Experience the Magic of Performance Art
Unlock your potential and become a versatile performer with our expert training
About ELDA Theatre Academy
Our Mission
At ELDA Theatre Academy, our mission is to provide high quality theatre training led by qualified practitioners that prepares our students with the skills and confidence for a successful career in the world of performing arts. We strive to create a nurturing, inclusive and friendly environment where learning is made FUN!
ELDA is affiliated with the prestigious London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art and we offer our students the opportunity to gain qualifications alongside their training with additional 1:1 lessons.
Our Classes
We offer 1:1 training in both singing and acting for all ages and abilities, from beginners who just have that burning passion to perform, to professionals looking for guidance and support before those big auditions. Our 1:1 students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and progression in our winter concert.
Our Saturday Theatre Academy is for children aged 4-18 years, who will benefit from triple threat training in singing, acting and dancing and will work towards a winter concert and summer musical production!
Classes
Theatre Academy
At ELDA Theatre Academy, we believe every young person has the potential to be a confident, creative performer. Our training focuses on developing each student’s unique strengths in singing, acting and dance, while providing a nurturing, supportive and fun environment.
Students make friends, build confidence, unlock their imagination and develop essential communication skills — all while learning the core disciplines of theatre.
Our Saturday sessions include workshops in acting, singing and dance, and we work towards both a yearly concert and a full musical production, giving every student the chance to shine on stage.
We welcome students aged 4–18 years, with limited spaces to ensure high‑quality, personalised training.
All ELDA staff are fully trained, certified, and hold an enhanced, relevant DBS, ensuring a safe and professional environment for every student.
LAMDA Acting & Musical Theatre
Our LAMDA classes provide structured, high‑quality training in Acting and Musical Theatre, helping students build confidence, communication skills and strong performance technique. Lessons are tailored to each learner and support steady progress working towards LAMDA exams.
Students develop skills in voice, character, storytelling and performance, with clear guidance on exam pieces and expectations. Exams are optional but encouraged, and our students consistently achieve excellent results.
Acting (Grades 1–5)
Students explore character, text and performance through carefully selected monologues.
Focus Areas: Acting technique • Character development • Text analysis • Vocal delivery • Genre & style • Performance skills • Monologue selection • Exam preparation
Musical Theatre (Grades 1–5)
Students learn to perform through song with confidence, emotion and healthy vocal technique.
Focus Areas: Vocal technique • Breath control • Acting through song • Storytelling • Vocal health • Performance skills • Repertoire selection • Exam preparation
A
Dance Training - Ballet, Tap & Jazz
Our Ballet, Tap and Jazz classes build strong technique, confidence, and performance skills in a supportive and creative environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced dancer looking to refine your craft, our training focuses on safe practice, musicality, and expressive movement.
Students learn core foundations across all three styles while developing discipline, coordination, and artistry. Classes are suitable for mixed abilities and are taught with a focus on enjoyment, progress, and personal growth.
Ballet
Ballet provides the essential foundation for all dance styles. Our classes focus on posture, alignment, strength, and fluidity, helping dancers build strong technique and confidence.
- Ballet Technique & Foundations
- Posture & Alignment
- Barre & Centre Work
- Musicality & Expression
- Strength & Flexibility
- Safe Practice & Body Awareness
Tap
Tap develops rhythm, timing, and precision. Students learn to create sound through movement, building coordination and musical confidence.
- Tap Technique & Footwork
- Rhythm & Timing
- Musicality
- Coordination & Control
- Performance Skills
- Confidence Building
Jazz
Jazz is energetic, expressive, and dynamic. Our classes blend technique with performance, helping dancers develop style, strength, and versatility.
- Jazz Technique
- Kicks, Turns & Leaps
- Strength & Conditioning
- Style & Performance
- Flexibility
- Choreography
ELDA Theatre Company (18+)
ELDA Theatre Company is a performance ensemble for committed adult performers who want to create high‑quality, ambitious theatre as part of a disciplined and collaborative company. Bringing together skilled actors, singers and movers, the company focuses on producing polished, impactful productions that reflect professionalism, creativity and artistic integrity.
Working as a dedicated ensemble, members rehearse regularly, contribute to a shared creative vision and take part in fully staged productions. The company aims to bridge the gap between community theatre and the professional industry, offering performers the opportunity to work at a consistently high standard and progress towards semi‑professional performance opportunities.
