Masterclasses
Our full time students have access to the top industry talent through our weekly Masterclass programme. Each week we invite an industry figure to lead a workshop with the students, providing a real life insight into the professional world.
Musical Theatre
Ivano Turco
About me
Arts1 Graduate Ivano trained at Urdang Academy and graduated in Summer 2020.
Before theatres shut down in 2020, Ivano was due to appear in West Side Story at the Royal Exchange, Manchester. His other professional credits include, Sleeping Beauty (Imagine Theatre), Runner Up in the All England National Dance Competition (Hackney Empire), Teen Spirit (Feature Film) and The Wiz (Milton Keynes Theatre).
Credits in training include: Pippin in Pippin and Bare: A Pop Opera.
Cinderella marks Ivano’s West End debut.
Dance, Musical Theatre
Aaron Francis
About me
Upon leaving college, Aaron performed in many West End and touring productions including Chicago (UK and international tour), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Matthew Bourneís Swan Lake as Big Swan and Private Secretary, Phantom of the Opera (Her Majestyís Theatre and 25th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall), Matthew Bourneís Edward Scissorhands playing Brad Covitt and Gearald Monroe, White Christmas (UK tour)
Choreography credits include: Cinderella (Crawley), Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella (Sheffield, Born to Shine (ITV), The Wiz (Fly High Productions), A Night of Dirty Dancing (UK tour) and The Anthony England Orchestra Tour.
Aaron is the Head of Dance at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
Musical Theatre, Acting
Sam Mackay
About me
Theatre includes: Dee in Wonder.land (Manchester International Festival); Usnavi in In The Heights (Southwark Playhouse), Lamar in 5,6,7,8 (Royal Court); Jimmy in Flashdance (Shaftesbury Theatre); Eddie in Mamma Mia (Prince of Wales Theatre); Reecey in Our House (UK Tour).
Television includes: Lannister Guardsman in Game of Thrones, Bastien in Le Grand and most recently Denny in Canal+ series Spotless.
Film includes: Lethal.
Musical Theatre
Ian Good
About me
Ian Good has worked in most areas of Theatre starting as a director and moving into acting. Both careers have run parallel with working on or being in many regional, national and international productions. Ian is also the winner of three, international student drama awards for The Threepenny Opera (America), Of Mice and Men (Germany) and Serious Money (France).
Ian was also Artistic Director of The Dumfries and Galloway Theatre Arts Project from 87 to 89 directing over 20 productions and guest director with Interplay Trust Leeds, Millpond, Newcastle, Clerwood Theatre, Edinburgh, Bill Kenwright Productions, Tour (Resident Director), Rolling Stage, Ipswich, Polka Theatre, London, and many special events up and down the country. He was also UK Supervisor for the UK tour of Hairspray the Musical, directing Michael Ball, Les Dennis, Brian Conley, Nigel Planer and Mickey Dolenz.
Ian is also a regular Director at many Drama Schools, including Arts Educational Schools, London and Tring, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, E15 Acting School, Guildhall and APS London.
Musical Theatre
John Rigby
About me
John Rigby studied orchestral conducting at the University of Huddersfield and the Royal Northern College of Music. He holds MMus in Musicology from Kings College London where he is currently reading for his PhD. He also holds an honorary Doctorate in Arts from Edge Hill University.
As a musical supervisor his credits include: THE PRODUCERS (UK Tour); THE KING AND I (UK Tour); THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (25th Anniversary UK and US Tours); JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (World Arena Tour & DVD); LES MISERABLES (Korea) and MISS SAIGON (London, International cinema release & DVD). As a musical director his West End credits include: BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED (Lyric); THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Novello); THE KING AND I (Palladium); THE LAST EMPRESS (Apollo, Hammersmith); MARGUERITE (Theatre Royal, Haymarket); LES MIS…RABLES (Palace and Queens); THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Her Majestyís); PETER PAN (Savoy); THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Savoy); THE PRODUCERS (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and SINATRA (Palladium). Additionally, he was musical director for the German productions of MISS SAIGON (Stuttgart) and STARLIGHT EXPRESS (Bochum). He is currently the musical supervisor for Andrew Lloyd Webberís SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL playing at the New London Theatre.
The numerous orchestras he has worked with in concert include: the Berliner Symphoniker, City of London Sinfonia, CBSO, Dublin Concert Orchestra, HallÈ Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Concert Orchestra, Manchester Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Concert Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, RT… Concert Orchestra, and the orchestras of both Welsh National Opera and Opera North. Future plans include conducting a return season of CLASSICAL SPECTAUCULAR at the Royal Albert Hall, MADAMA BUTTERFLY in Dublin, a JOHANN STRAUSS GALA throughout the UK, Ireland and Istanbul and a return to the West End to conduct AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at the Dominion Theatre.
