Gillian Banks Theatre School

The business began over 25 years ago by hiring a church hall and holding classes for 6 children from Maltby, Rotherham. At that time Maltby was a thriving mining village with a majority of working class people, principally employed at the pit, with no inclinations towards performing arts.

Over the years the staff have developed the classes whilst studying for further qualifications and gaining experience. We have moved from church halls to school halls and now have our own purpose built studios in Maltby where it is a 200 student strong Theatre School training students through 5 nationally recognised examining boards.

However, we are still catering for the members of the community who need help with finances and support, to allow themselves and their children to attend classes.

The school is qualified by 5 national examining boards:

• IDTA for Modern Jazz, Theatrecraft, Tap Dance, Irish Hard and Soft Shoe, Line dancing , Ballet, Ballroom, Latin American, Gymnastic Dance, Street Dance and Freestyle.

• London Academy of Dramatic Arts for Drama and Musical Theatre.

• London College of Music for Piano, Singing and Keyboard.

• Edexcel for Dance Diploma.

• RSA Fitness Classes.

Training is provided for children and adults in Musical Theatre and have received national recognition by being invited to perform at Disneyland Resort Paris, Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End of London, The Royal Albert Hall in London, on board MSC Cruise Liners and many more.

Over the past twenty years numerous dance and fitness teachers have trained through the school giving them a teaching qualification to begin new businesses and start earning money after their training.

The track record of the school shows 100% pass rates in all examinations, in all areas, with National recognition being honored on the school in the form of nominations of 6 students out of 4000 for Theatre Dance of Britain.

The quality of the school and customer service can only be judged by the sheer growth in the school from 6 to 200 pupils and the reputation within the town and the village for keeping children off the streets and studying for something constructive and rewarding in their lives.