Thrills and Skills For Life at The Pauline Quirke Academy

The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds – and the newest branch is opening in Exeter on Saturday 17th May. Actress Pauline Quirke told us, “When we opened our first academy in 2007 our mission was simply to provide the very best performing arts education. We've grown a lot since then, but that mission hasn't changed. By working with people we believe are outstanding in their field, we aim to bring the widest, most exciting experience to our students in an environment that is both friendly and rewarding.”

PQA’s core modules in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television teach a comprehensive range of skills, which are useful for everyday life, not just a career in the performing arts, whilst masterclasses allow students to experience more specialist lessons in areas like stage combat, beat boxing, street dance and magic.

PQA believe in rewarding and inspiring their students, so along with regular reports to monitor their progress, all students are offered group exams through Trinity College London - at no additional charge to parents. These exams fit in perfectly with work the students are doing anyway, present a very enjoyable challenge and are the perfect way to celebrate all their hard work.

As well as many in-house productions and showcases there are two stand-out highlights for all PQA students. The first is the chance to see their short film projects on the big screen of their local cinema, where they get to walk down the red-carpet just like the Hollywood stars. Some of these films even get selected for the Empire Cinemas / PQA Film Festival, where winning films are shown on the huge screen at the Empire Leicester Square in a glamorous event students and parents will never forget! The second is the chance to take part in one of the annual PQA shows in the West End. Every year different academies join together to create a spectacular show at Her Majesty’s Theatre – home of The Phantom of the Opera. This year’s season featured students from 16 academies performing in “Fright Night!” – a crazy tale of teenage love, vampires with high expectations and 80’s Power Ballads!

For those students who want the chance to work professionally there is the opportunity to join Quirky Kidz Creative Management (QK) – an agency that exclusively represents PQA students. QK clients have won parts in many high profile projects including Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (West End); Peaky Blinders (BBC); EastEnders (BBC); and the smash-hit feature film Les Miserables.

The main Academy is for 6-18 years olds (split into appropriate age groups) and runs for 3 hours, with 4 & 5 year olds invited to join Poppets – a 90 minute session which combines the best of movement, dance, singing, acting, expression and imagination. Principal Kelly Housecroft said “Me and the team are so excited to bring this wonderful opportunity to the children and young people of Exeter. Come along to our free launch and try us out! I look forward to welcoming you into the PQA family soon!”

Contact Details

Principal: Kelly Housecroft 084567 32022 www.pqacademy.com