Do You Have THE EDGE

Well all those between the ages of 4-16 can, just by coming along to the FREE taster session of Drama, Singing and Dancing classes held by THE EDGE Performing Arts Academy at the Edgehill College Theatre on 24th November at 10am. If your child is an aspiring performer then simply bring them along and meet the Academy’s teachers, then leave the rest to them! THE EDGE is also keen to find any budding playwrights and songwriters in North Devon, so that together they can stage a performance in 2008 starring the Academy’s students!

• The classes will be dynamic, exacting and fun and split into 3 age groups: 4-7 (or “Little Steps”), 8-12 and 13-16 years.

• All staff are fully insured, trained, CRB checked and have children of their own.

• The Academy aims to enable students to make friends, have fun, realise their potential and build their confidence, preparing them for the future.

• Their longer term objective is to stage an original production (see above!) in which the students can take part.

• They will also be offering Stagecraft classes & “behind the scenes” theatre visits to give students a full appreciation of the skills needed.

The Artistic Director and Head of Singing is Kelly Hadden, who started singing at the age of 14 when she recorded a song for charity called Caroline I love you with fellow school friend, Andrew Murray - who went on to be keyboard player for Elkie Brookes. In 1990 she recorded a white label dance track which proved popular on the rave scene and was included in a compilation album in Germany. She then went on to sing in various bands, and entertained the former prime ministers family! Kelly now performs regularly on the local circuit and supported Elkie Brookes in 2005 at Woolacombe Bay Hotel in aid of the North Devon Hospice. She holds regular singing workshops - such as the popular Songbirds group - and also works as a private singing tutor. Click here to listen to samples of Kellys work.

Our Dance teacher is Helen French, she has a wide range of teaching experience and creativity. She trained in London as a dancer at The University of Surrey, Roehampton and returned to Devon to completed her PGCE and is currently head of dance at a local school. Helen has worked alongside and danced with various professional companies such as Union Dance, Trusty Hearts, North Devon Dance, Stacked Wonky and DAISI. Recent work has included choreography for The Plough Youth Theatre and professional development for PEDPASS.

Head of Drama will be Sara Pruce, who has over 20 years acting experience including her training at Drama Studio London, performing on the London Fringe and working in Theatre in Education as well as facilitating Drama workshops with all ages and abilities. More recently Sara could be seen playing a witch at The Big Sheep’s Halloween spectacular!

Popular local classical singer Rachel Forbes has enjoyed more than 10 years of performing across the Westcountry, both professionally and in a charitable capacity, in concerts, recitals and festivals as well as in productions with local musical companies from childhood. Rachel has, in more recent years, branched into teaching, not only singing but also piano and music theory, nurturing beginners and building on and encouraging the talent, enthusiasm and confidence of all pupils.

There will also be guest teachers - experts in other theatrical disciplines - to ensure the training will be diverse and, of course, challenging!

Classes will take place on Saturdays at 10am-1pm (term time only) at: the Edgehill College Theatre,
Northdown Road, Bideford EX39 3LY.
If you need any more information then please call the Artistic Director, Kelly Hadden, on 01237 422700 or 07882 501738 for details email: songbirds@talktalk.netThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

THE EDGE Performing Arts Academy is a new company.