Acting
Nandi Bhebe
About me
Nandi Bhebhe, Nandi has experiences including performing with Kneehigh and at venues including The National Theatre, The RSC and The Old Vic.
Nandi trained originally as a dancer making her story an amazing one for us all to hear.
Dance, Musical Theatre
Jane McMurtrie
About me
Theatre includes as ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER : Oklahoma (Chichester Festival Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Menier Chocolate Factory & Playhouse), The Bodyguard (Stuttgart, South Korea & Vienna), Gypsy (The Savoy Theatre), The Producers (International Tour), Legally Blonde (Sydney Lyric Australia), Groundhog Day (Old Vic), Pure Imagination (St James Theatre).
CHOREOGRAPHER: Spring Awakening (Edinburgh Fringe), Pop Icons and Soul Show (Marella Cruises), The Wedding Singer, Spring Awakening, 9 to 5 and Violet, (Bernie Grants Arts Centre), Carrie (The Ivy Arts Centre), Snow White and Peter Pan (De Montfort Hall, Leicester), Guy Fawkes the Musical (London workshop). CREATIVE DIRECTOR MyFaceMyBody Awards. Children’s Regional Casting Choreographer (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Uk Tour).
TELEVISION: Associate Choreographer on The Tracey Ullman Show and The Voice (BBC).
AS A PERFORMER: Gypsy (Chichester), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Legally Blonde & Carousel (Savoy Theatre), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Footloose (Novello Theatre), On the Town (ENO/ London Coliseum), Tonight’s the Night (Victoria Palace), The Wedding Singer, Annie Get Your Gun, Grease and Oh What a Night (UK Tours).
WORKSHOPS: Bridget Jones’ Diary (Working Title), Frozen the Musical (Walt Disney Theatrical Company). Groundhog Day (Old Vic).
CAST RECORDINGS: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Legally Blonde, Tonight’s the Night.
Trained at Dance School of Scotland and Laine Theatre Arts.
Musical Theatre, Acting
Jess Parker
About me
Jess trained at ArtsEd graduating with 1st Class BA (HONS) in Musical Theatre. As a performer, her credits cover numerous Wests End, UK and International tours – including ‘KISS ME KATE‘, ‘EVITA‘, ‘SEUSSICAL‘ and ‘AVENUE Q‘.
Most recently, Jess has been working as a Creative Associate and Resident Director for various productions and companies, including ‘JERSEY BOYS’, ‘SIX’, ‘20TH CENTURY BOY’, ‘WIZARD OF OZ’, and is currently the Associate Director for the UK Tour of ‘AVENUE Q’.
Her journey with Avenue Q and Puppetry began in 2014, where she played the roles of 2nd Arm/Bad Idea Bear/Mrs T, understudied and played the roles of Kate Monster/Lucy. She became on-stage Resident Director of the show in 2015-2017, and most recently Associate Director for the 2019/2020 UK Tour.
“‘Parker Puppetry’ was born in 2020, from a passion for Puppetry, Acting, Directing and Teaching for so many years.. and the desire to make learning this amazing skill accessible for anyone who enjoys any of those disciplines. COVID-19 has taught us that we are so adaptable to anything life throws at us, and learning online has become a great new normal. Teaching can now be delivered all around the world to anyone and everyone, and that is so exciting. So many Theatre, Television and Film productions are requiring Puppetry as a skill, not to mention just how much fun and joy it brings!
Learning any new skill can be daunting, but the results and sense of achievement that is felt is magical.”– Jess Parker
Musical Theatre, Acting
Gavin Spokes
About me
Theatre includes: DI Hyatt in A Very Expensive Poison (Old Vic), Harry in Company (West End), Charles Ingram in Quiz (West End/Chichester Festival Theatre), Against (Almeida), Mr Snow in Carousel (ENO), Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, (West End, Olivier Award nomination for his performance), Francis in One Man Two Guvnors, (UK tour/West End/National), 1984 (West End/Headlong UK tour/Almeida), Dame Nanny Nora in Sleeping Beauty (Hackney Empire), Toad in The Wind in The Willows (Northampton Theatre Royal), Laurel and Hardy (Watermill Theatre), She Stoops to Conquer, (National), Noises Off (New Wolsey), Up on the Roof (Oldham Coliseum/UK tour) and Guys and Dolls (Salisbury Playhouse/Theatre Clwyd/Ipswich). US theatre credits include: Oklahoma, Assassins and The Grimm Tales.
