StageWorks opened in Henley on Thames in 2000, expanded to Bristol in 2004 and then opened branches in Benson & Cookham in 2007, Somerset in 2009 and Caversham in 2010. 2010 marked our 10th Anniversary.
With over 300 students (young and old) in schools around Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, StageWorks has become one of the leading performing arts schools in the local areas.
We have high standards and a very good reputation in the Performing Arts, which is recognised throughout.
The students of StageWorks work hard, have fun and learn skills that will develop and assist them in every walk of life. Talent is everywhere and StageWorks classes give confidence, self belief, determination and motivation in whatever they choose to do with their life. No one is incapable of singing, dancing or acting!
We also have LAMDA exams at StageWorks. Classes will be after school for students who would like to gain some qualifications. We have classes on Thursdays and Tuesdays.
We also run our popular Jelly Tot classes for 3-4 year olds as well as teaching adults in dance and tap. Something to do for everyone!
Saturday students have performed in the Gala night of the Henley Youth Festival every year since 2005.
Harry Stott played Michael Banks in the West End run of Mary Poppins, appeared in a series of Roman Mysteries on the BBC and was chosen to play Oliver in the West End having won the role in the BBC programme ‘I’d Do Anything’. When Harry left the show, Rowan Atkinson publicly acknowledged him on his last night.
Lois Bowles, Lauren Jones, Eleanor Adams , Jennifer Clark, Becca Eden are now working for StageWorks as student teachers.
22 students worked as extras in the 2007 remake of St Trinians with Colin Firth and Rupert Everett
A number our students are in the Spotlight casting directory and StageWorks represent them at auditions as well as working with a Casting Director at Pinewood Studios, CBeebies plus other companies.
Eleanor Adams was chosen for a small part in the film ‘The Seer’ which was shown at The London Film Festival.
Ted and Linnea Wilson were in the ‘King and I’ at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ted was also chosen for a part in ‘Handy Manny’ for the Disney Play Channel as well as appearing as the Japanese Prime Minister in a film for the G8 summit.
Mia and Saskia Hammersley, Ella Morgan, Charlie Regent, Cassie Ilsley, Daniel Perry, Ted Wilson, Linnea Wilson and Eleanor Adams were in Oliver at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Charlie Regent continue to tour the UK with Oliver!
Ted Wilson and Gareth Anderson were lead boys in Madame Butterfly at The Royal Albert Hall in 2011.
Charlie Regent has joined Fagins Gang for the Oliver Tour 2011.
Ted Wilson is playing the role of Eric in Matilda the Musical at The Cambridge Theatre, Londons West End
Linnea Wilson will join the King and I touring cast in 2012 for the Liverpool leg of the tour.
Ted Wilson has had his contract extended until August 2012 for his role as Eric in Matilda the Musical at The Cambridge Theatre, Londons West End.
2013
Ewan Harris joined the Ragtime cast for the outdoor production in London. Lead boy.
Ewan Harris is a lead boy in the West End Musical Mister Tom he is also touring the UK with the company
Daniel Perry has just been cast as the main boy in a Film Festival Film (2012)
Sophia Stevens was in a DFS commercial, 2012 (AKSK casting)
Max Djemil was the street dancer in Molly Moon, USA movie, 2012 (AKSK casting)
Rosie Smith was in Molly Moon, USA movie, 2012 (AKSK casting)
Daniel Perry filmed for Downton Abbey, 2012 (AKSK Casting)
Ted Wilson joins the Broadway cast of Matilda which opens in April 2013
Lucy and Olivia Gryce have recently filmed as extras. (AKSK casting)
Ella Carter was an extra for AKSK casting, 2013
Ted Wilson and the Broadway cast of Matilda win a 'Tony' award at Radio City Hall, NYC, USA
Ewan Harris wins an Olivier Award with the cast of Mister Tom
Other students have performed locally in Musicals - Oklahoma, Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, Calamity Jane, Summer Holiday. Plays - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Graduate. Some older students have gone on to dance in Cabaret Troupes as well as furthering their careers in the Performing Arts at Colleges and Universities. We are pleased to see all our older students back helping out at our shows and believe the relationships we have with our students are truly longlasting.
uniform and class information
All students must have correct footwear i.e. jazz shoes and tap shoes. We have a uniform that students must wear to their classes and we also use this when we 'turn out' at all our events.
Mobile phones MUST be switched off during class time. Hair must be tied up and off the face. NO jewellery to be worn at anytime.
All classes start on time and students should arrive and be dropped off 5 minutes before class starts. We ask that parents leave the hall whilst the classes are in progress to prevent disruption. Parents must collect children for class, we will not allow children to leave unattended.
Parents are duly bound to collect their child from class on time, we have a 5 minute late policy and parents must contact StageWorks to update them if this is the case. We will always ensure students are waiting with CRB checked responsible adults.
staff
All staff are trained, CRB checked, qualified and experienced in the Performing Arts.
There is a training scheme for junior teachers wanting to move into the performing arts which Olivia Shanahan runs in-house.
StageWorks prides itself on having a young, dynamic and positive team whose main aim is to encourage the children in the Performing Arts. The team meet once every half term to make sure they are working to the same standards.
All the staff take time to work with each student individually. Whilst all the staff work hard there is also a lot of fun and the atmosphere throughout the year is what makes StageWorks one of the most desirable schools to join in the local area.
Please visit our 'staff' page for further information on our 'team'.
StageWorks assessments
StageWorks offer regular assessments to all the students at StageWorks. This is done throughout the year to encourage the children and keep everyone working to the same standards. It is a progressive assessment.
The younger children (4-9) don’t take part in the assessments but are regularly monitored with achievement awards and stickers.
chaperones
StageWorks offer CRB checked chaperones at all of its shows. If you are interested in becoming a StageWorks chaperone then please call 01491 877205.
