Meet Our TEAM
Behind Purple Performing Arts is a passionate and experienced team who love what they do. Our qualified, DBS checked, teachers bring a wealth of knowledge, creativity and professional experience to every class, creating a supportive environment where every student is encouraged to learn, grow in confidence and love performing.
Ema Waites
Principal & Dance Teacher
Ema has worked for SSS for 26 years (which seems impossible since she's only 28!) and in more recent years has taken over from her Dad, Jeff, in running the school. Ema graduated with a degree in Dance from Northumbria University and has since taught dance and performance to people of all ages across the the North East. Ema specialises in dance for young children and has developed multiple classes and sessions for young children, including our very own Little Boppers classes.
Andrew Clarence
Singing Teacher & Musical Director
Andrew has been a much-loved member of the Saturday Stage Schools team for over 20 years. He trained at the University of Huddersfield, gaining a BMus (Hons) in Music, before completing his PGCE in Secondary Music at the University of Central England in Birmingham. We’re incredibly lucky to have Andrew with us every week, where he plays live piano in classes and brings music to life for our students. He also leads a live band for our shows, giving students the invaluable experience of performing with musicians. Alongside SSS, Andrew is a highly respected musical director across the North East and lectures on the Performing Arts course at the University of Sunderland.
Holly James
Drama and LAMDA Teacher
Holly has worked with SSS for over 9 years, teaching drama on Saturdays and leading our Wednesday LAMDA Drama Club. She trained at the Guildford School of Acting, before completing a Performing Arts degree in Sunderland and making the North East her home. Holly is the founder of Atlas Theatre Company, now in its 8th year, creating inclusive theatre for performers of all experience levels and staging productions across a range of venues. Her writing and work have toured across the UK, with audiences including Sir Mark Rylance, and she has recently worked with the National Theatre (Public Acts)researching the impact of participatory theatre. Alongside teaching, Holly continues to perform professionally, with credits including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Evita (International Tour), and original new writing.
Jen Miller
Admin Manager & Teacher
Joshua Allan
MT Jazz Technique Teacher
Kathy Waites
Jen has been part of the SSS family for over 20 years, firstly as a student and then more recently as a member of staff. Jen graduated with a first class degree in Performance and Events Production from Teesside University and has then gone on to work in multiple arts venues across the North East. Alongside SSS, Jen runs Unique Theatre, a performing arts school for children and young people woth disabilities and additional needs. Jen is usually the first person who greets you when you arrive at SSS and loves welcoming everyone with a smile.
Josh is a professional dancer and qualified dance teacher whose career has taken him all over the world. He brings a wealth of professional industry experience to Purple Performing Arts, alongside a real passion for helping young performers develop their technique, confidence and performance skills. Josh leads our MT Jazz Technique classes, creating sessions that are challenging, energetic and enjoyable while ensuring every student feels welcomed and supported. He is passionate about making dance accessible and inspiring young people to grow in confidence, push themselves and discover what they’re capable of.
Head of Wardrobe
Kath has been part of the SSS family since the very beginning, and we simply couldn’t imagine it without her! As our Head of Wardrobe and undisputed Queen of the Costumes, Kath is the force of nature behind the hundreds of costumes that bring our productions to life. From sourcing and creating to altering, organising and solving those inevitable last-minute costume dramas, Kath is always there whenever we need her. Her creativity, dedication and years of experience are an invaluable part of SSS, both onstage and behind the scenes.
Our Student
Teachers
In our Little Boppers and Juniors classes we ask some of our older students to come and support our younger students. This is a great opportunity for our seniors to develop new skills and is a great support when our little ones move into our senior classes too.
This term our student helpers Amelia, Rhoda, Rio and Sarah.
