About me
Helping young actors and adults discover what they’re capable of
I’m Helena Panayis: teacher, actor and producer. I’ve been coaching speech and drama since 2006.
A lifelong love of the stage
I began performing at a young age and have devoted my career to sharing that passion. A graduate of Drama Studio London, I trained in professional acting for theatre, film and radio, and I continue to work as a professional actress, represented by RWG Management.
My teaching has taken me across the UK, Dubai and Cyprus. Whatever the goal, whether a LAMDA medal, a place at drama school or simply more confidence, my aim stays the same: to help each student reach it, while building self-expression, creativity and self-belief.
I now work exclusively one-to-one with students aged 11 and over, so every session is shaped around the individual in front of me.
In 2007 I also founded Centre Stage Productions, bringing West End children’s musicals to audiences in the UAE.
Qualifications
- BA (Hons) Professional Performance, De Montfort University
- LLAM, LAMDA Teachers’ Licentiate
- Graduate of Drama Studio London
- Trinity College London Diploma in Professional Acting
- CPCC, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach
years teaching speech and drama to students of every age, background and ability
Testimonials
In their own words
Vigorous, refreshing, encouraging, welcoming and above all a life lesson which kept my ‘spark’ and passion for the dramatic arts alive… Having had no experience as a drama student I decided to enrol at Centre Stage classes, in the hope of gaining more experience in the field of dramatic arts. I can safely say that the classes offered me a lot more than just good skill and technique… they were in fact life changing in so many ways.
I never once recall a moment of entering the class feeling tense or insecure – instead I would feel alive and bubbling with excitement whether it was to begin our group activities or to dive into a Shakespearean monologue or a contemporary improvised piece of drama.
The most important thing that I have gained from my lessons at Centre Stage… was ‘belief’. I had someone who trained me; teaching me to always strive to do my best and to always believe in myself. I am utterly certain that without my training here I would never have reached where I did.
It prepared me for rigorous auditions in London at conservatoires such as LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) where I have now earned a place… and all I can say now is a very big thank you for helping me build the foundation to my training and for giving me advice I shall never forget.
As a student new to the LAMDA curriculum, starting with the Silver Medal (Grade 7) in Verse and Prose was a daunting and stressful task. Thankfully, with Helena’s patient guidance and advice, I achieved a Distinction in the exam, exceeding my expectations. With her continued teaching, I later went on to achieve another Distinction in my Gold Medal (Grade 8) Verse and Prose exam, which I am incredibly grateful for. My parents and I greatly appreciate Helena’s dedication and skill as a teacher – I would not have been able to achieve such excellent results without her.
Helena’s professionalism in teaching, encouragement and constructive feedback in every lesson has nurtured Jonathan’s confidence, articulation, and stage presence. We’re very grateful for the positive impact on both academic and personal development.
Thank you Helena for being such wonderful instructors, for boosting the confidence children have in themselves and for providing an environment that stimulates their imagination and creativity. Thank you also for your effort in helping my son work towards his LAMDA accreditation.
My 15 year old daughter Aliya has been attending drama classes with Helena for two-three years now and waits every September for them to resume. She finishes her work in time on days she has a class so she is not late. Now why that is a huge plus point in favour of Centre Stage is… that as parents we enrol our kids in various classes and then find ourselves fighting an uphill battle getting them to attend them when the novelty wears off.
Since my daughter attended Centre Stage classes her confidence has improved leaps and bounds! She can’t wait to get to her classes and leaves filled with energy and enthusiasm.
My son has been attending Centre Stage drama classes for 3 years. He loves it and benefits a lot. Teachers are excellent and professional.
Excellent teaching and training given to students to prepare them for their LAMDA exams. I am very happy with my daughter’s progress.
Ready to take centre stage?
Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through goals, exams or audition deadlines.