PQA Shrewsbury.

Tom Barker - Principal PQA Cardiff

Passionate about performing arts training for children and young people.

Hi, I'm Tom Barker, and I am thrilled to be your principal at PQA Cardiff! Born and raised in Cardiff, I have been involved in theatre from a young age. At 10-years-old I played the part of Farmer Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz and the rest, as they say, is history! I continued in theatre throughout my teens and 20s and have been lucky enough to perform in a wide variety of shows and mediums.

In 2011, I moved to London to study, and in 2014, I graduated top of my class with first-class honours in drama (BA) from the University of Greenwich, where I was also awarded the LLT award for outstanding contribution to the drama department. I am also qualified at advanced level in stage combat with the Academy of Performance Combat (APC). While studying and in the year following, I continued to work acting, directing, writing, and teaching before the opportunity to open Wales' first PQA here at home in Cardiff arose, an opportunity I jumped at! Having been a part of, and having taught, theatre at youth level I know how valuable a life skill it is to be able to communicate well, learn empathy and get some confidence. It's also a fantastic place to make new friends and have lots of fun! At PQA Cardiff we strive to create a safe, enjoyable environment where our students can learn a whole host of new skills and express themselves. I hope to meet you soon!