We are an award winning, family business that provides tuition in the performing arts disciplines. With the support of parents our aim is to not only teach children key skills but to unlock their talent and help their confidence grow.

Experienced tutors promote responsibility and self awareness alongside the techniques of performing arts. With a full production every year the children will learn all aspects of performing including the workings of a live theatre, lighting, costumes and props. We welcome children of all abilities and look forward to your child starting their journey with us.

Background

Frederick Douglas Performing Arts was founded in 2015 by Deborah Marks and Leanne Field, a mother and daughter team with a wealth of experience and training between them. They’ve worked alongside professional west end performers, recognised actors from televised dramas and have helped support children into dream roles in the west end. Deborah has now passed this business to Leanne.

Frederick Douglas was a true gentleman, devoted husband and loving Father who left life’s stage too soon, just four months before he would have become the exemplary Grandad we all know he would have been to Granddaughter Leanne.

A humble, considerate man, Fredrick worked as a fireman on steam trains and as a bus conductor – and  Frederick adored musical theatre. He would save for an entire year so that he could take his Daughter, Deborah, to the London Palladium where together they would marvel at the costumes and be enthralled by the performances of musicals and pantomimes.

Frederick encouraged and supported Deborah in her pursuit of a career in performing arts, but he was not one for being in the spotlight, instead preferring to help behind the scenes as part of the stage crew for shows in which his Daughter performed. He only ever wanted the very best for his family.

And so it was, in memory of this great man, that in 2015 Deborah and Leanne decided to form the Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy with the aims of helping children discover their talents, develop their confidence and learn key skills; an achievement that Frederick would have been proud of.

Deborah’s passion for performing arts is shared by her Daughter Leanne who between them have a wealth of professional performing arts experience. Their careers have seen them work in top venues alongside numerous West End stars and television actors and actresses, experiences they now use to benefit others who are destined for the stage.