Television includes: "Hitmen," "Brexit," "Man Down," "Will," "Casualty," "Utopia," "Holby City," "Obsession," "Hollyoaks," "The Cast," "Lunch Monkeys" and "The Bill." Film includes: The Courier and Made of Honour.
Dance, Musical Theatre
Jenny Legg
About me
Theatre includes: ensemble in 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); assistant dance captain and swing in Elf – the Musical (Plymouth Theatre Royal and The Lowry, Salford); ensemble in Mack and Mabel (Chichester Festival Theatre and UK tour); ensemble in Follies (Royal Albert Hall); ensemble and featured Broadway Melody Girl in Singin’ in the Rain (UK and international tour); dance captain and ensemble in Top Hat (UK tour and Aldwych Theatre); dance captain, ensemble and cover Rita in White Christmas (Sunderland Empire Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Lowry, Manchester); ensemble in Crazy for You (Kilworth House Theatre) and dancer in Verdi’s Aida (Chisinau National Opera and Hackney Empire).
Television includes: This Morning (ITV); The Laurence Olivier Awards, Strictly Come Dancing (BBC); The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Jane McDonald and Friends, Stage School and Blind Ambition with Robson Green.
Musical Theatre, Acting
Rosalie Craig
About me
Two-time Evening Standard Theatre award winner Rosalie Craig is one of the most recognised and critically praised actors working in the West End. She received sensational five star reviews from critics for her lead role as BOBBIE in Company, which played at the Gielgud Theatre in London.
Her other notable theatre work includes leading roles in The Ferryman directed by Sam Mendes at the Gielgud Theatre, City of Angels at the Donmar Warehouse, Ragtime at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, and The Threepenny Opera & As You Like It at the National Theatre. Rosalie's television work includes appearances on BBC ONE’s Spooks, ITV’S Endeavour, NETFLIX hit Lovesick, McDonald and Dodds alongside Jason Watkins, Truthseekers with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost for AMAZON PRIME, and Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit.
Musical Theatre
Jordan Ricketts
About me
Dean Paxton - Everybody's talking about Jamie
Training: Bird College
Credits whilst in training: Billy Crocker in Anything Goes; Eddie O’Grady in Made in Dagenham; Dupree in Cry Baby and Earl of Essex in Bess the Musical (Workshop).
Jordan is making his professional and West End debut.
A special thank you to his family and agent for all their support.
Dance
Reece Causton
About me
Reece joined New Adventures for the 2013/14 National and International tour of Swan Lake as the Italian and Queen's Escort. He was also in Early Adventures 2017 Tour as part of the Ensemble and played Buster and Stan in Cinderella (2017-19 UK and International Tour). Most recently, he created the role of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
Other Career Highlights: Fiddler on the Roof (Grange Park Opera, 2015); Onegin (Grange Park Opera, 2015) Fiddler on the Roof (BBC Proms, 2015); Inspirit, works by Robert Cohan & Sir Kenneth MacMillan (Yorke Dance Project, 2016); The Sergeant in 5 Soldiers (Rosie Kay Dance Company, 2016 and 2017); DerrièreonaG-String (Alfred Taylor-Gaunt, 2018 previews); ‘Buster’ in the film of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella; The Sergeant in the film of Rosie Kay’s 5Soldiers; radio production of Fiddler on the Roof at the BBC Proms.
Dedication: Reece is thrilled to be performing in Matthew Bourne's production of The Red Shoes, and thanks his family for their continued love and support.
Acting
Paul Bullion
About me
Paul Bullion is a British actor set to appear as Lambert in Netflix's "The Witcher". Best known for his roles in hit drama series "Peaky Blinders" for the BBC and Kurt Sutter's "The Bastard Executioner" for FX. He has appeared in live theatre productions for The National Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe.
I was a student at Arts1 when it first opened its doors. I think that taking a gap year was the best thing that could have happened for me. I was able to experience all the great experiences Arts1 has to offer. Amazing full scale musicals and workshops that inspired me to pursue a place on a full-time graduate course at Arts Educational school in London. I am very excited about my last year on the course in London. I have great opportunities ahead of me and can’t believe I’m here. I owe it to the staff at Arts1 who have been nothing but supportive to me. As long as you listen to the advice and valuable lessons they teach you can’t go far wrong!
As seen in
Peaky Blinders The Bastard Executioner
Dance, Musical Theatre
Nikki Woollaston
About me
Nikki Woollaston trained professionally at London Studio Centre.
