Training the next generation of West End performers.
DPTA delivers professional-standard Theatre Arts training — Acting, Singing and Dance — led by working West End professionals, for young people who live and breathe musical theatre.
Shrek The Musical Jr. Summer School
A week-long, full-day musical theatre experience in Guiseley — songs, dances and scenes from Shrek Jr., drama and improvisation games, and workshops in props, costume and character, building towards a live performance for family and friends.
What's included
- Songs, dances & scenes from Shrek The Musical Jr.
- Drama & improvisation games
- Musical theatre workshops
- Prop making & creative activities
- Costume design sessions
- Character development workshops
- Team-building activities & challenges
Principal role auditions are held online before the Summer School begins, with cast students receiving their scripts by post. Know a friend or sibling who'd love this? Please pass it on.
Training that mirrors London's leading drama schools.
At DPTA, we're dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performers by sharing our professional expertise in Theatre Arts. Our passion for Musical Theatre and Dance is matched only by the enthusiasm of the young people we teach.
Nestled within the beautiful studios of Willow Tree School in Harrogate and Guiseley Theatre, DPTA offers a vibrant and supportive environment where students are challenged and nurtured to become intelligent, talented, and accomplished performers.
Our classes are meticulously designed to mirror the training offered at London's leading drama and theatre schools — the same high-quality teaching, opportunities, and challenges, in a safe and caring setting.
Led by qualified, DBS-checked tutors with over 40 years of professional theatre experience, and enriched with regular visits from guest tutors currently working in TV, film, Broadway and the West End, DPTA is uniquely positioned to open doors for its students.
Our Studios
Finding your way to class.
Willow Tree School
Guiseley Theatre
One weekly class. Three professional disciplines.
Acting Technique
Script work, character development and stage presence, taught the way it's approached at London's top drama schools.
Vocal Training
Technique, tone and confidence-building, guided by tutors with West End and recording credits.
Dance Technique
Musical theatre choreography and movement fundamentals, delivered by working choreographers and dance captains.
This term's class schedule.
Enrolling now · term starts 7 SeptemberClasses run in 14-week terms across our two studios. Every class includes a free trial space, so students can try before they commit — book yours before term starts.
Guiseley Theatre
Willow Tree School
Everything you need to know before you join.
How big are the classes?
We cap every class at 20 students, so each child gets proper attention and hands-on time with our tutors.
Does my child need experience to join?
No experience or kit needed — just come along to a free trial and try Acting, Singing and Dance with our tutors and current students.
What should my child wear?
Comfortable clothing and trainers — the usual attire for PE. There's no strict uniform policy like some schools, though we do encourage wearing a DPTA T-shirt. DPTA T-shirts and hoodies can be ordered through the Class Manager app.
What ages do you teach?
Our Explorers programme is for ages 6–10, and our Advanced Musical Theatre Programme is for ages 11–17, across both our Harrogate and Guiseley studios.
What if I need to cancel or want a refund?
Full details are set out in our Terms & Conditions.
Are your tutors safe to work with children?
Yes — all DPTA tutors are DBS-checked professionals. Read our Safeguarding Policy for full details.
How do I get to the locations, and where do I park?
In Harrogate, Willow Tree School has a small drop-off area right outside, plus on-street parking on the surrounding roads. In Guiseley, there's an easy public car park directly opposite the theatre, with a cafe inside if you'd like to wait, and a Morrisons a short walk away. See our Getting Here maps above for full details.
Real students. Real training.
Damien Poole
Damien's journey in theatre began in 2005 when he moved from Yorkshire to London to pursue his passion. A graduate of Arts Educational Schools London with a degree in Dance and Musical Theatre, Damien enjoyed a twelve-year career performing in London's West End.
His credits include Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel in Grease, The Mad Hatter in Shrek the Musical (Original London Cast), Kansa/Dance Captain in Gypsy, and Swing/Assistant Dance Captain in Groundhog Day (Original World Cast) — alongside recording credits including Adele's Wembley Arena tour and the Mary Poppins Returns soundtrack.
Damien is a Senior Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, teaching on the Musical Theatre Degree and Master's programmes, and currently choreographs and stars in the children's TV show Sing-A-Saurus.
Taught by working professionals, not just enthusiasts.
Marie Collins
Trained in acting and voice at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and recently voice-coached Disney Theatricals' West End production of The Lion King. A busy Musical Director across Yorkshire, with credits including We Will Rock You, Cats, Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar. Founder of Yeadon Town Hall Show Choir and The VivaVox Choir.
Hattie Dibb
Trained at the prestigious Urdang Academy, graduating with a First Class Honours degree. Continues to work professionally within the industry, auditioning and performing alongside teaching. Loves watching students’ confidence grow while inspiring the next generation of performers.
Grace Millington
Trained in RAD and ISTD ballet, tap, modern and jazz from a young age, before studying Music at Huddersfield University. Rediscovered her love of performing arts in Harrogate, most recently appearing in Calamity Jane with HOPS. Grace loves helping young performers grow in confidence on stage.
Supported by working West End professionals.
Our Fellows are guest tutors with a close connection to DPTA; our Patrons are respected names in the industry who champion what we do.
Trained here. Now making it.
Real DPTA students who trained with us and are now building careers in the industry — watch this space.
Ben Malone
Cat Baird
Cat Ford
Elliot Broadfoot
Emily Mumford
Harry Hodge
Hattie Dibb
Kiera Smallwood
Kim Beecroft
Rifa Moon
Seb Smallwood
Tilly Ducker
Our students have gone on to train at
From "maybe" to your first class, in three steps.
Book a Trial Class
Call or message us and we'll find a class at the right level in Harrogate or Guiseley.
Come Along
No experience or kit needed — just come and try Acting, Singing and Dance with our tutors and current students.
Join The Term
Loved it? We'll get you set up for the term, with regular progress, performances and opportunities to look forward to.
Confidence, on and off the stage.
"Damien Poole is unquestionably one of the most gifted people working in the West End. He is not only a triple threat performer but also incredibly smart and inventive. His manner and way with people is exemplary."
"Damien Poole is an incredibly talented young man. I was delighted to observe Damien teach at ArtsEd. The feedback from the students was extremely positive. He's incredibly inspirational."
"DPTA has made her sparkle in so many ways I've never seen before, coming home happy, confident, articulate and full of energy. It's the best and most inclusive group she has been part of."
"The network of support at DPTA is so very rare — you have done a fabulous job in cultivating this ethos, it really is a lovely family to be part of."
Send us a quick enquiry.
Tell us a little about your child and we'll get back to you personally — no commitment, no pressure.
Ready to take the stage?
Join DPTA in Harrogate or Guiseley and start training the way London's professionals do.