Our Team
Sparkles Academy of Performing Arts consists of a team of fun loving, competent, committed and experienced Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Apprentices and Committee members who are passionate about Performing Arts and assisting Children in their Aesthetic Development.
"Happy Theatre Teachers: Generally, a theatre instructor/director doesn't just fall in to the position, they chase it and catch it with a celebratory cheer and a sigh. For any teacher and or actor, it is a privilege to teach children's theatre. It is a safe assumption that your child is being coached and directed by teachers who are thrilled to be doing what they are doing. Theatre can be a cozy place for many children with teachers who care and show enthusiasm for each child's unique special talents." (Statement credit to Angela Capps - Theatre Teacher and Director)
Stephanie D'Aubney (Steffi)
FOUNDER / PRINCIPAL
Classes: Producer, Writer, Director, Musical Director, Musical Theatre, Arts Award Tutor, Stage, Dance Workshop, Minis Tap and Ballet, Drama Coach, Vocal Coach, Private Tuition, Holiday Workshops, Parties
Qualifications:
NNEB Childcare Distinction (Equivilent to HNC)
SEND Diploma Levels 2,3,4
Introduction to Child Psychology
Level 3 Diploma in Child Psychology
Children's Party Planner Diploma
Paedeatric First Aid
First Aid in the Workplace
Enhanced DBS
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Steffi is the Founder and Principal of Sparkles Academy of Performing Arts which was established in 2016.
Her credits include:
Stan (Shoemaker) in The Elves and the Shoemaker
Bill (Tailor) in The Emperor's New Clothes
Wicked Step Mother in Cinderella
Principal role in Aladdin
Buttons in Cinderella (twice)
Numerous song and dance productions
Writer/Producer/Director Aladdin
Writer/Producer/Director Cinderella
Writer/Producer/Director Snow White - The Untold Story Producer/Director The Wizard of Oz
Producer/Director Annie
Producer/Director Matilda the Musical
Producer/Director Oliver
Steffi is a single mother of two children; Angel and Benji and is passionate about teaching children. Steffi has always posessed a natural talent for singing and acting, but at a young age, did not feel confident to pursue such a path. She says "I only wish I'd had the confidence when I was younger"
Steffi has over 35 years experience of working with children and young people from 0-18 years.
Steffi began her career in Childcare as a Nanny before moving onto become a Nursery Nurse at the age of 19. At 22 she took on the position as Manager at a Pre-School in her home county of Kent. After 3 years, she decided to move to another, much larger Nursery, which she successfully managed for 2 years. She then moved on to another, larger still, Nursery, which she successfully managed for a further 2 years. During this time, Steffi worked with The Thomas Coram Foundation as a respite Foster Carer, specialising in working with SEN children. In 2001, Steffi made the decision to move to Southern Spain, where she found her "voice" as it were; and very soon became a member of CATS (Cartama Amateur Theatrical Society). During her time with CATS she became a regular on the Musical Theatre scene, both on and off stage. Steffi performed in Principal roles in several shows, Directed and Choreographed in several more and even wrote, produced and directed several scripts including; The Emperors New Clothes, The Elves and The Shoemaker and Cinderella. This was all until eventually, one co-director decided to leave and Steffi stepped in and took over their part. There was no going back for her at this point, especially as by now, she had already begun working the Southern Spain Circuit; singing professionally and then subsequently directed several more productions.
Steffi was later employed at her daughter's previous Performing Arts Academy as a Teacher, where she taught Stage School, Street Dance, Glee Choir, PopStars Academy, Children's Parties, Holiday Clubs and also choreographed several school productions and from that point, she knew that she could never stop! She has now taught Performing Arts for several years and arrived at a juncture in her life whereby she wanted to share these experiences with both children and adults alike.
In short, Steffi is passionate about teaching and passionate about Performing Arts!
She says "It's never too late to realise and follow your dreams ... Just look at me and what I have achieved"
With this in mind ... Sparkles Academy of Performing Arts was born ...
Angelina D'Aubney (Angel)
MANAGER / TEACHER
Classes: Co-Director, LAMDA, Competition Crew, Dance Workshop, Tap and Ballet, Street Dance, Choreography Creative, Drama Coach, Vocal Coach, Private Tuition, Holiday Workshops, Parties
Qualifications:
Safeguarding Children
Paedeatric First Aid
Enhanced DBS
GCSE: Performing Arts D*, Music D*
Studied Musical Theatre at Pendleton Sixth Form College and attained: D*D*D*
Angel is the daughter of the Founder/Principal of SAPA.
Angel was SAPA's first Apprentice and at the age of 21 she already has a wealth of experience in Performing Arts! She also attendended Stagebox Manchester Elites (Musical Theatre Training Company) on a full scholarship and is looking forward to sharing her training with us. Angel studied at Pendleton - a performing arts college - where she graduated with a perfect grade.
From a young age, Angel has had a passion for performing. She first began singing at the age of 3 and hasn't stopped since. She attended multiple performing arts academies over the years, each furthering her knowledge and passion. It wasn't until she got to highschool that she discovered her passion for dancing. Angel was determined to teach herself how to dance ... which she did, well enough that it got her a place in a leading training school, StageBox. Angel trained with them in their Development Team as she needed some nuturing in her dancing. Within a year and a half, Angel had moved up to the Elite team, was getting regular auditions and was given a full scholarship!
Angel then moved on to College where she studied Musical Theatre under industry professionals. Despite lockdown and learning such a practical subject via zoom, Angel graduated with flying colours with the top grade of D*D*D*.
Angel is everything Performing Arts ... she can sing, dance and act ... she would like to use her experience and knowledge to assist other SAPA pupils.
