OUR SCHOOL
Plymouth Performing Arts Academy (PPAA) is Plymouth’s newest, and most exciting Performing Arts company. Run by experienced West-End professionals and fully qualified Performing Arts specialists, students meet and perform alongside some of the West End’s biggest stars, as well as many other opportunities to shine in PPAA productions and local events. Our students are encouraged to be professional, polished and authentic in their approach to the Performing Arts, whilst learning new skills, having fun and meeting new friends.
STAFF PROFILES
Principal - Amy Clarke BA (Hons) PGCE(M)
Amy gained a First Class BA (Hons) degree as a Musical Theatre performer at Guildford School of Acting (GSA), and was the first recipient of the Michael Gaunt scholarship for full fees. Upon graduating Amy was awarded the GSA Musical Theatre Prize. She went on to appear in several West End, Touring, Regional and International productions. Her theatre credits include Beryl in ‘Brief Encounter’ (Lyric Theatre, London), Isobel in ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ (Savoy Theatre, London), Lost Boy Twin in ‘Peter Pan-The play’ (Savoy Theatre, London), Walk with the Angels (Soho Theatre), Ensemble in 'Anything Goes' (National Tour), Bobbi/Gabbi in ‘City of Angels’ (International), Velma in ‘Scooby Doo in Stagefright’ (UK and International), Cleo in ‘The Most Happy Fella’ (Young Vic, London), Ensemble in ‘Barnum’, and ‘Anyone can Whistle’. After deciding that the performers life was no longer for her, Amy worked as a Casting Associate on television programmes such as ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Torchwood’ and ‘The Sarah-Jane Adventures’ alongside Andy Pryor CDG. Amy also worked as Associate Director on the Australia and New Zealand tours of 'Scooby-Doo Live on stage'. Upon meeting her husband, Amy trained as a Secondary Drama/Performing Arts teacher. Upon qualifying in 2010, Amy very quickly became Head of Drama at Ivybridge Community College (the highlight of her time here being the director of a production of ‘Les Miserables’ with over 180 students). Amy also tutors for LAMDA examinations in Acting, Shakespeare, Musical Theatre and Verse & Prose. Amy also prepares students for Drama School and professional auditions. She has recently had students successfully audition for 'School of Rock' (West End), 'Matilda-The Musical' (West End & UK Tour) and 'Annie' (UK Tour). She has also successfully coached students who have been offered places at numerous Drama schools.
Leanne Rogers BA (Hons) PGCE(M)
Leanne was born and raised in Plymouth where she attended the Raleigh School of Speech and Drama and The Jurek Sroka School of Dance. She was also a committed member of the Theatre Royal Youth Music Theatre, taking part in 7 productions before gaining a place at the prestigious Guildford School of Acting. Credits include- Les Miserables, understanding and playing Madame Thenardier opposite Matt Lucas and Alfie Boe, playing Rosie on the International tour of Mamma Mia! Playing Donna, Rosie and Tanya in the West end production of Mamma Mia! Understudy Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, Oliver!, Vanity Fair, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Speed dating- the musical, The Snow Queen, 16 Gobs, seasons at Regent's Park, Chichester Festival Theatre, The Savoy. Television appearances- Top of the Pops Christmas Special, Tonight's the Night with John Barrowman, The Lawrence Olivier Awards with Les Mis, This Morning. Leanne was also lucky to be chosen to form part of the choir for the Les Miserables movie. Leanne is now a qualified Drama and Performing Arts teacher.
Chris Hamilton BA (Hons)
Chris trained at Mountview Theatre School. For the past 14 years, Chris has brought his love of theatre, musicals, singing and performance to a range of professional work in Cornwall and Devon including: lecturing Performing Arts and Musical Theatre at Cornwall College; Directing a wide range of plays, musicals and performance work - most recently a production of The Addams Family at Sterts Arts Centre; MD and singing teacher for an array of organisations and private students; Cabaret entertainment; Composition. Chris, and some of his colleagues, also established Cribhut Theatre, producing original plays and musicals, as well as hosting concerts, in Cornwall. He is now also working with the Chris Treglown Fund charity organisation supporting future pathways and opportunities in the Arts. At heart, Chris is a performer who seeks to inspire and nurture the love he holds for performance in others.