The Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York was buzzing with excitement on Sunday 14th January. The PQA York Friday academy students took to the stage for their very first external production, ‘Peter Panto’. Students aged from 6 to 18 delighted audiences in this wonderful show, adapted especially for the students at PQA York by Comedy & Drama teacher, Charlotte Wood.
For many of the young performers, this was the first time they had stepped onto a stage like this. Principal James Aconley was full of praise for his academy: “It was amazing to see the students on stage, working together as a team to create such a great show. The Friday evening academy hasn’t even been together a year – so this made what they achieved even more special!”
James and his team of industry professional teachers deliver inspirational classes every Friday and Saturday at Huntington School in York, teaching Comedy & Drama, Film & Television and Musical Theatre. As well as performing arts skills, PQA focuses on all-important life skills too: “We know that our students benefit from so much more than just their performing arts skills. Teamwork, communication, confidence, discipline and resilience – all important skills for life – are also developed through our classes”, said James.
The parents loved it too! As one parent noted, “The performance was wonderful! We thoroughly enjoyed it and my daughter absolutely loved the whole experience; all of the rehearsals, the costume, the singing, dancing and particularly the performance itself! It has made her even more obsessed with the performing arts!”
To find out more about PQA, or to book a free taster session for your child at PQA York, visit https://www.pqacademy.com/academies/york/.
