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.
MUSICAL DIRECTOR - KIM SEAGROVE
Kim is delighted to be joining the Stage One company as Musical Director for Les Miserables.
Originally from Plymouth, Kim enjoyed a wide variety of music, theatre and performing experiences, from Classical choirs and orchestra to Musical Theatre shows, pit-bands and pantomimes in her early and teenage years.
After moving to Leeds to study for a BA(Hons) in Music, Kim furthered her studies to gain a PGCE and then re-located to Portsmouth to begin her teaching career.
In the 25 years that Kim has lived in Hampshire, she has worked in a variety of educational settings, from a mainstream Secondary school Music teacher to Head of Music Department and Co-Lead of the Vocal Team with Hampshire Music Service for a number of years. Kim now works as a Vocal Tutor and Lecturer in Musical Theatre at the University of Chichester Conservatoire, as well as occasionally working as Musical Director for other local MT societies.
In addition to teaching and MD work, Kim has been fortunate to have enjoyed many lead roles in shows and some wonderful opportunities to sing with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and was a soloist in a concert of stage and screen musicals at The Royal Albert Hall.
Kim is thrilled to be part of the Stage One team and has been so impressed with all their fantastic talent and brilliant personalities she has seen so far!
Huge thanks to every member, creative and support staff for making her feel so very welcome.
Kim can’t wait to see what wonderful work is produced from this incredible company!