WELCOME to KSSD

Theatre masks

KSSD opened it's doors in 1984 and is the longest established peripatetic drama school in the North of England.

It is independently owned by the principal Denyse Smith who started the school to offer local children opportunities that until then were only offered in large cities.

MEET THE TEACHERS

Denyse Smith LLAM(Hons) STSD. Registered LAMDA Teacher started KSSD in 1984 and for many years ran the school without any external help apart from a volunteer receptionist. The school is reputedly the longest established privately owned peripatetic drama school in the country and unquestionably one of the most successful. Denyse can boast a 100% Pass rate in LAMDA Examinations since she started teaching in 1982. The Drama Championship at Harrogate Festival has been won by a KSSD student for twelve out of the past sixteen years and many of our past students have gone on to study drama at either university or drama school. Again a 100% success story as everyone of our students who have wanted to further a career in either Drama , Musical Theatre or Music has secured a further education place of their choice place and many of them are now working in the profession

Catherine Fearn BA (Hons) Performing Arts was a pupil here at KSSD for more than ten years . During that time she played many lead roles in school productions ranging from Dorothy in Wizard of Oz to Nancy in Oliver. An accomplished actress Catherine left with Honours marks in all her LAMDA Grade 8 Gold Medal Exams

During 6th form and throughout her time at Lancaster University she choreographed all the KSSD shows and decided that this was to be her chosen career.

Catherine returned to Knaresborough in 1989 and little more than a year later joined KSSD as a teacher of Musical Theatre and Drama.

Christopher Stone BA Mus (Hons) grew up in Harrogate. His love of music but in particular singing took him to Cheetham’s School of Music for his ‘A’ Level years. He completed his education at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

You will of course all know him as finalist in “Britains Got Talent 2010.

Still working as a professional singer, Christopher is excited about the prospect of teaching vocal performance to the students of KSSD when he joins the staff in September as our voice coach and Musical Director.

Nicola Forshaw BA (Hons ) Performance: Dance trained at Northern Ballet.

In addition Nicky also has an RAD Teaching Diploma and is an I.S.T.D. Associate. Having worked as a both a professional dancer and dance teacher in Greece for several years we are please to announce that Nicky has returned to Knaresborough where she grew up and is delighted to be joining KSSD to teach Modern and Contemporary Dance. Classes in RAD Ballet will follow in the near future.

WHAT WE DO AT KSSD.

Dance with Nicky. Monday evening. St John’s Church Hall Knaresborough

Drama with Denyse / Catherine .Tuesday and Wednesday ( dependent on age) Musical Theatre with Catherine .Thursday all at Holy Trinity Knaresborough

Production Rehearsals . Saturday morning. St John’s Knaresborough

Preparation for auditions for Drama School, NYT, professional theatre.

LAMDA Examinations

Not just for students who want to work in the business but for those who want a worthwhile hobby or just something to give them confidence. Friendly environment with fully qualified teachers in every subject and for every age group from 5years upwards.