Meet the team
About the Founder/Director
Hi, I'm Nick and founded Shining Lights Performing Arts Academy with my partner Jazz in 2021. I have always had a passion for performing in both instrumental and musical theatre groups. After gaining a Triple Distinction in Performing Arts from Brockenhurst College, I went on to achieve a BA Honours in musical theatre at the University of Chichester. Throughout my time honing my craft in Drama, Dance, Singing and Technical Theatre I have always had the dream of opening my very own Theatre Academy where children can express themselves through performance and feel safe and happy in the process. I have a background as a teacher in Drama, Music, Dance and Performing Arts at a private school in Bournemouth which has given me the opportunity to work within a school environment and pass on my love for performance and the arts. Throughout my training I have not just honed my skills in the three main aspects of theatre but have also focussed on technical theatre to the children and how without a back stage team there would be no productions. I'm very proud of what we have achieved as a company, but more importantly proud of developing the raw potential of our students' so that they genuinely become Shining Lights.
Meet Jazz
Hi, I’m Jazz. Having studied business and administration at Brockenhurst College, where I first met Nick, I began a career in retail. I quickly realised that this wasn’t for me and seeing Nick’s passion for performing arts decided I would relish the opportunity to join him in his goal of setting up a theatre school.
We founded Shining Lights on a shoestring in 2021, and I am delighted that it has developed into a larger and stable organisation. Having responsibility for the office management, member registration, social media and formal interaction with parents, I like to think that I have had some influence on our success. I also get involved with the children but am way too shy to ever consider performing myself! I truly enjoy what I do and, like Nick, I take great pleasure and satisfaction in watching our “Shining Lights” develop.
Meet Katrina
Ayrshire born, Katrina started her professional training at Dance School of Scotland and then continued to Elmhurst School for Dance. Since leaving Elmhurst she has toured with Vienna Festival Ballet, performing classical ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. She then danced in Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk. Katrina has danced around the world on various cruise ships and performed in The Snowman on The West End for the past five years. Most recently Katrina was awarded a Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma with The Royal Academy of Dance. She is committed to providing high quality dance education in a nurturing, positive environment.
Katrina has joined the team and head of Royal Academy of Ballet (RAD) examination classes at Shining Lights Performing Arts Academy
Welcome Katrina! We cannot wait to see you working with the children.
Meet Talisa
Shining Lights Performing Arts Academy is thrilled to welcome Miss Talisa, affectionately known as 'T', to our esteemed family.
Miss T has already become an integral part of our SLPA team, joining us in January 24th within our schools. Her remarkable work with the children has left us in awe. Beyond her role as the vocal coach for our Saturday Academy and Youth Theatre, Miss T holds a lead position in our SLPA in Schools programs. She spearheads both 1-on-1 vocal sessions and choir rehearsals at Ashley Junior School and Brockenhurst Primary. Miss T's commitment to her students is unwavering. She works tirelessly to help them reach their full potential, fostering a professional and compassionate learning environment.
Meet Abi
Abi, who has been with SLPA for nearly two years, has had a profound impact on our students. Initially,
she worked as a dance assistant, but her extensive knowledge of dance soon became evident. While pursuing her teaching qualifications in Russian Ballet and other disciplines at Brockenhurst College, Abi consistently strives to motivate and inspire our students in all her classes and we cannot
wait for our parents to see the amazing routines she has created with the groups
Meet Karina
With years of experience performing and choreographing in theatre productions, Karina is also a Dance Fitness instructor and teaches Dance Fit, DDMIX and Barre workouts across Dorset, as well as 'DDMIX for Schools' in various school and pre-school groups.
Most recently, she was the Youth Theatre & Dance Projects Lead at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, leading their Summer and Christmas Youth productions with over 160 young performers and collaborating with dance companies such as New Adventures and English National Ballet.
Karina is beyond excited to join the Shining Lights Performing Arts Academy family and can’t wait to share her passion for theatre, making every moment on stage fun, inspiring, and rewarding for young performers!'
Meet Archie
Hi! I’m Archie and I’m a working actor and multidisciplinary facilitator with experience in supporting educational needs for children of all ages. After training at Mountview, I am passionate about creating a safe space to have fun and build confidence. I’m so excited to join the team and meet everyone!
Meet Lily
My name is Lily, I’ve been performing since the age of three and have earned up to a grade 6 in LAMDA musical theatre and speech. I’ve been leads in productions such as annie, legally blonde and hairspray. I received an A in Drama Alevel. I’ve been working at SLPA since 2024 when I moved down to the southwest to start my degree as an assistant for both drama and dance and have learnt so much and feel so valued to be part of such an amazing team that have welcomed me with open arms!
