Welcome to our Theatre School in Bishop’s Stortford
Our theatre school in Bishop’s Stortford currently operates classes for children aged 5 to 18.
Book a free trial session today and start a journey of fun and creativity.
For more information about term dates, fees and membership terms click here.
How to find us
Our theatre school in Bishop’s Stortford is based at Birchwood High School.
Birchwood High School, Parsonage Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 5BD
Free parking is available on site
Our Chicks class takes place in the BDC which is the wooden clad building immediately on the left as you enter the car park. Tutors will meet parents at the front door.
All other classes meet in the Main Hall, entrance to which is through the green metal gate to the right of the BDC. Students can walk through the gate and enter the main hall via the double doors on the right-hand side.
What to bring to class?
When attending class please wear dark trousers (either tracksuit bottoms or leggings) and your Phoenix Theatre School t-shirt. A bottle of water should also be brought to class.
Meet the Team
Phil established his first theatre school in 2001 at the Harlow Playhouse. He has worked professionally in theatre for 25 years and in that time has been Artistic Director of both Harlow Playhouse & Rhodes Arts Complex. He has produced large scale theatre projects and produced and directed numerous shows nationally including Shakespeare, Comedy and Musicals. He has produced over 20 pantomimes. He is a qualified Mental Health First Aider for young people.
Former Phoenix student Will started his acting career aged just 7, playing a munchkin in Phil Dale’s production of the Wizard of Oz. He has appeared in both Oliver! and Les Misérables in the west end, performed for the RSC and played The Artful Dodger in the UK tour of Oliver! Will went on to study drama at East 15 Drama school and now works professionally as a performer, most recently appearing in Pantomime for PJD productions in Stroud.
Bishop’s Stortford Phoenix Film and Theatre School News
“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.
