About Somerset Theatre Arts Academy
Theatre School Courses, Classes and Workshops - Currently in the Wells / Wedmore area
What we offer
Somerset Theatre Arts (STA) Academy is a performing arts school based in Somerset, currently serving the communities of Wedmore, Wells, Cheddar, Glastonbury, Westbury-sub-Mendip, Mark and surrounding areas. We offer vibrant, fun, and inclusive classes for young people aged 4 to 18 years, allowing them to discover the joy of performing arts, creativity, and expression. Our theatre school provides a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow.
Each fun-packed session will enable your child to explore performing arts, build confidence and self-esteem, and enjoy being part of a creative group in a friendly atmosphere.
At Somerset Theatre Arts Academy, we firmly believe that every student is capable of achieving more than they realize. We provide the tools and the stage to unlock that potential. Our students have the opportunity to develop new talents and skills, build confidence, develop teamwork abilities, and make new friends.
Whether your child is taking their first steps into the world of performing arts or exploring a future career in theatre, Somerset Theatre Arts Academy offers opportunities for all pupils to grow and shine.
We offer group classes led by industry professionals with extensive teaching and performing experience. They are dedicated to delivering the highest quality education and training in singing, acting, and dance. Our programs cater to different ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced, with classes for age groups of 4-7, 7-10, 11-14, and 14-18 years old. Our experienced instructors are passionate about helping students develop their craft and achieve their goals.
Students will work towards performing in end-of-term showcases, culminating in exciting musical theatre shows.
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority at Somerset Theatre Arts Academy, and we take safeguarding very seriously. All staff have up-to-date enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.
Join us for our taster workshops in July and August before our new term begins in September 2026!
Singing workshops Saturday 25th July and Saturday 8th August
Singing Workshops: Saturday 25th July and Saturday 8th August 2026 Tutor: Heather Leaker.
VENUE: HENTON VILLAGE HALL, BA5 1PD
(Halfway between Wedmore and Wells).
9.30 - 10.30am 4 - 7 year olds
Engaging, fun and friendly classes for parent and child to learn about singing, rhythm and basic movement together. A child can attend with any responsible adult. Cost £12 (total for child and accompanying adult).
11am - 12pm 7 - 10 year olds
Learn about singing technique with fun warm-ups, drama games and movement.
2 - 3pm 11 - 14 year olds
Learn singing technique, build confidence, and have fun!
3.30 - 4.30pm 14 - 18 year olds
Learn about harmonising, musical theatre singing technique and performance skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
All workshops are 1 hour long and cost £12 each. Advance booking only. Secure your place now! Bookings can be made via phone: 07792 702368 or by email: heather@somersettheatrearts.com
About Somerset Theatre Arts Academy
Principal - Heather Leaker B.A. (Hons)
Heather has vast experience in teaching singing and performing arts. She has been a singing teacher at Clifton College and Bristol Cathedral Choir School for over 12 years, taught singing for over 12 years for Stagecoach Theatre Arts, has been a vocal tutor at Richard Huish College and Bridgwater College and has taught jazz vocal masterclasses at Wells Cathedral School. She is excited to now bring her experience and industry contacts together to train and enthuse the next generation of young performers in the Wedmore and Wells area.
Heather first discovered she had singing ability aged 12 at her local theatre school and then went on to train her voice in Classical and Musical Theatre styles and studied Performing Arts and music at College. She continued her training at Chichester University College where she sang as a soprano in the Chamber Choir and where she also studied Dance at degree level.
Heather gained her BA (hons) in Music and Recording in Manchester. Whilst studying in Manchester Heather toured with a leading Stevie Wonder Tribute Act as a backing singer and dancer and began performing jazz standards and the Great American Songbook professionally in jazz ensembles. Singing has taken Heather all across Europe working singing in 5 star hotels in the Balearics and Austria. Heather’s prestigious clients have included Jasper Conran and Harvey Nicholls along with numerous Arts Centres, jazz venues and concert halls, including Cedar's Hall locally in Wells, where Heather has enjoyed performing many times. Heather is currently the resident singer for Swing Machine Jazz Orchestra and has had the pleasure of singing with highly respected artists Jason Rebello, Pee Wee Ellis, David Newton and Julian Joseph.
Teaching is very important to Heather and she has enjoyed training pupils to achieve ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool and Musical Theatre singing grade exams and to become music scholars and choristers. Heather's pupils have gone on to study at such institutions as Italia Conti, BIMM and The Brit School to name a few and many have since become professional performers.
As well as performing, Heather has worked as a project co-ordinator for Somerset County Council, organising and delivering a wide range of inclusive and exciting activity programs for young people with and without disabilities, including surfing, kayaking and high ropes as well as creative and performing arts, needless to say Heather has excellent organisational skills and a strong awareness of health and safety.
Heather is a proud parent of a 4 year old, so understands the importance of safeguarding. She is excited to teach all ages and to make the classes fun and engaging. Heather has witnessed first hand how much performing arts can build confidence and self esteem in young people.
Manager - Edward Leaker MMus(London)
Edward is currently the Head of Woodwind at Wells Cathedral School and brings a wealth of experience of managing and organising courses, concerts, and international tours for pupils. He has undertaken rigorous and up to the minute child protection training, first aid and fire safety training. Edward is a graduate of The Royal Academy of Music
'Little Stars' Parent and child classes for 4 - 7 year olds
Dynamic and fun weekly 1-hour classes combining singing and movement within a friendly, engaging environment. The classes are about more than learning to sing, they are about building confidence, making friends, and expanding children's imaginations.
*A child aged 4 - 7 can attend with any responsible adult.
