PQA Torbay.

Amy Haynes

I am delighted to be working with PQA Torbay. I have always had an interest in dance but never thought I would be offered the opportunity to work with such talented teachers and students, everyone enjoys what they do and we all have lots of fun. I really enjoy working with the children and getting stuck into all the different topics. I would describe myself as a caring bubbly person with lots of energy. I have trained in first aid and your child safety is my priority. I am looking forward to learning new things In the future.

Amy Lockwood

I have been interested in performing arts from a very young age, regularly attending performing art groups and performing in shows. I decided to pursue my love of the Arts and completed a Performing Arts Course at South Devon College gaining a merit. Liverpool Arts College was my next step to achieving my dream where I completed a 2 year BTEC National Diploma in Dance, receiving a distinction. I have performed in a number of different shows at a number of different venues around the UK. These shows include, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver, Annie, A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the roof and many more. After my training, I have used my skills that I have learnt to teach children at PQA Exeter, Street dance and am a part of the So Street Dance group. I am really excited about being given the opportunity to teach at PQA Torbay and look forward to meeting all of the students and being able to see them all grow and learn as individuals, whilst doing something that they enjoy.

Davinia Monk

Davinia has had a passion for all aspects of theatre from an early age when she was first introduced to panto and was called upon for audience participation! Competing for many years in the South West Drama and Music festival playing the flute, oral speech and choir and dance. She has studied ballet, modern, tap, ballroom, contemporary and disco (becoming South West Champion !) She has worked with various local children’s theatre groups as an assistant to the director during weekly workshops, shows and productions for over 20 years and also stages management. A licenced chaperone and holds an enhanced DBS as well as being 1st Aid trained. As well as assisting with shows Davinia enjoys making, designing costumes and props for the show – however, at school, her Needlework teacher told her she would never be able to make a full garment as kept changing the original pattern !! Shows she has costumed include Disneys Aladdin, Little Mermaid, Guys & Dolls, Bugsy Malone, Annie, Oliver, Into The Woods, PQA’s Troubles A Brewin’ at Her Majesty Theatre. She is now fortunate to have a “work” studio cabin where she can store everything and craft away. In her ‘spare’ time Davinia also still likes to keep her hand in performing and can be seen treading the boards with Paignton Pantomime Productions. She is looking forward to working, designing, and making costumes for all the groups/shows at PQA.

Jenna Church

Jenna has been trained in Performing arts from the early age of 4 with her primary focus being in all areas of dance. She has trained and gained professional grading from Pre Primary all the way through to Advanced 2 in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz, and also trained in acrobatics separately. Ballet/lyrical is her favourite genre of dance to teach and to perform and hopes to pass on the passion she shares with the onto the students at PQA Torbay. She trained with the Royal Academy Of Dance, and the International Society of Teachers of Dancing gaining teaching qualifications in both. As well as teaching, Jenna is an active dancer/showgirl performing in a variety of different showcases in a variety of different venues. Jenna has also performed with the “English National Youth Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet” and has performed on various big name stages in London such as the Royal Albert Hall, and Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Joshua Monk

Joshua is currently studying for a Sports degree at Marjon University, combining his passion for physical performance with academic knowledge. He is a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Karate, and always actively teaches and trains others, sharing the discipline and focus that Martial Arts has taught him. He was lucky enough to train with the Grand Masters last year in Okinawa, Japan. Josh’s love for the stage started at an early age where he was cast as Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol with Bijou at Palace Theatre at just 5 years old. He has been performing ever since. Over time, Josh’s interests have expanded behind the scenes as well - he is now involved in Technical Theatre and Stage Management, bringing productions to life from both sides of the curtain. Josh’s most recent performances were being the “Giant” in Jack & The Beanstalk with Paignton Panto Productions and King Triton in Little Mermaid, again both at The Palace Theatre. Over the years, Josh has honed his craft by studying with various drama organisations, allowing him to expand his skills and knowledge in the performing arts. He started coaching drama as an assistant in children's musical theatre, helping young performers grow in confidence and creativity as part of his Bronze & Silver Duke of Edinburgh award at a local theatre group. Whether on stage, in the Dojo, or behind the scenes, Josh is passionate about movement, performance, and inspiring others and he is especially looking forward working at PQA.

Katie Young

Kate is thrilled to be back at PQA Torbay but on the teaching side. She was at the very first open day of this academy and stayed for many years and thrived in so many things. Outside of PQA, Kate has been performing since she was 3 years old throughout the South West which she trained at a local dance school learning many techniques. From this she has had fabulous opportunities more than once performing in Easter pantomimes with Bobby Davro, Dani harmer and Lee from Steps. When she was at this academy herself she was fortunate to perform At Shaftesbury Theatre at the West End in London, as a leading Principal in one of PQA’s own show. As Kate loved helping the younger ones she realised she loves to teach, which is why she came back to PQA to inspire the future of performing arts.

Ollie Newton-Browne

Ollie studied Digital Media at Falmouth University graduating with a 2:1. Throughout the course his interest lay mainly with the video documentation of his projects which included such things as interactive, internet of things controlled, cosplays (costumes) and a chat up line vending machine - The Casanova. Before his studies and during the holidays Ollie worked at local UNESCO gateway site, Kents Cavern, as a tour guide and Ghost Show Spook. It was in the caves that he grew a passion for storytelling, be that through the lens or around the "shell fire." As well as his roll at PQA Torbay Ollie is also the videographer for the Wild Planet Trust creating video and digital content for three zoo sites, Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo and Living Coasts. Think of your favourite animal, he's probably filmed it - from ferocious lions to the smallest of ants there's always an interesting story to tell. Ollie is excited to be joining the team and to be working with the next generation of talent at PQA.

Seren Wilson

Seren has had a passion for performing arts from a very young age where she joined PQA Torbay as a student at 11yrs! From here, her love continued to grow and she gained more confidence in dancing and singing particularly, highlighting her desire to progress. Since then, over time, Seren has participated in multiple dance classes, gaining her Gold Jazz qualification with distinction and receiving 94% distinction in her grade 7 singing qualification. She have completed many shows and continues to actively work in the show industry within Torbay when she can. Seren recently moved to Guildford and did 9 months of professional training in Musical Theatre, which has made her more confident in this field and even more excited to share this with PQA. Seren hopes her passion and excitement for performance radiates onto the children of PQA and she certainly hopes they will feel just as happy and inspired here, like she always did as a student.

Victoria Balster