PQA Bedford.

Grace Diaz

Craig McDermott

My background in the entertainment industry started in 1996 when I trained as a professional dancer at the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts. I went on to perform in many West End productions of We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever, Footloose, along with UK and International touring productions such as Wizard of Oz and Boogie Nights. In addition to this I was fortunate enough to work within the TV and Film industry working alongside the likes of Madonna and Kenneth Brannagh and working on the hit ITV show The X-Factor. It has always been a privilege to be able to share my experience with others and I have been lucky enough to teach and choreograph for some of the top performing arts colleges and schools creating shows from conception to production.

Kirstie Morgan

I’m an aspiring Dancer and Musical Theatre performer currently entering my third year of professional training at Stella Mann College of Performing Arts. I began performing at the age of 2 in my local dance class, and over the years, my love for Musical Theatre has grown alongside my dance training. I’ve completed Advanced Foundation examinations in Ballet and Jazz, and Intermediate in Tap through the British Theatre Dance Association. Recent performance highlights include dancing on the Main Stage at Move It in London and representing my college at the Can You Dance? conventions in Norwich and Sheffield. My performance experience spans musicals, professional pantomimes, screen work (including an Amazon pilot), and international work, most notably performing at Disneyland Paris and on the West End stage at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Favourite roles include Macavity in Cats and Ethel McCormack in Footloose. Alongside performing, I’ve been passionate about teaching since the age of 13, assisting and leading classes across all ages - from baby ballet to adult tap. I’ve also held leadership roles as Head Girl, Dance Prefect, and earned Bronze, Silver, and Gold Sports Leadership awards. A recent highlight was co-choreographing Shrek the Musical at PQA, which inspired my long-term goal of opening my dance school. I’m passionate about sharing my experience with the next generation and believe that inspiring others is one of the most fulfilling parts of this industry.

Leanne Lyndsey

From the age of 12, I have mostly been found in the rehearsal room, taking musical theatre classes or showing off on a stage! My most recent appearances include Rita in Made In Dagenham, Cathy in The Last Five Years, Maureen in Rent and Amanda in Private Lives. I also love to work behind the scenes, and have directed shows such as Spring Awakening, Rent, and have musically-directed Little Shop Of Horrors and a number of pantos. I've taught at numerous stage schools, as well as working for a local charity supporting vulnerable young people and touring South-East England with an interactive, anti-bullying play for schools. I am a proud member of Hufflepuff House, and an even prouder mum to my little daughter, Matilda. My days off are spent playing make believe, singing lullabies and dancing around the living room, much to Matilda's confusion! I can’t wait to get started with this fantastic school, and to help the students of Bedford learn new ways to express the things that make them magic!

Rebecca Adis

My journey began when I attended a PQA academy as a child, hoping to learn and gain experience in the acting world. However, it was at PQA where I discovered my love for filmmaking instead. From creating short films and music videos in my bedroom, I went on to study at the University of Sussex and I achieved a BA (Hons) degree in filmmaking. Currently, I’m a freelance Filmmaker/Content creator, working across a wide range platforms and with several organizations. I enjoy helping people create digital content for companies who occasionally need a creative filmmaking eye, as well as working in the film industry alongside creative professionals. I have created several short films for film festivals and I hope to do the same with our students. My passion is making films, and I am super-excited to pass on my knowledge of the filmmaking industry onto our students!

Sam Turton

Bio coming soon...

Samuel Anderton

I am a Bedford-born actor, musician and creative originally on the career path to becoming a scientist, until I crossed the threshold into the world of the performing arts and never looked back. I studied Theatre and Professional Practice at the University of Bedfordshire not only to develop my acting but to learn how to direct and make theatre itself. I recently went on a short run of shows around the Madrid area of Spain performing an English adaptation of the Spanish play ‘Magellan’ with Bedford Young Theatre. My experience also delves into working with young people, having worked as a Team Leader for NCS for many years, assisting at my old lower school from time to time as well as providing English and drama tutorage for Spanish exchange students in collaboration with Bedford Young Theatre once more. When not performing for an audience, I still flex my acting and creative skills by playing weekly games of Dungeons & Dragons with my fellow party members. Normally, however, I’m found playing one of my numerous instruments, drawing my next artwork or creating an epic character for new fantastical adventures. I hope I can help inspire and motivate a new generation of young performing artists.

Stephane Diaz

My love for film and TV first started at university when studying music technology. Studying sound design for film got me more interested in actual film editing than sound, and eventually led me to taking the leap in my career and becoming a TV editor in the advertising industry. 15 years later, I worked my way up the ranks starting as a runner picking up tips and tricks from my peers and now I’m a senior editor for one of the largest publishers of news and social content as well as freelancing for other clients as an editor and colourist ranging from short films to commercial music videos and adverts. I joined PQA hoping to give something back and pass on my knowledge to a new generation of budding filmmakers and editors.