What We Do
- Produce full‑scale, high‑quality theatre productions
- Rehearse as a committed, collaborative ensemble
- Develop strong, cohesive performance work
- Create ambitious, artistically driven shows
- Offer opportunities to work towards semi‑professional standards
Who It’s For
- Adults aged 18+
- Skilled performers with experience in acting, singing or dance
- Individuals seeking a serious, committed performance environment
- Performers who want to be part of a high‑standard ensemble working towards semi‑professional theatre
121 Singing and Acting Lessons
Acting
Acting is far more than reading lines — it’s about truth, connection, and bringing a character to life. Our 1:1 Acting & Performance Coaching gives you the tools, techniques, and confidence to perform with clarity and authenticity.
Whether you’re preparing for an audition, choosing a monologue, or wanting to understand different genres and styles, sessions are tailored to your goals and experience level.
- Acting Techniques
- Character Exploration
- Script & Text Analysis
- Vocal Delivery
- Voice–Body Connection
- Movement & Physicality
- Creating Emotion
- Confidence Building
- Monologue Selection
- Audition Preparation
Singing
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced singer preparing for a key audition, our 1:1 Singing & Vocal Coaching supports you in building a healthy, confident, and expressive voice.
From vocal technique and breath control to belting, performance skills, and vocal health, each session is designed around your individual needs. We also support singers recovering from strain or looking to rebuild safe technique.
- Voice Analysis
- Contemporary Singing Technique
- Personalised Vocal Exercises
- Song Choices & Strategies
- Breath Control
- Vocal Techniques
- Performing Through Song
- Healthy Belting
- Vocal Health Support
- Confidence Building
- Audition Preparation
NEW Mums & Babies Musical Theatre Class
Give your little one a magical first introduction to musical theatre. Our Mums & Babies Musical Theatre Class blends gentle movement, sensory play and musical‑theatre sing‑alongs to create a joyful, imaginative experience for both you and your baby.
Each session features a themed musical adventure with colourful props, dress‑up moments and playful exploration designed to support early development and spark creativity. It’s also a welcoming space to meet other mums who share your love of musical theatre and enjoy a relaxed, friendly community.
Ages: 0–3 years When: Saturdays, 9–10am Where: Whitley Bay
What’s Included
- Musical theatre sing‑along
- Themed sensory play & dress‑up
- Tea, coffee & biscuits for mums
- A warm, supportive community
A magical start for little stars.
Meet The Team
Principle/Voice and Acting Coach - Eloise Damo
Eloise is a professionally trained classical singer, actor and theatre practitioner with over twenty years of experience in the performing arts industry. Originally from Coventry, she began her career at age 10, securing principal roles in UK productions, including Annie (Annie) and The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). She later reached the final rounds for Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films alongside fellow finalist Saoirse Ronan, selected from over 15,000 auditionees — a testament to her early professional calibre. At 16, her vocal talent led to studio work and live performances, culminating in a recording deal offered by Grammy Award‑winning producer Roger Lomas, known for his work with The Specials and Echo & the Bunnymen.
Eloise trained in Acting in Stratford‑upon‑Avon, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in classical works such as Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Theatre & Performance, expanding her expertise into directing, facilitation and creative leadership. Throughout her career, she has performed numerous principal roles across the UK, establishing herself as a versatile and accomplished performer.
After dedicating a decade to raising her children, Eloise returned to the industry with renewed focus, performing across the North East and undertaking specialist training at The Voice College London in Teaching Contemporary Singing. Her professional skill set also extends into primary education, where she specialises in Speech and Language Therapy, integrating performance‑based techniques into inclusive learning environments.
As the Founder and Director of ELDA Theatre Academy, Eloise leads with a commitment to artistic excellence, student wellbeing and accessible arts education. She oversees all academy operations, creative production, curriculum development and staff training, while continuing to perform and teach. Above all, Eloise is dedicated to creating a supportive, nurturing environment where every young performer feels valued, encouraged and able to grow at their own pace. Her work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of theatre to build confidence, spark imagination and help students discover their unique artistic voice — and she remains wholeheartedly committed to guiding the next generation of creative, courageous performers.
