creative team
DIRECTOR - PAUL CLEMENTS
Paul is no stranger to Stage One having been a member when he was younger. He is thrilled and excited now to be taking on this incredible company.
Paul attended the University of Essex to study for a BA in Musical Theatre, he then continued his studies at the Guildford School of Acting where he gained an MA. During this time, he continued to hone his skills and knowledge on performing and discovered a love and ability for directing shows. After university, Paul went on to establish his own theatre company 'Visionworks', which is still active and producing some great local theatre.
Paul has struggled with severe dyslexia and was often told, throughout his education, that he would not achieve his goals. Paul has worked hard to develop strategies to get where he is now. His journey began, as a boy, in Stage One, where his passion for drama was ignited and supported.
Paul says, "I wouldn't be where I am today without my wife, Katie, my Mum and Dad, and God. My faith means so much to me and I truly feel so blessed to be where I am today".
CHOREOGRAPHER - HELEN WALLIS
Helen is thrilled to be the resident choreographer for Stage One. Her love for the stage started at a very young age but her career began in her teens when she was cast in a number of TV commercials short films and feature films. She was also lucky enough to kickstart her choreography career at just 18 when she choreographed a National Theatre Connections piece for the Nuffield Theatre. Throughout her teens and early twenties, she could be seen in most local theatres treading the boards performing as a singer/dancer, as well as backstage, choreographing touring shows and in-house musicals.
Helen went on to pursue a career in the industry from UK tours to singing and dancing abroad. In her late twenties, Helen embarked on a career at sea joining cruise ships as a production singer. She was later promoted assistant choreographer, assistant cruise director and finally cruise director. This wonderful role took her all over the world with lots of stories to share of her travels - and was where she met her husband! Her return to England was to start a family and she has been teaching ever since. As a professional choreographer, Helen's work has been seen in many theatres across the South Coast in the last seven years for many different companies. Helen is the company director and principal of TADAA - The Alternative Dramatic Arts Academy, teaching musical theatre, dance, drama and singing to local children and adults.