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Stage Academy

The Stage Academy is one of the most respected production companies of its kind. The Stage Academy meets on Saturdays and is broken into 4 groups:

  • Juniors AM (10:00-13:30)
  • Juniors PM (13:30- 17:00)
  • Uppers (10:00- 17:00)
  • Seniors (10:00- 17:00)
  • The Company (10:00- 17:00)

The Stage Academy takes on at least one major production a year that is performed in a professional theatre space. As well as the production focused terms, students will also take on a programme of workshops and masterclasses covering a wide variety of stage, screen, stage combat, voice-over, and radio skills.

(Fees per 12 week term: Juniors: £359, Uppers and Seniors: £499)

Company led by:

  • Libby Thornton

    Junior Stage Academy Director

    Libby trained with the National Youth Theatre and then joined the University of Cambridge  to study English, Education, Drama, and the Arts. Throughout her three years there she was a member of the Cambridge Footlights and ran workshops for the University at a variety of local youth groups and with university members. She has written a variety of shows such as the Cambridge Footlights Pantomime: Rapunzel, and is now studying a part-time masters in Writing for Performance at Cambridge. Having worked as a director, actor, performer, and comic, Libby has a variety of styles and techniques to share with her young actors.

  • Patrick Wilson

    Upper Stage Academy Director

    Patrick has been creating and directing theatre, sketch comedy, and stand up for many years. As a student, Patrick found his passion for directing working with the Cambridge Footlights and CUADC. His experience led him to co-found Pentire Street Productions in 2016 where he directed a critically-acclaimed professional run of his site-specific production ‘Rubber’ at VAULT Festival 2018.

    Patrick has toured shows and led workshop programmes nationally and internationally, working in the US, China, Japan, and South Korea. A regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, Patrick has worked on various projects, including a sell-out run of the Footlights International Tour Show in 2019, and most recently an acclaimed run of Chuck Salmon Comedy’s narrative sketch show “Pool Noodles”.

    Patrick now works full-time in theatre education as the Director in Residence at King’s in Ely, most recently directing their sixth form production of Euripides’ Medea. He also leads playwriting workshops and has channeled his passion for outreach opportunities by creating a theatre outreach programme for the senior school.

  • Josh Cavendish

    Senior Stage Academy Director

    Josh Cavendish was an actor at YAC in Cambridge for 8 years, before training at East 15 Acting School. He has worked as an actor and fight performer on stage and screen, most notably working at the Royal Opera House on several productions. He now works as a professional fight choreographer for theatre and film.

  • Matt Feast

    The Company Director

    Having worked in theatre for many years, across numerous professional venues, Matt developed a strong understanding of the reality of the performance industry. Working at the Young Actors Company provides him with a platform to share his experience, and to help support the future generation of theatre professionals. As an ex-Young Actor, Matt fully recognises the impact that the company can have, and it’s that understanding that inspires him to deliver the best he can. His mission is to ensure that each and every Young Actor has the tools they require to follow their dreams, and to provide them with the confidence they require to make those dreams a reality.