COLIN FLAHERTY
A.L.A.M., L.A.M.D.A., L.G.S.M., G.S.M.D.
PRINCIPAL & TEACHER
I was Head of Drama at Brighton Hill Community College from 1994 to 2011 and I started Basingstoke Stage School on 5th January 1980. I trained at LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) and I oversee all aspects of delivering weekly lessons from sending out the invoices, paying the bills, co-ordinating the rehearsals and advertising and lots of other duties too numerous to mention.
Basingstoke Stage School is as busy as ever over 40 years on and I love every bit of it! I have a fantastic team that help me deliver our weekly sessions and many of them used to be child members themselves.
Over the last few years I have seen children coming to us whose parents used to be members.
Come and join the fun!
SPECIALIST AREA / TRAINING: Classic Theatre, LAMDA examinations, Musical Theatre, Shakespearian Acting
MICHAELA B.A. (Hons) Drama
SENIOR LEADER
I started as a member of Basingstoke Stage School in 2004, with my first production as 'The Wizard of Oz' at the age of 7. I stayed until I was 16 when I became a young leader during my time at college. After leaving to study drama at university, I returned at 21 to be a full time leader. It became full circle when the first performance I directed for Baingstoke Stage School was 'The Wizard of Oz'!
During the sessions for stage school, I work as one of the youth theatre leaders and doing the register each week. On show day, I am the stage manager and can be seen running around ensuring the show runs smoothly. I'm also occasionally a director for shows.
SPECIALIST AREAS: Physical Theatre, Devised Theatre, Scripted
CALLIE
SENIOR LEADER
I first heard about Basingstoke Stage School in 2001 from Colin (who was my school drama teacher at the time); I attended and loved it. So when in 2012 my daughter was 7 and wanted to be able to take part in something creative, I discovered Basingstoke Stage School still existed and, remembering how much I enjoyed it, I took her along. She was hooked. My son then joined when he was old enough too. They have both learned so many skills and made friends for life. My daughter is now studying a degree in Drama and my son is still a member, as well as performing in many school shows and in other local theatre group shows. All of that began with their experiences in Basingstoke Stage School.
I volunteered to be a leader in 2021. I had been unable to carry on with my jobs working in education and youth work due to ill health and, since Basingstoke Stage School has given my children so much over the years, I wanted to give something back. My qualifications are all either in youth work or English and Creative Writing and I've found they transfer well. All our leaders and members have been very understanding on days I have struggled with my health, and it makes me happy to see that extends to anyone having any kind of difficulties. I always feel like I am so lucky to work with the other leaders and the members we have. I love the policy that everyone is included in all our shows and I love watching all the members support one another and seeing them all gain confidence from show to show.
JACQUIE B.A. Ed (Hons)
SENIOR LEADER (PASTORAL)
I have always loved live performance, drama and theatre. Sadly, I was never picked for any parts in school performances, but made up for lost time when I was a young adult. I joined an amateur dramatics group when I was in my twenties to help with the scenery and props but it wasn't long before I was invited to take on some major parts. My favourite parts were in pantomime playing a Babe in 'Babes in the Wood', and Dandini in 'Cinderella'.
I have very much enjoyed watching my own children grow up in Basingstoke Stage School and have happily supported as a stage school mum. Now, I am pleased to be able to support as a leader and love working with our super children and young people on a Saturday morning.
DAISY
LEADER
I have been at Basingstoke Stage School since 2016. I have been through both main stage school and youth theatre. My time at stage school has been tremendously exciting, from learning audition techniques to stage and acting skills. These years have allowed me to make lifelong friends, as well as find a hobby that I am very passionate about. My confidence has also improved so much since I had my first principal role as Mrs. Beaver in ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. I have performed in many shows over the years, which give members an opportunity to display acting, singing and dancing as well as their own talents which they wish to show to an audience.
I am now a leader at Basingstoke Stage School alongside an amazing team. I can now pass all the skills I was taught at stage school to a new, wide-ranging group of students who are just starting. In my workshop planning, I cover many new topics so the students can learn as well as enjoy the activities that they are involved with.
EMMA
LEADER
I became a member of Basingstoke Stage School when I was 8 years old, my first show being 'Cinderella' back in 2013. My favourite role was Lucy in 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' in 2016; at age 10, it was the first lead role I had ever played and, though it was a challenge, it was one of the best experiences of my life! Stage school truly helped me find my love for performing; I gained so many skills alongside so much confidence and a family too.
I became a leader at the start of September 2021 and it’s been such an adventure already. Most sessions, I run musical theatre workshops and play drama games with main stage school, whilst also assisting with rehearsals for upcoming shows. My first experience directing is ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, being performed in summer 2023. I’m currently studying for my Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts at QMC and hope to eventually work in theatre professionally, although I currently work in a milkshake bar! I received an A* in my first year of A- Level Drama, alongside a NODA Youth Award in 2022 for my contribution to amateur theatre in Basingstoke.