Background

John Hudson Music Productions Ltd opened the first of its stage schools, Tyneside Stage School, in September 2000. This was partly as a reaction to complaints from many of the children who came to John Hudson for private tuition in singing, that there was nowhere for them to go to learn performing arts. Following John and Elissa's own experiences in the local area, where they found that many groups focussed on singing, dance or drama - but very rarely all three - they decided that the time was right to fill a hole in the area of performing arts tuition. The hole was obviously larger than they thought, as Tyneside Stage School has been full now for more than three years, with demand often exceeding available places. In 2003, the company opened Durham Stage School, offering opportunities to students in Durham and the surrounding area to gain the same experience. A second class was also opened in Tyneside, in response to demand for places.

Stage School Values

The main basis of the Stage Schools is that children and young people should be able to attend classes where they learn something about the three main disciplines of singing, drama and dance, with opportunities to use this knowledge in productions for families, friends and the general public. Rather than simply staging productions where the cast learn specific scenes, songs and dance routines, John and Elissa want their students to develop skills which will take them from one production to the next, from one theatre group or company to another, and from being a hobby to further training or professional employment. Their classes are a balance between having fun and enjoying performing yet developing the kind of discipline needed for rehearsals and stage work. Time and again John and Elissa's principles have been shown to be correct, as students have moved on to other courses, work or productions - always successfully.

Durham Stage School

Durham Stage School opened in April 2003 following the continued success of its sister school Tyneside Stage School. Rehearsing at Framwellgate Moor Primary School, Durham Stage School follows the company's established format in offering students the chance to gain an all-round education in performing arts. Focussing on singing, drama and dance, students also have the opportunity to learn stagecraft, microphone techniques etc and become involved in professional work.

Tyneside Stage School

Tyneside Stage School rehearses at Temple Park Junior School, South Shields every Sunday, with the first class running from 10.00pm - 1.00pm and the second class taking place from 2.00pm - 5.00pm. Students in both classes are working towards a Christmas Extravaganza, to be staged at the Library Theatre, South Shields, in December 2003, and will start rehearsals for their next Customs House production (June 2004) after the Christmas break.

Student Safety

Both Stage Schools rehearse in local authority primary/junior schools, an environment that children are familiar with and feel safe in. John Hudson Music Productions Ltd is always the sole user of the school at Stage School times, to ensure that the students only come into contact with other students and members of staff, thus ensuring the security of the children at all times. Members of staff are police checked and qualified in first aid, and support staff are always on hand to deal with any problems.

Staff

Both Tyneside Stage School and Durham Stage School benefit from the expertise of John Hudson for singing classes, while Elissa Hudson takes drama and stage-work. Dance and choreography during classes and for shows is supplied by professional dancers and choreographers who are sourced and approved by John and Elissa to provide the highest levels of dance work for the students of the stage schools.

Further Opportunities

Students from Tyneside Stage School have gone on to professional work in voice-overs, acting, singing and dancing, on stage as well as in recordings and on television. Students have also successfully auditioned for the National Youth Theatre, local and London-based performing arts courses, as well as enjoying success in regional and national talent competitions.

Becoming a Member

New students are welcome to join either school without audition, subject to available places and progress of rehearsals, as John and Elissa firmly believe that all potential students should be given the opportunity to discover hidden talents - after all, you could have the next big superstar lying on your settee! Contact us for further information and to discuss availability of places, or fill in our online application form!