Performing Arts School: Singing, Dancing & Acting in Hastings
At The Hastings Stage Studio, we believe that everyone has the potential to shine on stage. Our professional training in acting, singing, and dancing is designed to help you unlock your full potential, no matter your age or experience level. With a fun, supportive, and safe environment, you'll make lifelong friends while gaining confidence, poise, skills, and self-discipline. Learn from experts with extensive experience in the West End, Film & Television, and discover the performer within you.
Our journey to excellence
The Hastings Stage Studio was established in 1968 by professional dancer and actress Anne Slacke, developing an outstanding School of Performing Arts with an unparalleled reputation for excellence. Our team of experienced teachers, with extensive qualifications and professional performing experience in the West End, film, television, and around the world, offer expert training for ages 2 through adult in a fun and supportive environment. Our students not only learn all styles of acting, singing & dancing but also gain confidence, poise, and self-discipline, making life-long friends along the way. Former pupils now perform professionally all over the world, while others credit the skills they learned at The Hastings Stage Studio for helping them succeed in various exciting professions. Under the direction of husband and wife team John & Vanessa Pohlhammer, who met while performing in Japan, the school has a long history of success and a strong reputation for exceptionally high standards.
Vanessa Pohlhammer, Co-Director
Vanessa Pohlhammer has an impressive background in dance and teaching. She studied at The Hastings Stage Studio under the founder, her mother Anne Slacke, before gaining a full scholarship to the Royal Ballet School and Laine Theatre Arts. Vanessa has performed as a dancer and singer on top television shows and films in England and Spain, at The Talk of London and Cabaret in the West End, and aboard luxury cruise ships for such lines as Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Royal Viking and NCL. Her extensive teaching qualifications include ISTD and LAMDA, full member Royal Academy of Dance, Royal Ballet School, member Russian Ballet Society, and Associate of ISTD in Ballet, Modern, National, Tap, Cecchetti Ballet & History of Dance.
John Pohlhammer, Co-Director
John Pohlhammer is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Indiana University School of Music. He is a successful actor, having performed several roles in the Reduced Shakespeare Company, Criterion Theatre, London’s West End, and abroad. John is also an accomplished tap dancer, having played the lead role of Bobby Child in Crazy For You, U.S. Tour. He is a prominent London voice-over artist, having narrated all 36 seasons of 8 Out of 10 Cats, several characters in Chuggington, and hundreds more. John is also a drummer, singer, percussionist, guest entertainer, and/or musical director for several top cruise lines, including NCL, RCCL, Royal Viking, Cunard, Holland America, and Crystal Cruises, as well as Walt Disney World, Florida. He is the lead singer/actor in the Las Vegas hit show, the Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons review Oh, What A Night! John appeared singing and tap dancing on Britain’s Got Talent with his son Brandon, receiving 4 Yes’s from the judges and a full audience standing ovation at the London Palladium.
Begin Your Journey With The Hastings Stage Studio & Get Ready To Take The Spotlight
Why enrol in The Hastings Stage Studio?
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Exceptional pastoral care and guidance promoting a kind, positive learning environment for all.
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Consistently outstanding results in optional exams with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts and Guildhall
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Pick and choose your training, from one class a week to a full curriculum
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Amazing performing opportunities in professional quality shows for those who wish to perform, with roaring reviews from the local press and talent agencies
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No joining fee
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Dedicated premises with professional sprung Harlequin dance floors, barres, mirrors and more
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Hundreds of trophies and certificates awarded each year, no pupil is overlooked
Full training (from beginner to professional)
Established in 1968
Fully qualified teachers (LAMDA, ISTD, BTDA, RBS, MRBS, AISTD, IDTA, LLAM, Full Member RAD)
Our students' success
Our students have achieved great success as performers. They have had the opportunity to perform in our professional-quality shows, receiving rave reviews from local press and talent agencies. Our pupils have landed roles in popular films such as such as The Theory of Everything, The Imitation Game, Downton Abbey and more. Onstage, our pupils have held prestigious roles in such West End Hits as The Lion King, Wicked, Les Misérables, and continue to perform in major theatres and concert halls around the world. We are proud of our students' accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success.
Our reviews
"My children absolutely love attending dance classes at the Hastings Stage Studio! The instructors are fantastic, creating a warm and welcoming environment while also teaching valuable skills. They play a significant role in nurturing their confidence and fostering their creativity. The classes are well structured, great fun and a lovely way for the kids to express themselves through dance.
Highly Recommend!"
"Hastings Stage Studio stands out for its exceptional dedication to nurturing young children in a supportive environment conducive to their growth in the performing arts. With a team of passionate instructors, age-appropriate classes, and a focus on inclusivity and positive reinforcement, the studio fosters creativity, confidence, and joy in every child. Through regular performances and showcases, children not only develop their talents but also gain invaluable life skills. For parents seeking a place where their child can flourish both artistically and personally, Hastings Stage Studio is the perfect choice."
SamuelG-115-Yell
Start your singing, dancing & acting journey with us
Give us a call to explore your singing, acting, and dance talents. Our classes will help you build confidence, improve coordination, and keep you fit. Plus, you'll make new friends and have fun while doing it!
