child will work in small groups to perform pieces for the rest of the class. For example, your child will devise their own choreography, learn to sing in harmony and create group improvisations.

A

Active Learning

Each week your child will take part in exercises designed to develop their coordination, flexibility, communication, vocal projection, stage presence and performance technique.

R

Realising Potential

Realising potential is where the STAR system all comes together. Your child’s self-confidence builds through team work and active learning to develop skills for a spectacular performance.

Circle

This is the 6th year our daughter has been going to Spotlights and she has genuinely loved every minute! She started in little stars where, with Monnie's nurturing and expertise, her confidence grew! The termly productions were amazing, and every child got a chance to shine on the stage! I can't speak highly enough of the teaching team. Their Matilda production was simply amazing! Yet again every child was given an opportunity to shine! The show was extremely professional, and the kids’ faces said it all. They all loved it!

Renae

Orpington Parent

Contact us

If you have any queries please get in touch and one of our team will be happy to help. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 5.30pm.

If you are an existing parent please remember our refer a friend scheme. For each child that you refer for a free trial that then joins Spotlights you will receive a £25 Amazon voucher.