Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Performing Arts School in London for Young Talent
Established in 1999, Centre Stage School of Performing Arts has been dedicated to nurturing young talent through comprehensive training in drama, dance, and singing. Our mission is to foster confidence, creativity, and technical skill in students aged 7 - 19, providing a supportive environment where every individual can thrive. With classes held at St Monica's Primary School in Southgate, London, we combine structured education with performance opportunities to prepare students for both personal growth and potential professional careers. Our team of experienced professionals includes working actors, directors, and educators who bring industry expertise to every lesson. Over 25 years, we have cultivated a family-oriented ethos where mutual respect and collaboration underpin all activities.Students benefit from internal productions, full-scale musicals in professional theatres, and annual awards ceremonies that celebrate achievement. Our alumni have progressed to prestigious institutions and successful careers in theatre, TV, and film. We maintain strong ties with the community while upholding high standards of technical training. Transparency in teaching methods and a focus on individual development ensure students receive tailored guidance. This combination of rigorous instruction and emotional support makes Centre Stage a unique institution in performing arts education.
Services
Drama
Dance
Singing
Full-Scale Musicals
Oscar Evenings
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of specialist performing arts training for youth
- Professional instructors with active industry careers
- Inclusive, family-oriented environment fostering mutual respect
- Progressive curriculum with annual full-scale theatre productions
- Proven track record of alumni success in performing arts
What people say
Loved every minute
Highly skilled team
Inclusive and supportive
Helped grow confidence
Excellent teaching
Services
Drama
Our drama classes develop acting techniques through script work, improvisation, and character analysis. Students learn stagecraft, vocal projection, and emotional expression while collaborating on scenes and full productions. Tailored to age groups, these sessions build confidence and storytelling skills through practical performance.
Dance
Dance instruction covers modern, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary styles with choreography focused on rhythm and spatial awareness. Classes improve physical coordination, discipline, and group collaboration while preparing students for stage performances. Age-specific routines ensure technical progression and creative expression in a supportive environment.
Singing
Singing lessons emphasize breath control, vocal range expansion, and microphone technique through musical theatre repertoire and contemporary songs. Students receive individual feedback to refine pitch and performance while participating in group harmonies and term-end cabaret showcases led by industry professionals.
Full-Scale Musicals
Annual professional-grade musicals feature elaborate sets, live orchestras, and technical production elements. Students audition for roles in shows performed at established theatres, gaining experience in stagecraft, costume work, and collaborative performance under industry-standard direction and choreography.
Oscar Evenings
Yearly awards celebrate student achievements with categories recognising performance excellence, creativity, and contribution to the school community. The event includes live entertainment, peer-voted awards, and a celebratory disco fostering camaraderie among students, staff, and families.
People
Carole O'Shea
School Principal
Founder of Centre Stage with 25+ years experience in drama education. Established the school in 1999 after teaching at established drama institutions. Holds a scholarship background from London College of Music and focuses on creating inclusive learning environments for young performers.
Nick Hooton
Artistic Director
Drama tutor and director with LAMDA qualifications. Trained at Hertfordshire Theatre School, appearing in TV/film roles while directing school productions. Oversees curriculum development to enhance performance skills and confidence through practical application in both classroom and stage settings.
Lucy Sardinha
Head of Singing
Vocal coach specialising in SLS technique with professional music career experience. Teaches safe vocal practices while preparing students for LAMDA exams. Combines industry knowledge with pedagogical expertise to develop versatile singing abilities across multiple genres in weekly class sessions.
Eliz Bragoli
Head of Dance
Graduate of Roehampton University's dance program with teaching experience across multiple styles. Focuses on technical precision and creative expression through choreography. Former student who returned to instruct, bringing personal insight into the school's developmental approach for young performers.
Jack McGinn
Drama Tutor
Alumnus with professional acting credits across television and theatre. Specialises in screen acting techniques and drama school audition preparation. Directs festival plays while mentoring students through practical workshops that bridge classroom learning with industry expectations.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We accept students aged 7–19 years with specific peer groups for different school year levels.
Are trial classes available?
Yes, we offer free trial sessions for new students to experience our teaching environment.
Do you prepare students for professional careers?
Our curriculum develops technical skills while many alumni have successfully entered performing arts professions.
Where are classes held?
Term-time Saturday classes take place at St Monica's Primary School in Southgate, London.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in internal productions, full-scale musicals, and our annual awards ceremony.
How do you ensure student safety?
Professional staff maintain supervised environments with trained chaperones during all events and productions.
Reviews (4)
Stephanie Christodoulou
Dec 30, 2020
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10 years @centre.stage and i wouldnt have spent it another way. There is no better place to learn, to grow and to fall in love with musical theatre. i am beyond grateful for carole and the rest of the staff team for giving me opportunity after opportunity to perform and to teach. my 8 year old self would be so proud and confused at the amount of confidence i have gained from constantly being pushed and encouraged, not only to perform but in myself. i am so lucky to have met and made such incredible friends that have and will continue to be there for me. A decade of saturdays spent in the best
Mrs. Stoughton
Sep 10, 2020
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Centre Stage is an incredible school.. I cannot recommend it enough. My children have been attending classes for many years now. We decided to send our daughter (when she was in Year 4) as she was struggling with a lack of confidence at school. This was the best decision we have ever made. She loved it from the start and her confidence keeps growing. As soon as our son was old enough, he started at the Young Centre Stage.
ALL of the teachers are hugely encouraging and supportive, and care about each child. Not only do they teach the performing arts with such professionalism, they are shaping our
ALL of the teachers are hugely encouraging and supportive, and care about each child. Not only do they teach the performing arts with such professionalism, they are shaping our
V. W.
Sep 10, 2020
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Centre Stage is home from home, it's a place that enriches the lives of children and young adults. I have 2 sons that have been a part of Centre stage from the age of 4, my eldest is now in his late twenties and my youngest has recently turned 16. Centre stage has been an amazing platform for them both, they have developed with confidence not only in the world of Performing Arts, Dance, and music, but knowing who they are and striving to be their better self. I'm proud as a parent to be a part of Centre Stage family, none of this would be possible without the owner Carole Oshea, she has a carefully
Clare Brooks
Sep 02, 2020
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Words cannot express what a truly special place Centrestage is where every child belongs, lifelong friendships are made and confidence is built during high quality lessons in acting, singing and dance. It is an experience that any child would be lucky to be part of.
Words cannot express what a truly special place Centrestage is where every child belongs, lifelong friendships are made and confidence is built during high quality lessons in acting, singing and dance. It is an experience that any child would be lucky to be part of.
