Centre Stage speech and drama classes were set up in 2006 to provide a platform for children and adults who wish to explore drama and express their individuality. Drama unlocks the imagination, improves self-esteem, and boosts confidence. Evidence of this can be seen not only in dramatic performance techniques but also in everyday life. All classes focus on teamwork and developing empathy towards fellow team members in a creative, safe, and friendly environment. At Centre Stage, we take pride in developing all ages and abilities with the skill set to prepare them for the outside world by nurturing self-esteem and confidence, stimulating their creativity, imagination, and innovation. 

We offer private and semi-private classes via Zoom, offering flexibility for those students wishing to be taught in the comfort of their own homes. These classes work particularly well for students wishing to start lessons in public speaking, acting classes and drama school audition preparation. 

Our class sizes are kept to a minimum to give each child the care and attention they deserve. We aim to help young people develop and realise their maximum potential in a fun and friendly environment. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in LAMDA Acting and Communication Examinations. They will have the chance to showcase their work and be awarded certificates during an awards ceremony which parents are invited to attend.

Helena Panayis

Helena Panayis Managing Director More ...

Helena has been a qualified Speech & Drama facilitator since 2006, holding a BA Honours in Professional Performance and the LLAM Licentiate Teacher’s Qualification awarded from LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) and a Diploma in Professional Acting with Trinity College London. A drama school graduate from Drama Studio London, Helena is formally trained in Professional Acting in Theatre, Film and Radio studies. Drama Studio London is a Federation of Drama Schools member based in the UK.

Helena has always felt a deep appreciation for the Arts. Performing since her youth, she continues to dedicate herself to her passion and enjoys performing and teaching children and adults of all ages, abilities and cultures. Her overseas teaching experience includes Dubai, Cyprus and the UK since 2006. With 16 years of teaching experience, Helena’s aim is to inspire her students so they will achieve their goals and nurture the foundations of their unique creativity.

In 2007 Centre Stage Productions was established and specialises in providing high-quality children’s musicals touring from London’s West End theatre district. Since then, she has primarily organised events for children in the United Arab Emirates. Helena enjoys observing children experience the magic of live theatrical performances and recognises its value in reinforcing the learning of literature and nurturing the appreciation of the cultural arts among the children.

TESTIMONIALS

  • 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 enroll 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 dramatic arts) and RADA (Royal academy of Dramatic Arts) 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.

    Ioanna Kimbook
  • Since my daughter attended Centre Stage classes her confidence has improved leap and bounds! She can’t wait to get to her classes and leaves filled with energy and enthusiasm.

    Judy Holmes
  • 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.

    Shahana Raza