As a director, assistant director, assistant choreographer and rehearsal director, Nikki’s credits include: Gypsy (Chichester Festival Theatre - 2015); Ballroom to Broadway Tour (Anton Du Beke – 2014 tour); West Side Story (Pimlico Opera); She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre); Madame Butterfly (Grange Park Opera) and Shoes (Saddler’s Wells/Peacock Theatre).
Additionally Nikki works as a mass movement choreographer and her credits include: Glasgow Commonwealth Games (2014); Opening and Closing Ceremonies (Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games); Opening and Closing Ceremonies (London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games); Ajyal Youth Film Festival, Doha and The Big If (Hyde Park, London).
As seen in
Hairspray (Pimlico Opera) Barrie Humphries Weimar Cabaret (Barbican) Sweet Charity (Pimlico Opera) Anton and Erin (2015 thru 2020 tours) Les Miserables (Pimlico Opera) Porgy and Bess (Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen) Ballroom to Broadway Tour (Anton Du Beke – 2014 Tour) The King’s Speech (Wyndhams Theatre & UK tour) Backbeat (Duke of Yorks/Toronto/Los Angeles )
Dance
Tom Shilcock
About me
Tom Shilcock trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts.
Since graduating, Tom has danced for several international artists including Jason Derulo, Rita Ora, Meghan Trainor, Take That, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa Constostavlos, Rihanna, Elton John, Gary Barlow, MeatLoaf, John Barrowman, Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox, Jessie J, Ant & Dec, Jamelia and many more.
Tom has also performed in theatres, arenas and stadiums including the London Palladium, Wembley stadium and London’s iconic 02 arena. Music Festivals include Capital Summertime Ball, Capital Jingle Bell ball, Radio 1’s Big weekend, Wireless & V festival. His other work includes high profile fashion shows, product launches, corporate events and hair shows both as a dancer and choreographer.
Tom is the Co-Founder of Can You Dance? The UK’s Biggest Touring Dance Convention, alongside his close friend Matt Flint. Tom is proud to have created so many opportunities for young dancers through Can You Dance? including scholarships, artist & ambassador awards and the CYD? Dance Star Company.
Tom now focuses his energy on Can You Dance? alongside his teaching and choreography work. Tom’s passion for teaching has allowed him to travel and teach at hundreds of dance schools and some of the leading performing arts colleges throughout the UK, helping guide the next generation of dancers.
As seen in
The X Factor Stars In Their Eyes (resident dancer) So You Think You Can Dance UK (top 5) Britain’s Got Talent The Royal Variety Show The Brit Awards ITV Text Santa Dancing On Ice London 2012 Olympics
Dance, Musical Theatre, Acting
Lisa Cotterell
About me
Lisa Cottrell has been the Artistic Director of Belinda King Creative Productions for the past 14 years creating original shows for luxury cruise lines and casinos.
Prior to this she worked for 12 years in regional repertory theatre choreographing and directing numerous productions from musicals to Shakespeare, Ibsen to Willy Russell.
Lisa enables actors to approach movement with confidence. Drawing on her vast experience in musical theatre and drama, she has developed teaching methods encompassing dance techniques and styles from a traditional perspective to the modern.
The emphasis is in adaptability, coaxing the best out of her students to improve their confidence and movement skills.
Committed to encouraging and advising young dancers, singers and acting students, Lisa has taught at full-time vocational schools such as Guildford Conservatoire and Birmingham School of Acting.
Acting
Lise Olsen
About me
Lise is currently the Course Director of MA in Acting at Birmingham School of Acting. She relocated from Merseyside, where she trained actors for a decade at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). An American ex-pat, she has been working professionally in the UK for over 20 years.
Lise holds a BA in Theatre from Northwestern University in Chicago and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Utah. She has done further postgraduate study at the Central School of Speech and Drama and the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.
In addition to her many professional credits in the USA, Lise has taught at The North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Lutheran University and was Head of Voice at Duke University , Purdue University and The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She is an acknowledged international specialist in the areas of Vocal Violence and Acting Through Song. Her musical theatre workshops, which are always oversubscribed, have been given at the International Stephen Sondheim conference, and Song Stage and Screen conferences.
The recipient of directing awards in both the US and UK, she was a founding director of Seattleís first small specialist musical theatre company. Her West End credits include The Witches of Eastwick, Coyote on a Fence and A View From the Bridge. Other UK credits include the Royal Exchange Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Rep, Belgrade Theatre, Dukes Playhouse Lancaster, Bolton Octagon, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford, East 15 and the Drama Centre.
