New performing arts academy for children and teenagers to open in Daventry
A new performing arts academy for children and teenagers is set to launch in Daventry next month following growing demand from local families.
The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) will open its new Daventry academy with a free open day for youngsters aged four to 18 on Saturday, September 19.
The launch follows the success of PQA Rugby, with several families already transferring to the new Daventry academy and organisers reporting increasing interest from parents in the area.
The Main Academy will run every Saturday from 9.30am to 12.45pm for youngsters aged six to 18, offering weekly classes in musical theatre, comedy and drama, and film and television.
A Poppets class for children aged four to six will also run from 9.30am to 11am, using imaginative play and storytelling to help youngsters develop confidence and make friends.
The Daventry academy will be led by principal Olivia Medlock, who previously spent eight years running her own independent theatre school alongside teaching performing arts and English and supporting children with special educational needs.
Olivia has also worked across local PQA academies for more than a decade and currently runs PQA Rugby.
She said: “After the success of PQA Rugby, it felt like the perfect time to expand into Daventry.
“We've had interest from families in the area for some time, and I'm excited to bring the same high-quality performing arts training, supportive environment and opportunities to even more young people.
“Performing arts is about so much more than singing, acting and dancing. It's about building confidence, resilience, communication skills and lifelong friendships.”
During its first year, students will work towards performances and showcases and have opportunities to take part in national PQA projects, industry workshops and special events.