About PQA

PQA – Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts provide weekend and after school performing arts classes for children and young people aged 4 – 18 years. Established in 2007 by Pauline Quirke MBE and her husband Steve Sheen, the ethos of PQA has always been to provide professional performing arts tuition in a safe, welcoming and inclusive space.

Our classes are carefully designed by age group, from vibrant 90-minute Poppets sessions (ages 4-6) to three-hour Main Academy classes (ages 6-18) where students explore singing, drama, dance and filmmaking in depth. Main Academy students are grouped by age, with clearly defined skills and outcomes for each age group.

With over 250 academies across the UK, and more to come, there are always opportunities for great teachers with performing arts industry experience to join teams led by our network of Principals.

What makes teaching at PQA special?

Creative Ownership & Student Voice - Pupils don’t just follow scripts: they write, create, and film their own work. Teachers support storytelling, improv, and original content creation.

Teaching with Impact - Through performance technique and creative workshops, you’ll help students build not only performing arts skills, but life skills that will help them grow as confident, grounded individuals.

Supportive, High-Energy Environment - Sessions are fun, imaginative, and dynamic; our teachers and students thrive in a warm, inclusive, and supportive academy atmosphere.

Be Part of the Bigger Picture - Contribute to projects that make memories, from short films screened locally to performances, showcases, and even West End productions.

Professional Growth - You’ll grow too - gaining experience leading modules, working across disciplines (e.g. drama, dance, filmmaking), collaborating with other team members, and contributing to the wider PQA network of teachers and practitioners.

Teaching Roles at PQA.

Film & TV Teacher .

Lead filmmaking workshops with students aged 6–18, helping them create original short films that may be screened in local cinemas or online. Ideal for film, television, or media graduates with practical filmmaking or editing experience, and a passion for working with young people.

Musical Theatre Teacher .

Teach singing, dance, and drama in projects that cover a range of genres, from Pop to Musical Theatre. Opportunities to choreograph and direct for academy showcases, book musicals, and West End performances. Perfect for versatile teachers with strong industry knowledge.

Drama & Comedy Teacher .

Guide students through improvisation, stand-up, Shakespeare, devised theatre, and more. A great fit for drama practitioners with a broad knowledge of performance styles and a passion for engaging young performers.

Poppets Teacher (4–6) .

Deliver fun, creative lessons using songs, stories, movement, and role play. Sessions are high-energy, imaginative, and educational – the perfect introduction to the performing arts for young children.

Teaching Assistant .

Support our teaching team and students in class. Ideal for those early in their careers who want hands-on experience in a performing arts classroom while working with children aged 4–18.

Vice Principal Roles .

Support the Principal in running the academy, mentor staff, and contribute to planning and delivery. A leadership role that combines teaching with management responsibilities.

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