Musical Theatre
Ivano Turco
About me
Arts1 Graduate Ivano trained at Urdang Academy and graduated in Summer 2020.
Before theatres shut down in 2020, Ivano was due to appear in West Side Story at the Royal Exchange, Manchester. His other professional credits include, Sleeping Beauty (Imagine Theatre), Runner Up in the All England National Dance Competition (Hackney Empire), Teen Spirit (Feature Film) and The Wiz (Milton Keynes Theatre).
Credits in training include: Pippin in Pippin and Bare: A Pop Opera.
Cinderella marks Ivano’s West End debut.
Dance, Musical Theatre
Aaron Francis
About me
Upon leaving college, Aaron performed in many West End and touring productions including Chicago (UK and international tour), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Matthew Bourneís Swan Lake as Big Swan and Private Secretary, Phantom of the Opera (Her Majestyís Theatre and 25th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall), Matthew Bourneís Edward Scissorhands playing Brad Covitt and Gearald Monroe, White Christmas (UK tour)
Choreography credits include: Cinderella (Crawley), Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella (Sheffield, Born to Shine (ITV), The Wiz (Fly High Productions), A Night of Dirty Dancing (UK tour) and The Anthony England Orchestra Tour.
Aaron is the Head of Dance at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
Musical Theatre, Acting
Sam Mackay
About me
Theatre includes: Dee in Wonder.land (Manchester International Festival); Usnavi in In The Heights (Southwark Playhouse), Lamar in 5,6,7,8 (Royal Court); Jimmy in Flashdance (Shaftesbury Theatre); Eddie in Mamma Mia (Prince of Wales Theatre); Reecey in Our House (UK Tour).
Television includes: Lannister Guardsman in Game of Thrones, Bastien in Le Grand and most recently Denny in Canal+ series Spotless.
Film includes: Lethal.
Musical Theatre
Ian Good
About me
Ian Good has worked in most areas of Theatre starting as a director and moving into acting. Both careers have run parallel with working on or being in many regional, national and international productions. Ian is also the winner of three, international student drama awards for The Threepenny Opera (America), Of Mice and Men (Germany) and Serious Money (France).
Ian was also Artistic Director of The Dumfries and Galloway Theatre Arts Project from 87 to 89 directing over 20 productions and guest director with Interplay Trust Leeds, Millpond, Newcastle, Clerwood Theatre, Edinburgh, Bill Kenwright Productions, Tour (Resident Director), Rolling Stage, Ipswich, Polka Theatre, London, and many special events up and down the country. He was also UK Supervisor for the UK tour of Hairspray the Musical, directing Michael Ball, Les Dennis, Brian Conley, Nigel Planer and Mickey Dolenz.
Ian is also a regular Director at many Drama Schools, including Arts Educational Schools, London and Tring, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, E15 Acting School, Guildhall and APS London.
Musical Theatre
John Rigby
About me
John Rigby studied orchestral conducting at the University of Huddersfield and the Royal Northern College of Music. He holds MMus in Musicology from Kings College London where he is currently reading for his PhD. He also holds an honorary Doctorate in Arts from Edge Hill University.
As a musical supervisor his credits include: THE PRODUCERS (UK Tour); THE KING AND I (UK Tour); THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (25th Anniversary UK and US Tours); JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (World Arena Tour & DVD); LES MISERABLES (Korea) and MISS SAIGON (London, International cinema release & DVD). As a musical director his West End credits include: BEAUTIFUL AND DAMNED (Lyric); THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Novello); THE KING AND I (Palladium); THE LAST EMPRESS (Apollo, Hammersmith); MARGUERITE (Theatre Royal, Haymarket); LES MIS…RABLES (Palace and Queens); THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Her Majestyís); PETER PAN (Savoy); THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Savoy); THE PRODUCERS (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and SINATRA (Palladium). Additionally, he was musical director for the German productions of MISS SAIGON (Stuttgart) and STARLIGHT EXPRESS (Bochum). He is currently the musical supervisor for Andrew Lloyd Webberís SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL playing at the New London Theatre.
The numerous orchestras he has worked with in concert include: the Berliner Symphoniker, City of London Sinfonia, CBSO, Dublin Concert Orchestra, HallÈ Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Concert Orchestra, Manchester Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Concert Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, RT… Concert Orchestra, and the orchestras of both Welsh National Opera and Opera North. Future plans include conducting a return season of CLASSICAL SPECTAUCULAR at the Royal Albert Hall, MADAMA BUTTERFLY in Dublin, a JOHANN STRAUSS GALA throughout the UK, Ireland and Istanbul and a return to the West End to conduct AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at the Dominion Theatre.
