From an early age Tom has been on stage in many different forms including acting, singing, dance, live music, stage management, production, lighting and sound. As a child Tom took part in gymnastics with the Spalding gymnastic club through which he gained many awards. He also took part in numerous disciplines of martial arts, in which he gained silver in the regional championships. After the completion of his A levels he aided the Thomas Cowley High School's Drama Department as a Technical Assistant and later became the Technical Director for the schools productions. During this period he also worked with theatre groups, and live music.
Releasing the rewards of working with children he took a temporary position within the Gleed Girls Technology College which aided him with the skills required to teach a class effectively.
After leaving the Gleed Tom with Gemma decided to set up The Trapdoor Theatre Academy becoming a registered teacher with LAMDA and Trinity Guildhall.
Gemma Page
Head of Dance and Musical Theatre
Gemma started dancing at the age of three with the Burrow-Smith Academy of Dancing in Derbyshire under the tuition of Katrina Burrow-Smith (Fellow of the IDTA) and studied Ballet, Tap, Theatre Craft, Modern Jazz, Freestyle, Dance exercise and Line dancing, working through exams with the IDTA.
At the age of 9 she joined the Anne Lee School of Speech and drama working through drama exams with the Guildhall school of Speech and drama.
Gemma then went on to read Theatre Studies and English at University where she gained a BA Hons degree. She continued to perform in many shows singing, dancing and acting. She has performed with many different companies and in various venues including the Millennium Dome.
Releasing that Performing and teaching was her true passion she went on to complete her Drama and English teaching qualification at Bishop Grosseteste Collage gaining a PGCE QTS.
Gemma then furthered her dancing qualifications under the tuition of Sally Dennis (Fellow and Examiner of the IDTA) gaining professional performing and teaching qualifications.
Gemma now works as the Dance and Drama Facilitator at The Thomas Cowley High School, is the head of dance and musical theatre at Trapdoor Theatre Academy and is the Choreographer of Spalding Amateur Operatic Society.
Lucy Allen
Student Teacher and Dance Teaching Assistant
Lucy has attended Trapdoor Theatre Academy since its inception and we are glad to welcome her to our staff. She has started her teacher training in dance and assists in many of the dance classes, working towards her qualifications with the ITDA. Not only is Lucy a talented dancer but she is also working through her professional musical theatre exam. All the children love Lucy and she is a welcome addition to the the team.
