ABOUT US
Inspire Academy opened in January 2007 with a group of 17 young actors. Since then the organisation has grown to become one of the Midlands' leading drama workshops with over 160 members.
We focus on discovering and developing new talent from across the East Midlands, with weekly sessions taking place in Nottingham, Derby & Sheffield.
The group is split over three age groups; 7-11, 11-16, 16-21, along with an Over 21's group for Inspire Academy Alumni. Our annual auditions for new members take place in the spring of every year and there is no previous acting experience required to apply.
Our weekly sessions run throughout the year, including through school holidays and half terms. The focus of the sessions vary depending on the projects we're working on. Sessions include: rehearsals for live performance projects, screen acting, improvisation, audition techniques, script work & new writing. At the heart of everything we do at Inspire Academy is our fundamental belief that acting is about seeking truthful and honest performances.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team is committed to delivering quality training and support to our members. Every child and young adult is encouraged to find their confidence and express their talent freely, in a positive & welcoming environment.
Executive Director
Luke Gell
Prounouns: He/Him
Luke has been the Director of Inspire Academy since it's beginning in 2007. He is actively involved in leading sessions and directing plays.
Luke's background is as an actor in Television, Film & Theatre. Appearing in Casualty, Holby City, Citizen Khan, Still Open All Hours and many more. He is most recognisable for his role in three series of the BBC's Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps. Theatre credits include; 'Touched' at Nottingham Playhouse with Vicky McClure.
In 2017, Luke made the decision to retire from acting and instead switch his full focus on nurturing new talent. Alongside his active role in training young actors, Luke is the lead agent for the Inspire Academy Agency.
Director of Inspire Academy Sheffield
Terry Haywood
Pronouns: He/Him
After spending a number of years as the assistant director of The Television Workshop, Terry moved to join our team in January 2023.
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Terry is well known for his performances on 'Young Dracula' and 'Jamie Johnson' for CBBC.
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Terry brings a wealth of knowledge to his work with young actors. His engaging, charismatic teaching style means young people instantly feel comfortable to work with him.
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Alongside his responsibilities as the Director of our Sheffield group, Terry teaches the Saturday Morning 11-16 group in Nottingham.
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Under 11's Assistant Tutor
Emily Healy
Pronouns: She/Her
Emily is the assistant tutor with our Under 11's group in Nottingham. Her role is to give support and guidance to our child actors, working with them on a one-to-one basis during the sessions.
Recently, Emily has taken up a similar role at Inspire Academy in Derby, where she supports Silas in running the sessions.
Director of Inspire Academy Derby
Silas Simpson
Pronouns: He/Him
Silas-Paul Simpson joined our team in 2021 after returning to the UK, having spent 6 years in the Caribbean.
Silas worked as a young actor, appearing in CITV hit; 'Dangerville'. He also starred alongside Michael Sheen in the film 'Heartlands'. He is a kind, thoughtful person, which makes young actors feel relaxed and at ease in his sessions.
Silas's experience and knowledge of being a young actor in TV is being passed on to the members here at Inspire Academy. Alongside his responsibilities in Derby, he leads the Nottingham Monday Evening 11-16's group and is the Director of the Under 11's.
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Office Assistant
Casey Griffiths
Pronouns: She/Her
Casey, affectionately known as 'Caseington', joined the team as the office assistant in 2024. She works part-time, helping to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
WHAT WE DO
What to Expect
If you're successful in gaining a place in the group, you'll be invited to join a weekly session with us. We run our sessions throughout school holidays, only breaking up for Christmas. The sessions will vary based on the project we're working on. Throughout the course of the year, you'll cover acting for camera, rehearsals for live theatre performances, audition technique, improvisation and skills.
Regular Performances
We firmly believe that young actors learn best when the skills they are being taught are actively and regularly put into practice. Each year, the Under 11's and 11-16's group are given a performance project, this might be Monologues and Duologues, a Play, or devised piece. Each of our Over 16's groups rehearse plays and perform these in our annual Play Season.
Film Projects
In 2022, we purchased state of the art equipment to begin producing our own screen work with our members. Acting for camera is an essential part of our training and our young actors take part in everything from making short films, to practising casting self-tape technique.
Community
Building a community of young people who are encouraged to be strong, resilient and grounded is at the heart of who we are. We regularly hold events outside of our normal sessions that bring people together for fun and to build community. These events include; The Inspire Ball, Inspire Camp and many more.
SESSION TIMETABLE > NOTTINGHAM
Info:
Sessions for the Nottingham group are held at The International Community Centre on Mansfield Road in Nottingham City Centre, close to the famous Victoria Centre. There is street parking around this location.
Age Groups:
7-11, 11-16, 16-21 & Over 21's (Alumni Only)
Weekly Sessions:
Mondays - 4:30pm til 6pm - Under 11's
Mondays - 6pm til 8:30pm - 11-16's
Wednesdays - 5pm til 7:30pm - 11-16's
Thursdays - 6:00pm til 8:30pm - Over 16's
Fridays - 6pm til 8:30pm - Over 16's
Fridays - 7pm til 9pm - Over 21's
Saturdays - 10:30am til 1pm - 11-16's
SESSION TIMETABLE > SHEFFIELD
Info:
Our sessions in Sheffield are held at Sheffield Park Academy. It is a secondary school, close to the City Centre and is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Age Groups:
7-11 & 11-16
Weekly Sessions:
Wednesdays - 5:30pm til 7pm - Under 11's
Wednesdays - 7pm til 9pm - 11-16's
SESSION TIMETABLE > DERBY
Info:
Sessions in Derby are held at Landau Forte College. The venue is close to Derby City Centre, with great transport links and plenty of available parking.
Age Groups:
7-11 & 11-16
Weekly Sessions:
Saturdays - 10:30am til 12pm - Under 11's
Saturdays - 12pm til 2pm - 11-16's