Phoenix Film and Theatre School
Phoenix Film and Theatre School offers enjoyable and affordable weekly performing arts training for children aged 5 and above. The school is run by Creative Director Phil Dale who has over 25 years’ experience of working with young people in a theatrical environment. Phil is also a qualified mental health first aider for young people and believes passionately in the ability of theatre to assist the well being of young people regardless of their future aspirations.
Book a free trial session today at our Bishops Stortford branch and start a journey of fun and creativity.
How to find us
Our theatre school in Bishop’s Stortford is based at:
Birchwood High School, Parsonage Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5BD
Free parking is available on site. When you arrive at Birchwood the drop off point is to the left of the main car park as you drive in. Our classes take place in the Main Hall and Theatre Studio which are through the green metal gate between the two buildings. The double door entrance to the Main Hall is on the right-hand side and will be open. Our tutors will meet students at the door.
What to bring to class?
When attending class please wear dark trousers (either tracksuit bottoms or leggings) and your Phoenix Film and Theatre School t-shirt. A bottle of water should also be brought to class.
Spread Your Wings and Fly
Phoenix Film and Theatre School Creative Director Phil Dale talks to alumni who are currenty working in the performing arts industry about their journey, their experiences, their favourite Phoenix memories and any advice they have to those wanting to forge a performing arts career.
“Phoenix provided me with all the opportunities I needed. I wouldn’t have my career today without the highly professional standard of the classes.”
Former Phoenix student Theo went on to gain a place at the world-renowned RADA. He recently starred as Callum in the UK Tour of The Shy Manifesto by Michael Ross. Other credits include Kay Harker in Box Of Delights at Wilton’s Music Hall & Albus Potter in the smash hit West End show Harry Potter & the Cursed Child.
“Without Phoenix there is no way I would have gone on to have a professional career in theatre. I still feel the lessons I learnt at Phoenix with me every day.”
Former Phoenix student Paul trained as a director at both LAMDA and the National Theatre. He is currently the Artistic Director and CEO of the multi-award-winning Middle Child, whose work has appeared at Hull Truck, the Bush Theatre, the Birmingham Rep, Paines Plough’s Roundabout and many others.
“Phoenix acted as a family for me growing up. The friends and creatives I met there have no doubt shaped my career for the better.”
Former Phoenix student Jack went on to train at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. His West End theatre credits include, Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (World Premier) and he is currently appearing as Robertson Ay in Mary Poppins.
“Phoenix has been extremely helpful in building my confidence and my technique. Having fun whilst you learn is what Phoenix is all about!”
Active student Delilah Bennet-Cardy is currently playing Summer in School of Rock in London’s West End. She has appeared in Macbeth for the RSC, A Little Princess at the Royal Festival Hall and The Nutcracker for Birmingham Royal Ballet. She has also appeared in both Snow White and Cinderella for Phoenix.
“Working with Phoenix was a great grounding for my future career and I’m indebted to the organisation for giving me my first professional directing job.”
Michael first worked with Phoenix founder Phil Dale when a student at Harlow College. After training professionally, he has directed work for the RSC (Taming of the Shrew, Titus Andronicus), was associate director on the west end production of Made in Dagenham and most recently directed the national tour of Amelie.
“Phoenix gave me the experience and confidence to pursue my dream of working professionally within the theatre world.”
Former Phoenix student Dave went on to train in drama at both LAMDA and the Rose Buford College. He is a founder member of Mischief Theatre Company, creators of the Olivier Award Winning The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Comedy about a Bank Robbery and Groan Ups.
“Phoenix has helped my confidence and taught me so much that I’m now in an agency and have appeared in tv shows, adverts and now a London show!”
Current Phoenix student Harrison has just finished playing Peter in the critically acclaimed play The Hunt at the Almeida Theatre in London. He has also appeared in the TV show Someone You Thought You Knew as well as well as Bugsy Malone, Snow White and Beauty and the Beast for Phoenix.
