A local couple who are passionate about the performing arts have opened the Wansbeck Performing Arts Academy at Station House in Ashington.
Karen Smith & Andrew Stead, who are professional performers and teachers by trade, decided to open the academy to fill the need for a dedicated studio for local children and young people to encourage them to become involved in all aspects of performance.
“The aim of the academy is to be able to work within our local community, we know there is a lot of talent in the area and we want to develop and work with the people of Wansbeck to give them their first steps in show business” explains Andrew
The newly refurbished venue opened to the public on 7th February and boasts many state-of-the-art facilities such as a fully equipped recording studio, dance studio and large modern cafe/bar.
“It’s early days”, explains Karen “but we think that the service we provide is friendly and professional and will be really valuable and source of fun to the young people of Wansbeck. Already we have a full schedule of classes and workshops we can offer which include drama workshops, modern jazz, ballet/tap, junior street dance, cheerleading and studio/singing & recording     

sessions. We will also consider additional classes if there is a demand.”
Karen and Andrew both currently perform all over  the U.K with their own cabaret production company where they entertain at theatres , holiday parks, hotels and theme parks and have also worked such prestigious venues as St James’s Park and Old Trafford where they performed to an audience of over 60,000.
“We take pride in the service we provide and look forward to working with the young people of Wansbeck, helping them to build their confidence and their talents.”
All teachers at the Academy are fully trained and qualified and hold all current CRB checks and first aid certificates. “We have a lot of schools in the area and      

believe that we can help talented young people prosper through their talents. Our motto is ‘chase your dreams’ and we firmly believe that we can offer high quality training for those who want to pursue a career in the performing arts.”

If you would like to find out more about classes and workshops at Wansbeck Performing Arts Academy, please contact Karen and Andrew on 07773 055 158, email wansbeckperformingartsacademy@live.co.uk or simply pop in for a chat at Wansbeck Performing Arts Academy, Station House, 104-108 Station Road, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8RN.

*Wansbeck Performing Arts Academy was set up with the help of Go Wansbeck matched funding  and premises advice from Luke Dunnett, Commercial Premises Co-ordinator with the Wansbeck Business Forum.