THIS IS THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF
The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama
Maureen Headford established the Stage Door School of Dance and Drama in 1971 and, as a major examiner of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, she travels and examines worldwide. Before starting out on her teaching career, Maureen worked both in the theatre and television. She danced with the Western Theatre Ballet under the direction of Elizabeth West and Peter Darrell, and appeared for over two years on a live weekly chat show for ATV television. She has appeared in many other television documentaries and plays. Maureen has both co-directed and choreographed past pantomimes at the Pavilion Theatre. She has been privileged to work with Roy Castle, Lesley Crowther, Buster Merryfield, Cannon and Ball, Roy Hudd, Clive Dunn, and many other wonderful stage performers.
Co-director of the School is Maureen’s daughter, Julie, a Fellow of the ISTD. Julie, also a former professional dancer, has had many years of theatre experience and for over ten years was the juvenile co-ordinator and assistant choreographer for Michael Rose’s Christmas productions at the Lighthouse Theatre, Poole. Julie also manages the cabaret dance act “Starburst Dancers” and runs the two branch schools in Bransgore and Christchurch.
The drama section is under the direction of Mark Osmond and the newly opened Musical Theatre Singing course is run by Mary Mason – both of them bringing a wealth of entertainment expertise into the School.
The Full-time Performing Arts and Teachers course is the only one of its kind in Bournemouth and runs under the name of Stage Door College. The College is also an approved ISTD Dance Centre for teacher training. Here students can study for ISTD Diploma qualifications. Past students of the college are working on Cruise ships and touring productions, Hannah Toy is currently appearing in Wicked in the West End. Many others have opened their own Dance and Theatre schools in England, in Perth, Australia and Germany.
This will be the 40th year The Stage Door School of Dance and Drama has been training and providing juveniles and dancers for professional productions.
If you would like more information about joining the School or College, please visit our website at www.stagedoordance.co.uk Children can start from the age of 3 years. We would love to be able to help more youngsters develop their talents and to fulfil their dreams.