Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Performing Arts School in Surrey & West Sussex
Established in 2008, Showdown Theatre Arts has grown from a children's talent agency into a comprehensive performing arts training and representation organisation. Our mission is to nurture young talent and professional actors through industry-leading training, performance opportunities, and career representation. With locations across Surrey and West Sussex, we provide weekly classes in acting, singing, and dance, led by West End professionals and experienced educators. Our students benefit from regular performances in professional theatres, gaining invaluable industry exposure and practical experience. We maintain strong connections with drama schools and casting agencies, ensuring our students receive expert guidance for auditions and career progression.Our boutique-style agency offers personalised career development for both emerging and established performers. Through our international exchange programme with Baltimore School for the Arts, we provide unique global training opportunities. All our staff undergo rigorous background checks, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. Our faculty includes West End veterans and qualified educators with decades of combined industry experience. We pride ourselves on fostering creativity, discipline, and confidence through the performing arts, helping students develop both artistically and personally.
Services
Theatre School Training
Audition Preparation
Talent Representation
International Exchange Programme
Professional Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 18 years' experience training award-winning performers
- West End professionals as teaching faculty
- 98% student progression to drama schools or professional work
- Personalised career development plans
- Unique international exchange programme with Baltimore School for the Arts
Services
Theatre School Training
Weekly training in acting, singing, and dance for ages 5-25. Professional instructors with West End experience guide students through technical skill development and performance preparation. Classes culminate in full-scale productions at professional theatres, providing real industry experience.
Talent Representation
Professional representation for emerging and established performers. Specialising in theatre, film, and television bookings, our agency connects talent with casting opportunities. Personalised career guidance helps clients navigate auditions and industry requirements effectively.
International Exchange Programme
Annual cultural exchange with Baltimore School for the Arts. Students participate in intensive training programmes in the USA and host visiting students in the UK. This unique opportunity develops cross-cultural performance skills and expands professional networks.
Audition Preparation
Specialised workshops for audition readiness. Industry professionals provide one-to-one coaching on monologues, vocal techniques, and dance routines. Students receive constructive feedback to refine their performance and presentation skills.
Professional Workshops
Intensive training sessions led by West End performers and creatives. Topics include musical theatre, audition techniques, and industry trends. Workshops offer direct insights into current professional practices and expectations.
People
Carli Jones
Principal & Agent
Founder with 18 years' experience in performing arts education. Former West End performer who established Showdown Theatre Arts 12 years ago. Specialises in nurturing young talent and managing professional careers through her agency.
Dustin Conrad
Musical Director
Qualified musical director with extensive West End experience. Holds BMus (Hons) from Surrey University and PGDip in Musical Direction from Mountview Academy. Credits include 9-5 at The Savoy Theatre and multiple UK tours.
Jordan Farrell
Choreographer
Laine Theatre Arts graduate with international performance experience. Teaches at leading drama schools and choreographs major productions including Footloose and Grease for Showdown Theatre Arts.
Jane Doyle
MT/Dance Tutor
West End performer with credits including Starlight Express and Rent. Experienced singing and dance instructor who teaches at London's top musical theatre schools while maintaining an active performance career.
Mark Lee Davies
Choreographer
Award-winning choreographer and conservationist with 18 years' teaching experience. Creates educational dance productions that combine artistic development with environmental awareness through his MLDAnimaste movement.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students aged 5-25 years across all our theatre school locations.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience is required. Our classes cater to complete beginners and experienced performers alike.
How often are classes held?
Weekly evening classes run during term time at each location, with additional rehearsals included in production periods.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, students perform in professional theatres annually and have opportunities for international exchanges and showcase events.
Do you offer professional representation?
Our affiliated agency Showdown Management provides professional representation for suitable candidates alongside their training.
What safety measures are in place?
All staff have enhanced DBS checks and we maintain strict safeguarding policies for all students under 18.
