A brand-new performing arts academy is launching in Tamworth on Saturday 31 January.

The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) will offer confidence-boosting training for children and young people aged four to 18, with a free open day for locals to explore all that is on offer.

The main academy for six to 18 year olds will run every Saturday morning from 9.45am to 1pm at The Polesworth School on Dordon Road, delivering expert training across PQA’s unique three-class programme, including Musical Theatre, Film & Television, and Comedy & Drama. Young performers and filmmakers will have the chance to build skills both on stage and behind the camera, exploring acting, scriptwriting, screen production and more.

In Easter, the academy will also be introducing ‘Poppets', a dedicated weekly class on a Saturday morning from 9.45 am to 11.30 am, for four to six year olds, designed to spark imaginations and encourage creativity in a safe, nurturing environment. These sessions help little ones build confidence, make friends, and develop essential life skills through the magic of performing arts.

PQA Tamworth is led by its Principal, Elisa Gorle, and is launching following the success of her three other academies at PQA Sutton Coldfield, which now have over 250 young performers.

Elisa brings over a decade of experience as a head of drama and pastoral lead, including dedicated LGBTQIA+ champion work. After completing her teacher training at the University of Warwick in 2010, she has trained and mentored teachers, produced large-scale shows and film projects, and built a reputation for excellence in performing arts education. 

Principal Elisa said, “I’m thrilled to be launching PQA Tamworth and welcoming even more young performers into the PQA family. Our academies are built on confidence, creativity and inclusion – we want students to feel celebrated for who they are, while having access to performing arts and filmmaking opportunities. Watching Sutton Coldfield grow into three thriving academies has been an incredible journey, and I’m so excited to create a new performing arts community in Tamworth where young people can thrive.”

PQA Tamworth already has over 60 performers signed up. They will be starting the term with three new exciting projects including ‘Big Screen Classics’, ‘Roald Dahl’s Twisted Tales’, and ‘Jukebox Musicals’, all focusing on a range of skills from comedy to choreography. 

For those that cannot attend on Saturday, PQA offers a free session throughout the year. To book, please visit pqacademy.com/academies/tamworth.