Acting
Nandi Bhebe
About me
Nandi Bhebhe, Nandi has experiences including performing with Kneehigh and at venues including The National Theatre, The RSC and The Old Vic.
Nandi trained originally as a dancer making her story an amazing one for us all to hear.
Dance, Musical Theatre
Jane McMurtrie
About me
Theatre includes as ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER : Oklahoma (Chichester Festival Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Menier Chocolate Factory & Playhouse), The Bodyguard (Stuttgart, South Korea & Vienna), Gypsy (The Savoy Theatre), The Producers (International Tour), Legally Blonde (Sydney Lyric Australia), Groundhog Day (Old Vic), Pure Imagination (St James Theatre).
CHOREOGRAPHER: Spring Awakening (Edinburgh Fringe), Pop Icons and Soul Show (Marella Cruises), The Wedding Singer, Spring Awakening, 9 to 5 and Violet, (Bernie Grants Arts Centre), Carrie (The Ivy Arts Centre), Snow White and Peter Pan (De Montfort Hall, Leicester), Guy Fawkes the Musical (London workshop). CREATIVE DIRECTOR MyFaceMyBody Awards. Children’s Regional Casting Choreographer (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Uk Tour).
TELEVISION: Associate Choreographer on The Tracey Ullman Show and The Voice (BBC).
AS A PERFORMER: Gypsy (Chichester), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Legally Blonde & Carousel (Savoy Theatre), Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Footloose (Novello Theatre), On the Town (ENO/ London Coliseum), Tonight’s the Night (Victoria Palace), The Wedding Singer, Annie Get Your Gun, Grease and Oh What a Night (UK Tours).
WORKSHOPS: Bridget Jones’ Diary (Working Title), Frozen the Musical (Walt Disney Theatrical Company). Groundhog Day (Old Vic).
CAST RECORDINGS: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Legally Blonde, Tonight’s the Night.
Trained at Dance School of Scotland and Laine Theatre Arts.
Musical Theatre, Acting
Jess Parker
About me
Jess trained at ArtsEd graduating with 1st Class BA (HONS) in Musical Theatre. As a performer, her credits cover numerous Wests End, UK and International tours – including ‘KISS ME KATE‘, ‘EVITA‘, ‘SEUSSICAL‘ and ‘AVENUE Q‘.
Most recently, Jess has been working as a Creative Associate and Resident Director for various productions and companies, including ‘JERSEY BOYS’, ‘SIX’, ‘20TH CENTURY BOY’, ‘WIZARD OF OZ’, and is currently the Associate Director for the UK Tour of ‘AVENUE Q’.
Her journey with Avenue Q and Puppetry began in 2014, where she played the roles of 2nd Arm/Bad Idea Bear/Mrs T, understudied and played the roles of Kate Monster/Lucy. She became on-stage Resident Director of the show in 2015-2017, and most recently Associate Director for the 2019/2020 UK Tour.
“‘Parker Puppetry’ was born in 2020, from a passion for Puppetry, Acting, Directing and Teaching for so many years.. and the desire to make learning this amazing skill accessible for anyone who enjoys any of those disciplines. COVID-19 has taught us that we are so adaptable to anything life throws at us, and learning online has become a great new normal. Teaching can now be delivered all around the world to anyone and everyone, and that is so exciting. So many Theatre, Television and Film productions are requiring Puppetry as a skill, not to mention just how much fun and joy it brings!
Learning any new skill can be daunting, but the results and sense of achievement that is felt is magical.”– Jess Parker
Musical Theatre, Acting
Gavin Spokes
About me
Theatre includes: DI Hyatt in A Very Expensive Poison (Old Vic), Harry in Company (West End), Charles Ingram in Quiz (West End/Chichester Festival Theatre), Against (Almeida), Mr Snow in Carousel (ENO), Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, (West End, Olivier Award nomination for his performance), Francis in One Man Two Guvnors, (UK tour/West End/National), 1984 (West End/Headlong UK tour/Almeida), Dame Nanny Nora in Sleeping Beauty (Hackney Empire), Toad in The Wind in The Willows (Northampton Theatre Royal), Laurel and Hardy (Watermill Theatre), She Stoops to Conquer, (National), Noises Off (New Wolsey), Up on the Roof (Oldham Coliseum/UK tour) and Guys and Dolls (Salisbury Playhouse/Theatre Clwyd/Ipswich). US theatre credits include: Oklahoma, Assassins and The Grimm Tales.
