Penguin Acting & Theatre Productions is an independent local business based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. We were established in 2019 in response to the removal of Drama from the school curriculum as we were passionate about making sure that the arts continued to play an active part in our community. We believe that Drama is so important because it has the power to aid focus and memory as well as stretching the imagination. We recognise its ability to develop social, team and communication skills whilst giving us time to switch off from the world. Drama promotes positive mental health and makes us feel happy.
From the company name you might notice we are slightly obsessed with Penguins. Penguins are fascinating creatures who glide effortlessly through the water. They are hardworking with a great community spirit, looking after everyone in their huddle. Their adorable waddle makes them stand out from the crowd whilst bringing a smile to your face. Like penguins we are inclusive and want everyone to go away smiling.
Our passion for penguins doesn’t stop here, we also adopt our own named Pengi.
We would love to welcome you to our huddle.
We use drama as a tool to improve confidence and self-esteem whilst having fun. We offer after-school classes in Mirfield and surrounding areas for budding actors from the age of 8 years to adults. Classes combine warm-ups, improvisation, characterisation and script work for both theatre and TV in a no pressure environment. We aim to showcase our work through regular productions.
Lou founded Penguin Acting and Theatre Productions in 2018 because she is passionate about enhancing lives through drama. Her interest in drama started at a young age when she attended Oldham Theatre Workshop. She furthered her acting training at college where she achieved a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts, progressing onto a BA HONS in Theatre Studies and Media.
In 2006 Lou went on to qualify as a Youth and Community Worker using her drama skills to enhance the lives of disadvantaged young people through informal education. In 2016 she gained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) where she was graded as Outstanding. She is presently studying a Masters in Psychology.
Lou currently acts in theatre, film and murder mystery events. She writes and directs all the scripts produced by the company. Aside from theatre Lou enjoys property development and gluten free baking.
Born in Yorkshire, Jez attended the adult classes at Penguin Acting and this ignited his passion for theatre work. Productions include Cinderella, Wizard of Oz and What’s the Harm (theatre in education piece).
Jez now works with young people to transfer the skills he’s learnt over the years.
