01386 438144 / 07792 536860 info@green-room.org.uk
Next Stage
Theatre Workshops
About Us
We run theatre workshops in Stratford upon Avon for local schools and colleges and also for students visiting Stratford from overseas. We specialise in building self-confidence and self-esteem in young people. We can tailor make the theatre workshop for your group! Whether you want to explore Shakespeare's plays, work on general acting technique or learn to stage fight or renaissance dance we can provide the best experience for you, in the home town of the 'Bard'.
We play with drama games, improvisation technique, characterisation, vocal work, movement and script work.
Next Stage is run by Lesley Simms and Emily Myerscough.
Lesley trained at LAMDA as an actress and has worked in the industry for over twenty years. She has worked with young actors as a dialect coach on film sets. Her recent credits include Stephen Spielberg’s Lincoln, Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows and Claudia Llosa’s Aloft.
Emily runs her own LAMDA private practice. As well as teaching the LAMDA syllabus Emily has experience as a professional musician - a great bonus for students who wish to study musical theatre exams.
Our partner company is Green Room – click here to see what else we can offer!
Why Next Stage?
Confidence building
Informal
Inclusive
Not competitive
Experience Shakespeare in his home town
Fun
Building life skills
Learn empathy - kids put themselves in other peoples' shoes
Collaborative - team building
For our local students – the opportunity to take a LAMDA examination
Safe environment to unlock their imaginations and be creative
Testimonials
It's fun. I love the chance to step into someone else's body.
You learn new techniques and more importantly you learn about yourself.
Low confidence can be overcome thanks to the constant support of the staff.
Next Stage helps not just with your drama but also your English - my analytical skills have improved.
Lamda Examinations
As well as the theatre workshops Lesley and Emily offer private tuition for LAMDA examinations. These are taught at their homes in either Ebrington or Mickleton. Higher grades accrue UCAS points through the Qualification Frame Network QFC, a great bonus if you are hoping to apply to university.
Our Patrons
We are delighted to have two successful actors as our patrons: Ben Daniels and Sally Dexter.
Ben Daniels
Ben Daniels is a multi-award winning performer who is equally at home whether working in Film, Television or Theatre. Ben's IMDB entry
Ben says, "I'm very proud to be a patron for Next Stage. Their theatre workshops in Stratford for ages 6-19 are amazing."
Sally Dexter
Sally Dexter is a successful stage and screen actress. A multi-award winner; her reviews are consistently superlative and she's amassed a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic. Sally's IMDB entry
Sally says, "What Next Stage are doing is so important. Drama helps young people develop their self-esteem and confidence. It gets them out and about meeting and making new friends and learning how to interact with one another. These are skills for real life… Theatre has always been a huge part of my life and I am chuffed to be asked to be part of something that encourages our next generation of young people to be creative and have self-belief. Whether they go into the acting profession or not, Next Stage is a fantastic place for kids."