Introducing First Performers Academy @ Studio 48 – a dynamic new performing arts academy for aspiring performers aged 14 to 20 who are serious about their future in the arts.
What sets us apart?
Our teaching faculty comprises of highly experienced industry professionals who are still active in their fields and fully qualified educators, ensuring that every session is led by experts with first-hand knowledge of the performing arts landscape.
At First Performers Academy, students will receive focused, one-on-one guidance in small classes, ensuring personalised attention and care. We emphasise industry-standard training where students are encouraged to concentrate fully on their own development.Our facilities include a sprung dance floor with mirrors and barres, and a dedicated theatre space for acting and musical theatre, providing an ideal environment for refining technique and performance skills.
Each six-week term explores different styles, giving students a comprehensive foundation in various disciplines. At the end of every term, students will showcase their talents in a performance, gaining real-world experience on stage.
We offer flexible payment options, whether per session or for full six-week terms, and with 75-minute sessions – longer than most 45-60 local classes – our focus on both technique and performance is unmatched.
Located in association with Peterborough College, part of the IEG Group, First Performers Academy @ Studio 48 provides a safe and secure environment with on-site security, ample parking, and easy access to public transport.
If you’re ready to take your performing arts journey to the next level, First Performers Academy is here to guide you every step of the way.
Study with us every term-time Thursday evening from 5:15pm!
At First Performers Academy, we offer a focused and comprehensive curriculum designed for students to master their chosen discipline. Our two main strands are Dance and Acting, with students selecting one as their primary focus for each six-week term. Here’s what you can expect from each strand:
Dance:
In our dance programme, students will explore a range of styles designed to build a strong technical foundation, versatility, and performance confidence. Each term will study a different Dance form:
- Term 1 – Commercial Dance: A high-energy style that blends Street dance, Jazz and Latin, perfect for aspiring performers in music videos, pop culture, and the commercial dance world.
- Term 2 – Contemporary: A fluid, emotive style that incorporates elements of ballet, modern dance, and improvisation, encouraging creativity and expression.
- Term 3 – Jazz: A lively and expressive form of dance known for its sharp movements, dynamic leaps, and theatrical flair.
- Term 4 – Ballet, Body Conditioning and Stretch: Ballet is the foundation of most dance styles and incredibly important for any performer wanting to pursue a dance career. Focused on strength, flexibility, and endurance, body conditioning helps dancers prevent injury and improve their physical stamina and performance quality, whilst stretch focuses on increasing mobility and flexibility. Essential for any dancer.
Acting:
Our acting programme offers a deep dive into various theatrical traditions and techniques, helping students develop their craft through different performance styles:
- Term 1 – Epic Theatre: A style pioneered by Bertolt Brecht, designed to provoke thought and social change, often breaking the “fourth wall” to engage the audience directly.
- Term 2 – Physical Theatre: A form of performance that emphasises the use of physical movement, gesture, and body language to tell a story or express emotions.
- Term 3 – Naturalism: A realistic approach to acting where performers embody lifelike characters and everyday situations, aiming for authenticity and emotional truth.
- Term 4 – Verbatim Theatre: By using real dialogue, verbatim theatre creates a powerful connection between the audience and the real-life events or individuals being depicted.
Main Strands & Studio 48 Company:
As part of your training, you will choose Dance or Acting as your primary focus for each six-week term, allowing you to immerse yourself in technique and performance skills within that discipline. In addition to your main strand, you will have the opportunity to participate in Studio 48 Company sessions, where dancers and actors collaborate to study Musical Theatre OR prepare Showcase Material for the end-of-term performance.
* Please Note, students can only join the Studio 48 company sessions and performances if they have attended a primary focus class of Dance or Acting.
This unique combination of focused strand work and collaborative sessions ensures that all students receive specialised training while also gaining valuable experience in multi-disciplinary performance settings.
Whether you aim to pursue a career in the performing arts or continue your studies at a higher level, First Performers Academy @ Studio 48 provides the perfect environment to hone your craft and shine on stage.
Where and When?
First Performers Academy sessions take place on Thursday evenings, offering both Main Strand and Company sessions. *Please note, company sessions are only available if you have attended either the Dance or Acting strand sessions.
- Main Strand Sessions: (Dance or Acting): 5:15 PM – 6:30 PM
- Studio 48 Company Sessions: (Musical Theatre OR Showcase Prep): 6:45 PM – 8:00 PM
- End-of-Term Performance: 8:15 PM – 9:00 PM on the final Thursday of each 6-week term
Term Dates (every term-time Thursday):
- Term 1: January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13
- Term 2: February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
- Term 3: April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
- Term 4: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10
- Summer School: Dates TBC
Cost
| Individual sessions | £8 |
| Main strand session plus Company session |
£14 (saving of £2) |
| Main strand 6 weeks purchased in bulk | £40 (save £8) |
| Main strand and Company 6 week plus Showcase purchased in bulk | £75 |
Meet the Team:
Gemma McDowell – Dance & Musical Theatre
Gemma studied her foundation degree in Contemporary and Choreography at the prestigious conservatoire Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and later, a Level 6 Higher National Diploma in Musical Theatre at Bodyworks Cambridgeshire Performing Arts.
Gemma has worked extensively as a Commercial and Contemporary dancer, Musical theatre performer and Cabaret performer in Europe and the UK, and later became the National Choreographer and Show director for French company Siblu Villages Europe. Gemma is the director of First Performers entertainment and also works as a Dance Lecturer at Peterborough College. She also performs as Lead singer with local band ‘The Contacts’ who have recently supported groups ‘The Real thing’ and ‘Aswad’ Gemma has extensive technical and industry knowledge in dance and musical theatre, as well as a level 5 degree in education and training from City and Guilds and is excited to share her knowledge and expertise with a new generation of performers!
Robbie Logue – Acting
Robbie graduated from the University of Bedfordshire, where he studied theatre and the performing arts at undergraduate and Masters Level. With a background in the world of theatre, Robbie has performed in stage productions of plays ‘Bouncers’ and ‘The History Boys’ as well as various on-screen roles for music video productions.
Robbie is a dedicated performing arts and acting educator at Peterborough College and specialist acting coach for First Performers Academy. He brings his passion for contemporary theatre styles and techniques, innovative use of digital technology in the arts and the art of devising to bring to life productions such as ‘Animal Farm’, ‘Treasure Island’ and Macbeth.
Together Gemma and Robbie make an experienced, knowledgeable and exciting teaching duo, having produced various productions together over the past 3 years such as ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘Our House the musical’, ‘Dick Whittington’ and ‘The Addams Family Musical’ and they look forward to producing future showcases and original shows with First Performers Academy and the Studio 48 company members.
To book a session or term with First Performers Academy, please complete this form:
You will receive confirmation of your booking which will include general information, what to expect and details of how to pay.