9.29°C Theatricool Performing Arts School opens its doors in Colchester on Saturday, 5 September 2015. Owner and principal Sally Fisher explains more about the new studio and her vision for the future.
As a young girl in the 1970s, I stumbled across a dusty old book that belonged to my mum. With no computers, iPads or social media back then, one of my greatest pleasures was getting lost in a story. The book was The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela Brown, about a group of children who transform a church hall into a small community theatre. That story stayed with me – and, in many ways, it became my life.
There have been countless influences along the way. Watching Fame in the 1980s. Stepping onto the Mercury Theatre stage at 14 and knowing that was where I belonged. Being a founder member of CO2, Colchester Operatic Society’s youth group. Working in the Mercury box office and chaperoning panto. Completing my degree at 43 at Colchester Institute. Appearing in my first professional pantomime as a Fairy Godmother. And, eventually, founding Theatricool Performing Arts School as an independent, local theatre school.
If you’ve ever performed, you’ll know about “the bug”. Once it’s in you, it never leaves.
Theatricool began in 2009 with a simple vision: to create a school with no barriers. A place where children of all ages and abilities could perform, build confidence and have fun. Thankfully, that dream has grown year on year and the school is thriving.
This year marks an exciting new chapter. We’ve taken on the lease of our very own studio at St Paul’s Hall on Belle Vue Road, Colchester, CO1 1AX – just a ten-minute walk from the town centre and close to North Station.
The hall is a charming 1940s church building with a small stage and a beautiful oak floor. We’re installing mirrors and ballet barres, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen for events. In time, I’d love it to become a small, community-based arts hub hosting intimate acoustic gigs, vintage fairs, workshops, exhibitions, tea dances, fitness classes and rehearsals.
Alongside our own Theatricool classes and events, the space is available to hire during the day, evenings and weekends at reasonable rates. We’re keen to hear from like-minded individuals and groups looking for a welcoming, creative venue. While we can’t offer full-week block bookings, we do offer regular weekly slots.
We officially launch on Saturday, 5 September, and will be open from 10am to 4pm. Please do come along and say hello.
It feels as though I’ve come full circle – that childhood story about turning a hall into a theatre has become reality. Life takes unexpected turns, but if you follow your passion, amazing things can happen.
Sally Fisher
Principal, Theatricool Performing Arts School
sally@theatricool.co.uk
Find us on Facebook at Theatricool Studio