“I realise now how much I owe to Phoenix and all the tutors – it was the happy place where I realised my love for theatre.”
Former Phoenix student Grace appeared in our productions of West Side Story and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Whilst still a student she gained a place at the prestigious National Youth Theatre before going on to study drama at the University of Manchester where she is currently President of the Drama Society.
“Phoenix continues to give me opportunities to work professionally, teach at the school and be creative in the work I do!”
Georgia was in primary school when she started at Phoenix and appeared in numerous pantos, going on to take leading roles, including playing Cinderella in 2016. She is currently touring the UK as one of the lead performers in the phoenix production of Pop Divas Live! as well as working as a tutor.
“I owe so much to my time at Phoenix. Finding fun in everything I do, no matter how large or small the role, was a massive part of my learning.”
Former student Drew made the most of his time, attending weekly classes, being a Phoenix clown at numerous events and appearing in various productions including A Midsummer Nights Dream, Bouncers, The History Boys, Cinderella and Snow White. He is currently studying the BA Acting course at the prestigious Drama Centre London.
“I could go on forever about how formative the experiences were in giving me confidence or how fantastic the teaching was. Phoenix will always have a place in my heart.”
Former Phoenix Student Dan attended classes for 8 years and appeared in numerous Phoenix productions including several pantomimes as well as Bouncers, The History Boys and A Midsummer Nights Dream. He now works as a photographer and film maker for international advertising agency adam&eve.
“Phoenix gave me the industry skills then actively allowed me to practice them. I am grateful to have been able to explore my passion.”
Sam was a student at Phoenix since his primary school days and went on to play Bernardo in the 2014 Phoenix production of West Side Story. Shortly afterwards, Sam gained a place at the prestigious Arts Ed academy in London to study Musical Theatre and has since graduated and is embarking upon a professional career.
“I like to think that Phoenix has made me a versatile, ambitious and fearless performer. Now, my hobby is my job!”
Boo attended Phoenix from the age of 5 and went on to appear in many of our productions, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Snow White. She has appeared in TV commercials and music videos and is currently touring the UK as a lead performer in the Phoenix production of Pop Divas Live!.
“Phoenix helped instil in me a professional and respectful work ethic, while nurturing my individuality and confidence as an artist.”
Former student David appeared in the west end production of Oliver! Whilst a student at the school. He has since gone on to gain a first class honours degree in Drama from Exeter University and is currently studying for an MA in Musical Theatre performance at the renowned Mount View Academy in London.
“Phoenix was the perfect starting block in helping me pursue my dreams of working in theatre and I am so thankful for all they taught me.”
Former Phoenix student Kayleigh went on to train at both LAMDA and GSA. She has appeared in numerous west end productions including Bend it Like Beckham, Les Miserables and Tina, The Tina Turner Musical. She is currently a lead vocalist on the world tour of The Man. The Music. The Show. with Hugh Jackman.
“Phoenix ignited my passion for performing. I constantly remind myself in professional practice to maintain the level of fun and creativity that Phoenix fosters.”
A student of Phoenix Theatre School since primary age, Joe appeared in many productions including Bouncers, History Boys, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and numerous pantomimes. Other credits include Small Island (National Theatre), Ignition (Frantic Assembly) and Zigga Zagga (National Youth Theatre). Joe is currently in his first year at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
“If it wasn’t for Phoenix, I would never have found my calling for theatre; originally as an actor but now as part of the backstage world, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Former Phoenix drama student Sophie found her love for technical theatre whilst working as Assistant Stage Manager on our productions of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast. She followed this with a spell as the Company Manager on our national Pop Divas Live Tour. Sophie is currently in her first year at LAMDA studying Production and Technical Arts.
“Phoenix has allowed me to find the fun in performing, gain experience and improve my confidence.”
Millie was a student at Phoenix for several years as well as performing in numerous pantos including Snow White, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. She recently gained a place at the prestigious Bird College Conservatoire for Dance and Musical Theatre and is currently studying on their BA (Hons) course.
