Published on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021
King’s College is excited to announce a new performing arts camp is coming to Taunton during October half term and will be run by the prestigious Walker’s Academy. Gareth and Laura Walker are both experienced and highly accomplished performers, directors and teachers who currently work with many famous personalities in the performing arts industry.
Gareth is a live show director on West End shows, touring productions, concerts and events. His credits include Associate Director of Closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympics 2012, Choreographer and Director to Take That, Steps, Jay Z, Rihanna, Rip it Up 60’s West End and Here Come The Boys West End, whilst Laura has been a performer in the industry for over 20 years with credits for Here Come the Girls UK Tour, the Royal Variety Show, Brit Awards, Coldplay, Jessie J and Annie Lennox.
The first camp will be at King’s Hall (25 - 29 October) and is aimed at 5- to 13-year-olds, while the second camp (1 – 4 November) is aimed at 13- to18-year-olds and will be held at King’s College. All the sessions will use the school’s fantastic dance and drama facilities to provide new experiences, and a platform to be creative in a social and inclusive way.
Commenting, Laura Walker said: “We decided to set up the Academy to help children grow in confidence, learn new skills, have fun and enjoy performing arts in a friendly supportive environment. Gareth and I recently moved to the area with our boys, so we’re looking forward to meeting new people and can’t wait to help young people explore and channel their creativity!”
The Walkers have invited fellow professionals to give taster workshops in different genres of performing arts. Each week, pupils will be inspired by experienced performers such as Charlie Bruce, winner of So You Think You Can Dance; Adrian Hansel, West End leading man seen in Starlight Express and Hairspray; Giovanni Spano, X Factor contestant and West End lead currently in Cinderella; Adrian Gas, choreographer to Take That; Rose Wild, from Thriller Live on the West End; world beatboxing champion Rupert Oldridge ‘aka’ Bass 6; choreographer Natasha Mould and commercial dancer Mick Scott, who has worked with David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.
Head of Drama, Mrs Harriet Agg-Manning said, “This is so exciting for our pupils and the aspiring performers in Taunton, and we’re delighted to welcome The Walker’s Academy to King’s. Even with patrons such as Lulu MBE, Strictly Come Dancing professionals Aljaz Škorjanec and Janette Manrara, Anastacia and Louis Smith MBE, the Walkers are eager to cater to all abilities and experience, so there’ll be something for everyone.”
If you would like to express an interest in attending, please visit www.walkers.academy to complete the registration form, call King’s College on 01823 328204 or email admissions@king-taunton.co.uk for more information.