Television includes: "Hitmen," "Brexit," "Man Down," "Will," "Casualty," "Utopia," "Holby City," "Obsession," "Hollyoaks," "The Cast," "Lunch Monkeys" and "The Bill." Film includes: The Courier and Made of Honour.
Dance, Musical Theatre
Jenny Legg
About me
Theatre includes: ensemble in 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane); assistant dance captain and swing in Elf – the Musical (Plymouth Theatre Royal and The Lowry, Salford); ensemble in Mack and Mabel (Chichester Festival Theatre and UK tour); ensemble in Follies (Royal Albert Hall); ensemble and featured Broadway Melody Girl in Singin’ in the Rain (UK and international tour); dance captain and ensemble in Top Hat (UK tour and Aldwych Theatre); dance captain, ensemble and cover Rita in White Christmas (Sunderland Empire Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth and the Lowry, Manchester); ensemble in Crazy for You (Kilworth House Theatre) and dancer in Verdi’s Aida (Chisinau National Opera and Hackney Empire).
Television includes: This Morning (ITV); The Laurence Olivier Awards, Strictly Come Dancing (BBC); The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Jane McDonald and Friends, Stage School and Blind Ambition with Robson Green.
Musical Theatre, Acting
Rosalie Craig
About me
Two-time Evening Standard Theatre award winner Rosalie Craig is one of the most recognised and critically praised actors working in the West End. She received sensational five star reviews from critics for her lead role as BOBBIE in Company, which played at the Gielgud Theatre in London.
Her other notable theatre work includes leading roles in The Ferryman directed by Sam Mendes at the Gielgud Theatre, City of Angels at the Donmar Warehouse, Ragtime at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, and The Threepenny Opera & As You Like It at the National Theatre. Rosalie's television work includes appearances on BBC ONE’s Spooks, ITV’S Endeavour, NETFLIX hit Lovesick, McDonald and Dodds alongside Jason Watkins, Truthseekers with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost for AMAZON PRIME, and Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit.
Musical Theatre
Jordan Ricketts
About me
Dean Paxton - Everybody's talking about Jamie
Training: Bird College
Credits whilst in training: Billy Crocker in Anything Goes; Eddie O’Grady in Made in Dagenham; Dupree in Cry Baby and Earl of Essex in Bess the Musical (Workshop).
Jordan is making his professional and West End debut.
A special thank you to his family and agent for all their support.
Dance
Reece Causton
About me
Reece joined New Adventures for the 2013/14 National and International tour of Swan Lake as the Italian and Queen's Escort. He was also in Early Adventures 2017 Tour as part of the Ensemble and played Buster and Stan in Cinderella (2017-19 UK and International Tour). Most recently, he created the role of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet.
Other Career Highlights: Fiddler on the Roof (Grange Park Opera, 2015); Onegin (Grange Park Opera, 2015) Fiddler on the Roof (BBC Proms, 2015); Inspirit, works by Robert Cohan & Sir Kenneth MacMillan (Yorke Dance Project, 2016); The Sergeant in 5 Soldiers (Rosie Kay Dance Company, 2016 and 2017); DerrièreonaG-String (Alfred Taylor-Gaunt, 2018 previews); ‘Buster’ in the film of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella; The Sergeant in the film of Rosie Kay’s 5Soldiers; radio production of Fiddler on the Roof at the BBC Proms.
Dedication: Reece is thrilled to be performing in Matthew Bourne's production of The Red Shoes, and thanks his family for their continued love and support.
Acting
Paul Bullion
About me
Paul Bullion is a British actor set to appear as Lambert in Netflix's "The Witcher". Best known for his roles in hit drama series "Peaky Blinders" for the BBC and Kurt Sutter's "The Bastard Executioner" for FX. He has appeared in live theatre productions for The National Theatre and Shakespeare's Globe.
I was a student at Arts1 when it first opened its doors. I think that taking a gap year was the best thing that could have happened for me. I was able to experience all the great experiences Arts1 has to offer. Amazing full scale musicals and workshops that inspired me to pursue a place on a full-time graduate course at Arts Educational school in London. I am very excited about my last year on the course in London. I have great opportunities ahead of me and can’t believe I’m here. I owe it to the staff at Arts1 who have been nothing but supportive to me. As long as you listen to the advice and valuable lessons they teach you can’t go far wrong!
As seen in
Peaky Blinders The Bastard ExecutionerDance, Musical Theatre
Nikki Woollaston
About me
Nikki Woollaston trained professionally at London Studio Centre.