Meet The Team
Patron - Amana Mishkin-Jones
Hailing from Coventry, Amana discovered her passion for performing at a young age. This passion led her to pursue a BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre at Arts Ed London, where she honed her skills in singing, dancing and acting. Her journey has taken her across the globe as a lead singer on cruise ships, to various UK commercials. Notably, Amana has graced UK stages in touring musical productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Hairspray and Motown the Musical to mention but a few.
Amana prides herself on being not only a performer but also a mentor. Her experience as Dance Captain and children's Captain on Motown the Musical ignited her passion for guiding others in honing their performance skills. This passion was further realised when she was appointed as Associate Director and Choreographer at the esteemed Young Vic Theatre. Amana finds immense joy in nurturing the next generation of performers, which is why she is honoured to serve as a patron for ELDA Theatre Academy, supporting young talents in their journey to excellence in the performing arts.
Meet The Team
Voice and Acting Coach - Gram Cummings
Gram Cummings is an accomplished voice and acting coach with an extensive career across professional theatre, television and vocal performance. He trained at Bretton Hall, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Acting, before completing his MA in Musical Theatre at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).
Gram’s performance career includes major West End and UK touring productions, with credits in The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Legally Blonde. His screen work includes appearances in The Bill, Midsomer Murders and Emmerdale, and he has performed as a featured vocalist for the BBC on Tonight’s the Night and Strictly Come Dancing.
A Master‑level Estill Voice Trainer, Gram brings over 15 years of specialist vocal coaching experience, combining technical precision with a supportive, creative approach that helps performers develop healthy, expressive and confident voices.
Gram continues to perform professionally alongside his coaching work. Recent roles include Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Lola in Kinky Boots at Newcastle Theatre Royal. He is also set to play Buddy the Elf this November at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. In addition, he runs his own theatre collective, Oxi‑Morons Theatre Company, with performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and Northern Stage.
Gram brings exceptional industry insight, vocal expertise and a passion for performance to ELDA, inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Meet The Team
Dance Teacher / Choreographer - Ella Ray
Ella began her dance training at the age of three at Gladwin Ballet & Stage School, where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, and other styles while performing in annual competitions, showcases, and pantomimes. Her passion for the performing arts led her to pursue a BTEC in Musical Theatre at Newcastle College, graduating with a triple distinction diploma.
She went on to earn her Dance Teacher Associate qualification, receiving a Highly Commended in Stage and a Commended in Classical. Ella then completed a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at Newcastle College, where she refined her performance and choreography skills.
Most recently, Ella has successfully completed her PGCE with a placement in musical theatre dance at NCUC, further strengthening her teaching practice and creative leadership. She is now thrilled to be part of the ELDA Theatre Academy team and looks forward to choreographing for upcoming showcases, sharing her experience and enthusiasm with the next generation of performers.
Theatre credits:
Footloose (Ensemble/dancer), Les Sylphides Ballet (Dancer), Jack and the Beanstalk (Jack), Bring It On the Musical (Ensemble/dancer), Legally Blonde (Ensemble/dancer), Big Fish the Musical (Girl in the water), Little Shop Of Horrors (Chiffon).
Meet The Team
Creative Support Assistant - Zach Hardy
Zach Hardy is a dedicated Musical Theatre performer with over ten years of experience across acting, singing and dance. He has achieved multiple IDTA awards, including Musical Theatre Stage 5 (Honours) with a nomination for the IDTA Musical Theatre Awards 2024, and also holds qualifications in Street Dance.
Zach’s performance credits include ensemble work in Goodnight Mister Tom, Whistle Down the Wind and Evita, as well as principal roles such as Willard in Footloose and Rolf in The Sound of Music. One of his standout achievements was performing as Bernardo in West Side Story on the Theatre Royal stage in 2024. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor (District 5) by NODA North for his portrayal of Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof.
Alongside performing, Zach is currently studying Teaching at Newcastle University and has expanded into directing. He directed the Newcastle University Student Union’s production of The Addams Family and is set to direct their next musical in the upcoming academic year.
Zach is thrilled to be part of ELDA Theatre Academy and is passionate about supporting and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Sing. Dance. Act. Perform.
Enrolment now open for September 2027!
Limited spaces available for our Whitley Bay and Newcastle branches!
Register your interest today to secure your place!