Jack has been passionate about performing since the age of 9, appearing in productions with local Derby companies like Big Adventures, Derby Live Youth Theatre, and Derby Shakespeare Company. In 2014, he took his love for the stage to the next level by attending East 15 Acting School, where he specialised in Acting and Stage Combat, training to become a professional actor and fight director for stage and screen.

Since graduating, Jack has built an impressive portfolio with performances across the UK, including Elephant in the Room in London, Jack and the Beanstalk at Loughborough Town Hall, and Sleeping Beauty at The Core Theatre in Solihull.

With six years of teaching experience, Jack has guided students through acting and singing exams with a 100% pass rate – all achieving either a merit or distinction. His passion for the performing arts shines through in every lesson, and he's thrilled to be part of the Centre Stage team.

We're incredibly lucky to have Jack leading our Musical Theatre department – keep an eye on what’s coming next!

Bethany’s dance journey began at the young age of 3, and by 12, she was diving into musical theatre classes. She spent 15 years training at the Tiptoe School of Performing Arts, where she later taught junior ballet, tap, modern, and street dance for a year.

After achieving a Distinction in her Foundation Degree in Commercial Dance at LIPA, Bethany continued her studies in London, earning a First-Class BA Honours Degree in Theatre Dance from London Studio Centre, with a specialisation in Musical Theatre. Throughout her time in London, Bethany taught at Stagecoach, IdanceUK, and Showstoppers, working with students of all ages across various dance and musical theatre styles, all while performing professionally as a dancer.

The twists and turns of lockdown brought Bethany and the Centre Stage team back together, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on board!

Tom is a professional Actor and Director born and bred in the East Midlands. He trained at two of the leading drama schools in the UK and has a wealth of experience within the industry, from directing and performing in many shows. He is extremely excited and honoured to be welcomed so warmly into the Centre Stage family and cannot wait to get started!

Fliss is a versatile singer and music therapist based in Derby with a rich background in music. She began her singing journey at the age of 9, training classically and gaining experience across a variety of styles, including pop, musical theatre, choral, and classical.

Since 2015, Fliss has been sharing her passion for singing as a teacher, working with students aged 4 to 74. Alongside teaching, she leads choirs and continues to perform as the lead singer for the function band House of Harmony. She also performs as part of a duo and as a soloist at weddings, while offering private piano lessons and working as a music therapist in SEN schools and neuro rehab.

When she’s not making music, Fliss is a proud mum to her daughter Eliza, and to Xena, her lively German Shepherd.

Josephine Walker’s love affair with dance began at the tender age of 2, when she attended her very first dance class with the late Brenda Blakesley in Chesterfield. After moving to Derby at the age of 6, Josephine continued her training under the legendary Jean Hughes, with assistance from a young Fiona Carratu, who would later go on to open her own dance school. Through her teenage years, Josephine honed her skills to a vocational level in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, and Stage Dance under the guidance of Annette Hufton.

After earning her BA (Hons) in Performing Arts from Bretton Hall College of Arts, Josephine returned to Derby to complete her IDTA professional teaching qualifications under Karen Oates at Dance Doctors Studios.

For over 30 years, Josephine has shared her passion for dance with young people across Derby, training hundreds of students in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Theatre Craft, Freestyle, and Musical Theatre. She first taught at Centre Stage in September 2007 and has been a cornerstone of the team ever since. Her love for choreography has brought many incredible shows to life, including favourites like *Sweet Charity, Copacabana, Addams Family Musical, Fame, Legally Blonde, Matilda, We Will Rock You,* and, as a Bob Fosse enthusiast, the highlight for her was *Chicago*, performed in July 2024.

Beyond teaching, Josephine loves performing herself in amateur theatre productions. Some of her favourite roles include Miss Hannigan in *Annie,* the Beggar Woman in *Sweeney Todd,* and Barbara Castle in *Made in Dagenham.* She’s also had fun portraying countless pantomime characters, from principal boys to fairies and witches, and has choreographed for Kaleidoscope Players for over 22 years.

Josephine is deeply committed to maintaining Centre Stage’s ethos of providing a safe, inclusive space where young people can receive top-quality performing arts tuition while forming lasting friendships. She’s incredibly proud of the hundreds of students she has taught over the last 17 years and looks forward to helping many more young performers grow and flourish in the years to come.