About Theatretrain Chester
Building Confidence & Training The Next Generation Of Performers…
Hi, I'm Steve!
Hi, I’m Steve! I’m the Company Director here at Theatretrain Chester, where my job is to ensure that your children are enjoying their professional theatre training in a fun and creative way.
I took over Chester Theatretrain in April 2005 and over the next four years successfully opened the schools in Wrexham, a second Chester School on Fridays and then the Mold School. My role is to oversee the artistic and teaching standards within the schools. I also regularly lead classes if teachers are off for any reason and I also create all of our productions by bringing together the various aspects of the show at the final stages of rehearsal. As well as leading workshops in primary schools in the area I regularly act and direct. Having been a member of Tip Top Productions since the company’s inception I have the responsibility of being the group’s Chair and Artistic Director. I have worked as a professional actor on stage and TV screen.
In July 2022 I received the Outstanding Centre Director Award at The Theatretrain Annual Conference.
Learn Genuine Theatre Principles While You Make Friends At Theatretrain Chester
The Theatretrain Way puts theatre back into the performing arts. Along with technical performance skills in acting, singing and dancing, young people get the chance to release their creativity in a safe and friendly place. Here, in an environment nurturing confidence and empathy, our students can expand to be more than they ever thought they could be. Our aim isn’t just to create better performers, but to help your children reach their full potential.
We Create The Welcoming Environment Where Aspiring Performers Thrive
Gain Skills For All Aspects Of Life, Not Just The Big Stage.
Meet the Theatretrain Chester team
Learn more about our team and get to know what we’re all about.
Leah
Tyson
Dance Teacher – Saturdays
Leah has been dancing since the age of 2 and later on took exams in ballet, modern and tap. She went on to train at Cartrefle College in performing arts and then onto Dance City in Newcastle. After her training, Leah danced professionally abroad for many years before coming back to her home town where she is now Team Leader- Venue Liaison for British Isles DBT Training and the Dance Teacher for Theatretrain, Chester. Leah has been fortunate enough to perform at the O2 Arena with her son Sam. Leah has performed for many years with Tip Top Productions in shows such as; Beauty and the Beast, La Cage Aux Folles and Cats. Leah has also choreographed numerous Pantomimes for Grove Park Theatre.
Phoebe Tasker
Acting Teacher – Saturdays
Phoebe is currently in her second year on the BA Hons Musical Theatre course at The Hammond, following A-Levels at Cronton Sixth Form College where she performed in shows such as “The Secret Garden,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” and “A Christmas Carol.” Her skills began from a young age at Diverse Performing Arts, where she gained several distinctions from LAMDA, before beginning her journey as an acting teacher. Phoebe is also a member of the Liverpool Empire Youth Theatre, where she has performed in productions such as “Bring It On,” “Footloose,” and “We Will Rock You.”
Carl Jones
Acting Teacher – Fridays
Carl was our Tinies & Minis Teacher in Chester for six years. He is currently Dance Teacher at Mold on Saturday mornings.
He has been singing acting and dancing from the age of 9 and has taken several exams in ballet and tap. He completed the BTEC in Performing Arts at Coleg Cambria. In 2013 Carl was a member of the National Youth Choir for Wales where he performed at The Royal Albert Hall on the opening night of the proms. He has been a member of NEWdance youth company and has performed with them for the last 4 years. In 2015 he became a member of The National Youth Dance Company of Wales, performing in two venues in Wales and a residency performing in Sadlers Wells. As a volunteer, Carl supported the pupils at our Mold School with our appearance at The O2 in 2013 and also teaches at our after school clubs in Ysgol Bryn Coch, Ysgol Penarlag, Ysgol Bryn Deva and St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s
Grace Sheriff
Dance Teacher – Fridays
Barbara Davies
Desk Manager – Saturdays
Barbara has been at the helm for both Chester Theatretrain Schools since January 2008 and she is always there to provide whatever support is needed for the children and to try and answer any questions thrown at her by parents and pupils alike. She has worked with children for many years, coaching young netball teams and as “Brown Owl” with Marchwiel Brownies for 15 years before getting heavily involved with the theatre. She has been an active member with Tip Top Productions both on and off stage since the early 90’s, performing in various musicals and pantos and assisting with sewing costumes too. She later became wardrobe manager, a role which took up most of her spare time for many years. Since being with Theatretrain her sewing machine has been dusted off many times when costumes have needed sewing for our local and national productions, her favourite being 70 nuns for the Blues Brothers Show in the Palace Theatre, Manchester. (A project supported by a few seamstress parents thankfully!!!)
Claire Dodd
Minis & Tinies Teacher – Saturdays
Claire has been involved in performing arts since the age of 13 when she performed in her first Pantomime, Cinderella, as part of the chorus.
She has performed on stage with Tip Top Productions for many years in larger musicals such as Annie, My Fair Lady and Hello, Dolly! Since having her own children she has taken more of a back stage role for Theatretrain helping with costume changes and making sure the children are side of stage ready for their debuts. She has also acted as relief desk manager for the last 4 years covering all 4 schools when needed.
Claire says that being a part of Theatretrain is a very exciting experience and she has been fortunate enough to be part of the team when they have taken challenging performances at the O2 Arena and The Royal
Albert Hall with amazing end results; it is very rewarding to see everyone having fun.
Wendy Healiss
Classroom Assistant – Saturdays
Connie Dawson
Tinies and Minis Assistant – Saturdays
Connie has always enjoyed the performing arts, first taking part with Theatretrain at the age of 7. She loved her time at Theatretrain, most notably playing Serena and Miss Sherman in Fame Jr, the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and performing at the Royal Albert Hall.
Connie has also performed in school productions and most recently in Theo in Between with British Youth Music Theatre.
Connie is delighted to return to Theatretrain to share her passion for musical theatre with the TT Minis and Tinies.
Carly Dallen
Singing Teacher – Saturdays
Carly trained in Musical Theatre at Merseyside Dance and Drama Centre in Liverpool. She went on to perform professionally for 16 years. Carly spent several years as a lead production vocalist onboard various cruise ships, performing in a range of shows from Rock n Roll to Les Miserables.
During her career as a singer Carly was fortunate enough to travel to the UAE for several contracts including the Bahrain Formula 1. Her favourite genre is Musical Theatre, however, Carly was also part of an ABBA tribute and enjoyed performing in a couple of Murder Mystery style plays too.
One of Carly’s favourite times of the year was always pantomime season, where she would take on the role of Fairy, she performed at theatres across the country from Torquay to York including a few years in Wrexham!
After having her first child Carly began to teach singing and Musical Theatre alongside filming for Cruise TV. She loves to see children develop their voices and find enjoyment in music. She believes it builds confidence and loves to challenge the children to reach their full potential.
The Theatretrain Story
Theatretrain was founded on the belief that the performing arts should be accessible to everyone, no matter their age, skill or ability. Our large-scale productions are unique to Theatretrain and invite our students to enjoy the learning experience and be a part of something bigger than themselves.
The world’s your stage at Theatretrain Chester!
See our session times and book your initial taster below…
