April 2008
Next month will see the launch of the new Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in Belfast, one of a new generation of weekend performing arts schools being opened across the UK by the popular actress.
PQA is aimed at children aged from six to 18 and the focus, says its publicity, is firmly on fun.
Halys O’Neill, who will be running PQA Belfast, says that she is really excited about the opening of the Belfast Academy:
“PQA offers children the opportunity to get involved with all areas of performing arts from dancing, singing and theatre to comedy and television. At its core, PQA is designed to help children gain confidence, make friends and have fun”, she adds.
Modules at PQA include comedy and drama, musical theatre and film and television, a unique offering in which students become familiar with the different acting styles required for camera work and learn how a television or film production is created.
As well as the regular weekend classes, PQA also provides courses which take place over the school holidays where students will have the opportunity to work towards an end performance.
Having taught for nine years in various schools across the province, Halys is an experienced music and drama teacher who has been working with community theatre for many years and is responsible for setting up drama departments in two integrated colleges.
PQA Belfast is holding an open day at 11am on Saturday, May 3 at Strathearn School on the Belmont Road in Belfast. Children and parents are welcome to come along and meet Pauline to find out more.
PQA Belfast will hold its first classes on May 17 at Strathearn School. For further information or to register a place, please visit www.pqacademy.com or call PQA on 084567 32022.