Her credits include:
Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Wicked Step Mother in Cinderella
Miss Hannigan in Annie
Fairy Godmother in Cinderella
Team Captain on CBBC's The Dog Ate My Homework
Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk
Principle role in Annie
The Artful Dodger in Oliver
The Giant's Wife in Snow White the Untold Story
Several Song and Dance Productions in Sparkles
Multiple Concerts as a Lead Vocalists
Dance Productions at College
School Talent Show:
Year 7 - 1st Place
Year 8 - 3rd Place
Year 9 - 2nd Place
Year 10 - 1st Place
Year 11 - 2nd Place
The only pupil in the school to have won 1st place twice and place every year!!!
Olivia Edmonson
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Assistant Classes: Saturday Stage and Minis Stage
Olivia began her journey at Sparkles in our Wednesday Dance Class, after seeing her friend perform in one of our shows. She then joined the Elites Performing Arts Class and her confidence and ability began to flourish. The Wednesday dance class was changed to AX, with more advanced training and Olivia pushed herself to the limits to become an incredible dancer/actress
Olivia is an asset to the academy in both roles as student and assistant and she is particularly popular with the Minis due to her unending energy in class.
Olivia will be attending Pendleton College in September studying Musical Theatre and it has been an honour to be a part of her success.
Her credits include:
Several showcases both in Sparkles and in School
Miss Hannigan in Annie
Both Michael and Rudolfo in Matilda the Musical
Lily Strong
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Assistant Classes: Tap and Ballet, Jnrs Dance, Saturday Dance
Lily has attend Sparkles since the begining. She started in Saturday Stage and Dance then moved to Elites as soon as she was old enough. Lily's energy and enthusiasm has allowed her to push herself to a very high standard, especially in AX.
Lily is taking the opportunities in her role as assistant in the three dance classes to further her technique training and is keen to pass on what she has learnt to the pupils. She is very much an asset to the academy.
Lily will be attending Pendleton College in September studying Musical Theatre, we are very proud of her success.
Her credits include:
Numerous showcases in both Sparkles and School
The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz
Grace in Annie
The Acrobat in Matilda the Musical
Kai Ravenscroft
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Assistant Class: AX
Kai is another of our original pupils, who stepped through our doors on day one and has worked his way through the past 7 years to his much deserved Teaching Assistant role.
Kai has always shown a great ability in all aspects of Performing Arts but lacked the confidence to push himself; Kai is the perfect example of how the Arts can boost confidence and inspire young people to grow.
One of the most incredible moments of Kai's journey, was when he finally found the courage to stand in front of an audience and sing a solo; from that moment on, there was no stopping him.
Kai has a wonderful attitude to teaching and he is amazing with the younger pupils.
His Credits Include:
Prince Charming in Cinderella
Axle in Snow White the Untold Story
Numerous Sparkles Song and Dance Productions
Mr Warbucks in Annie
The Escapologist in Matilda the Musical
Sarah Carbert
APPRENTICE
Apprentice Class: Juniors Stage
Sarah first attended Sparkles as a pupil in Juniors Stage several years ago, before moving into Seniors Stage and Dance. Her eagerness to learn is incomporable, which has led her to being moved into the Elites Performing Arts Class and next term she will be moving to AX (Elites Dance).
Sarah has a natural talent when it comes to performing, which has been apparent in our many shows. She is dedicated and hard working and an absolute asset to the academy.
Her Credits Include:
Numerous Song and Dance productions both at Sparkles and in school
Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz
Miss Phelps in Matilda the Musical
Lily St Regis in Annie
David Lyon
SAPA COMMITTEE MEMBER - SAFEGUARDING TRAINER AND ADVISOR
David brings a wealth of knowledge to the academy in his role as advisor and committee member. He is always on hand to assist with classes, training of staff and maintenance.
David is Safeguarding / First Aid trained and has an enhanced DBS
Seeta Slater
SAPA COMMITTEE CHAIR - VOLUNTEER
Seeta chairs our parent committee and regularly covers classes. She is Safeguarding and First Aid trained and has an enhanced DBS. She is particularly fond of covering the Minis Stage Class and can often be found dancing and singing with them.
Seeta's daughter has been attending the academy for six and a half years now and they both live and breathe Sparkles.
Seeta is also a member of our Adult's Class (SAAS - Sparkles Adult Amdram Society) and recently played the wicked step-mother in our Charity production of Cinderella
Joanne Chapman
SAPA COMMITTEE SECRETARY - VOLUNTEER
Jo is the secretary of the parent committee and regularly covers classes. She is Safeguarding and First Aid trained and has an enhanced DBS. Jo loves covering the tap and ballet class, any excuse to put on her taps and tutu.
Jo's children have attended classes since we first opened our doors and they are all very much a Sparkles family. Jo and her husband Paul are prop and set masters in our productions.
Jo is also a member of SAAS and recently played The Prince in our Charity production of Cinderella
Stuart O'Brien
SAPA COMMITTEE MEMBER
Stuart's daughter attends our Juniors Dance and Juniors Stage Classes.
Stuart is also a member of SAAS and recently played one of the ugly step sisters in our Charity production of Cinderella
Kirsty O'Brien
SAPA COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kirsty's daughter attends our Juniors Dance and Juniors Stage Classes.
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At Sparkles Academy of Performing Arts, we strive to provide fun and educational classes to all our pupils, irrespective of gender, race and ability. We understand that no two children are alike and as such, each module is designed to suit each child's individual personality and needs. Our quality tutoring covers Drama, Dance, Vocal and Private Tuition, along with Holiday Clubs, Parties and Competitions for children and young people aged 3-18 years.
