I am a qualified Speech and Drama facilitator since 2006, with a BA Honours in Professional Performance, the LLAM Licentiate Teacher’s Qualification from LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), and a Diploma in Professional Acting from Trinity College London. A graduate of Drama Studio London—a Federation of Drama Schools member—Helena received formal training in Professional Acting for Theatre, Film, and Radio.

With a lifelong love for the Arts, I began performing at a young age and have devoted my career to sharing this passion. I take great joy in coaching children and adults of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, inspiring them to explore their unique creativity. My teaching journey has taken me across the globe, with international experience in Dubai, Cyprus, and the UK since 2006. With over 18 years of teaching, my mission has remained the same: to inspire my students to reach their goals while fostering a love for self-expression, creativity, self-development, and self-belief.  

I have been coaching individuals of all ages and experience levels in acting, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their goals. Supporting others in fulfilling their aspirations has always been my passion. I take immense pride in witnessing my students’ growth, both creatively and personally, as they explore the transformative power of the theatrical arts. Having experienced the benefits of exposure to the performing arts from an early age, I understand how it shapes self-assurance, communication, and creativity. These skills have positively influenced my career and enriched my interactions in everyday life. My goal is to share these benefits with my students, empowering them to thrive both on and off the stage.

In 2007, I founded Centre Stage Productions, specialising in high-quality children’s musicals touring from London’s West End theatre district. Since then, I have focused on organising enriching events for children in the United Arab Emirates. I cherish the opportunity to watch young audiences experience the magic of live theatre and recognise its profound impact—enhancing their understanding of literature and nurturing an appreciation for cultural arts.

Helena Panayis

Helena Panayis Managing Director More ...

Qualifications

  • BA Honours in Professional Performance
  • LLAM – LAMDA Teachers’ Licentiate
  • Graduate of Drama Studio London
  • Trinity Diploma in Professional Acting
  • CPCC – Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

 
Whether you’re looking to prepare for an audition, improve your public speaking, or simply build your confidence, my sessions are designed to inspire, challenge, and support you every step of the way.

TESTIMONIALS

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  • 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.

    Jonathan Student Feedback

  • 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