The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Harlow

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Harlow is a performing arts group and dance school located in Harlow, Essex. With a strong focus on nurturing young talent, the academy offers classes in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre, and Film & Television for kids and young adults.

Situated at the Harlow Playhouse, the PQA Harlow boasts excellent facilities including state-of-the-art studios and rehearsal rooms, a 120-seat thrust theatre space, and a 440-seater main auditorium. The academy operates on Sundays, providing a convenient schedule for students and parents.

The dedicated team at PQA Harlow consists of experienced and passionate professionals in the performing arts industry. Mary, the principal, brings a wealth of experience having trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. The rest of the team includes Libby, the academy assistant who has been involved in performing arts since a young age, Cassie, a Poppets teacher with professional performance credits, Shannon, a graduate from Bird College of Performing Arts with expertise in musical theatre and dance, Stan, who has been involved in various theatre projects and has experience in teaching drama, Tony, a film and TV specialist, and Tom, a lighting designer with years of experience in the industry.

The academy offers a range of modules to cater to the diverse interests of its students. The Musical Theatre classes combine singing, dance, and acting, providing a well-rounded education in this genre. The Film & Television module offers comprehensive education in this field, making PQA the largest provider of Film and Television education for under-18s in the UK. The Comedy & Drama lessons focus on theatrical forms and provide students with a solid foundation in this art form.

In addition to the regular classes, PQA Harlow provides added benefits to its students. In the event of national or local lockdowns or lack of venue availability, the academy runs virtual classes through PQA Live. Students also have the opportunity to perform on the stages of top West End theatres, giving them a taste of the professional performing arts world. The academy also offers qualifications through RSL PQA awards, inspiring and rewarding students for their progress.

Masterclasses by industry professionals and multiple showcases throughout the year provide further performance opportunities for the students.

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts Harlow is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young performers to learn and grow. With its experienced team, excellent facilities, and comprehensive curriculum, PQA Harlow is the perfect place for aspiring performers to develop their skills and pursue their dreams in the performing arts industry.