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 (10:00 – 13:30)
- Juniors (13:30-17:00)
- Uppers (10:00 – 17:00)
- Seniors (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.
Company led by:
Darren O'Sullivan
Junior Stage Academy Director
Darren has been working in theatre since he was 18. He has performed in several nationwide theatre tours including The Jungle book, The fantastic Mr Fox and the Wizard of Oz, as well as professional pantomimes. He has a BA Hons in Theatre and has directed three pieces for the National Theatre. He has worked with the Ophelia Circus Theatre company, Abridge Theatre Company and 20Twenty Theatre Company, of which he was the founding member.
Darren is also a professional author having signed with HarperCollins to write Psychological thrillers. His first novel ‘Our Little Secret’ was published in July 2017 and has achieved bestseller status in 5 countries. His next novel, ‘Dark Corners’, will be published in April 2020.
Craig Talbot
Upper Stage Academy Director
Craig was a former member of the Young actors company’s Peterborough branch. He graduated from The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2015 and has worked as an actor on stage and screen ever since. He has also worked extensively with the National Youth Theatre, The Pappy Show and The London Film School.
Matt Feast
Senior Stage Academy 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.
Josh Cavendish
Upper 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.