As a director, assistant director, assistant choreographer and rehearsal director, Nikki’s credits include: Gypsy (Chichester Festival Theatre - 2015); Ballroom to Broadway Tour (Anton Du Beke – 2014 tour); West Side Story (Pimlico Opera); She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre); Madame Butterfly (Grange Park Opera) and Shoes (Saddler’s Wells/Peacock Theatre).
Additionally Nikki works as a mass movement choreographer and her credits include: Glasgow Commonwealth Games (2014); Opening and Closing Ceremonies (Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games); Opening and Closing Ceremonies (London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games); Ajyal Youth Film Festival, Doha and The Big If (Hyde Park, London).
As seen in
Hairspray (Pimlico Opera) Barrie Humphries Weimar Cabaret (Barbican) Sweet Charity (Pimlico Opera) Anton and Erin (2015 thru 2020 tours) Les Miserables (Pimlico Opera) Porgy and Bess (Royal Danish Opera, Copenhagen) Ballroom to Broadway Tour (Anton Du Beke – 2014 Tour) The King’s Speech (Wyndhams Theatre & UK tour) Backbeat (Duke of Yorks/Toronto/Los Angeles )Dance
Tom Shilcock
About me
Tom Shilcock trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts.
Since graduating, Tom has danced for several international artists including Jason Derulo, Rita Ora, Meghan Trainor, Take That, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa Constostavlos, Rihanna, Elton John, Gary Barlow, MeatLoaf, John Barrowman, Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox, Jessie J, Ant & Dec, Jamelia and many more.
Tom has also performed in theatres, arenas and stadiums including the London Palladium, Wembley stadium and London’s iconic 02 arena. Music Festivals include Capital Summertime Ball, Capital Jingle Bell ball, Radio 1’s Big weekend, Wireless & V festival. His other work includes high profile fashion shows, product launches, corporate events and hair shows both as a dancer and choreographer.
Tom is the Co-Founder of Can You Dance? The UK’s Biggest Touring Dance Convention, alongside his close friend Matt Flint. Tom is proud to have created so many opportunities for young dancers through Can You Dance? including scholarships, artist & ambassador awards and the CYD? Dance Star Company.
Tom now focuses his energy on Can You Dance? alongside his teaching and choreography work. Tom’s passion for teaching has allowed him to travel and teach at hundreds of dance schools and some of the leading performing arts colleges throughout the UK, helping guide the next generation of dancers.
As seen in
The X Factor Stars In Their Eyes (resident dancer) So You Think You Can Dance UK (top 5) Britain’s Got Talent The Royal Variety Show The Brit Awards ITV Text Santa Dancing On Ice London 2012 OlympicsDance, Musical Theatre, Acting
Lisa Cotterell
About me
Lisa Cottrell has been the Artistic Director of Belinda King Creative Productions for the past 14 years creating original shows for luxury cruise lines and casinos.
Prior to this she worked for 12 years in regional repertory theatre choreographing and directing numerous productions from musicals to Shakespeare, Ibsen to Willy Russell.
Lisa enables actors to approach movement with confidence. Drawing on her vast experience in musical theatre and drama, she has developed teaching methods encompassing dance techniques and styles from a traditional perspective to the modern.
The emphasis is in adaptability, coaxing the best out of her students to improve their confidence and movement skills.
Committed to encouraging and advising young dancers, singers and acting students, Lisa has taught at full-time vocational schools such as Guildford Conservatoire and Birmingham School of Acting.
Acting
Lise Olsen
About me
Lise is currently the Course Director of MA in Acting at Birmingham School of Acting. She relocated from Merseyside, where she trained actors for a decade at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). An American ex-pat, she has been working professionally in the UK for over 20 years.
Lise holds a BA in Theatre from Northwestern University in Chicago and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from the University of Utah. She has done further postgraduate study at the Central School of Speech and Drama and the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.
In addition to her many professional credits in the USA, Lise has taught at The North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Lutheran University and was Head of Voice at Duke University , Purdue University and The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She is an acknowledged international specialist in the areas of Vocal Violence and Acting Through Song. Her musical theatre workshops, which are always oversubscribed, have been given at the International Stephen Sondheim conference, and Song Stage and Screen conferences.
The recipient of directing awards in both the US and UK, she was a founding director of Seattleís first small specialist musical theatre company. Her West End credits include The Witches of Eastwick, Coyote on a Fence and A View From the Bridge. Other UK credits include the Royal Exchange Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Rep, Belgrade Theatre, Dukes Playhouse Lancaster, Bolton Octagon, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Rose Bruford, East 15 and the Drama Centre.
