The Team | The Performing Arts Theatre Academy

Meet The Team

Inspire Passion Perform

Principal

Rebecca Hollands

I have a real love of all things theatre and drive my children crazy singing all the songs from every musical around the house! Setting up this Academy has been a dream for a very long time and to be able to pass on all my experience and passion for Musical Theatre is a privilege.

My love of performing started when I started dancing at the age of 4 with a mixture of ballroom and disco. Aged 11 I began training at Poole Academy of Dance where I learnt Ballet, Tap and Modern dance until I was 16. It is also where I learnt stage craft, acting and singing. With Poole Academy, I performed at the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole on several occasions. At School my most memorable part was as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, but I have also done Oh What a Lovely War and South Pacific. I was a semi-professional singer with a local girl band Encopia, in which we were lucky enough to support acts like Bucks Fizz, Ultra Nate and Dance DJ, Sasha and gigged all over the South of England.

I have been lucky enough to train at the Artists Theatre School under Principal Amanda Redman, and acted in the play Nell Gwynn which was in the Questors Theatre, West London directed by Amanda.

I have also completed my Speech and Drama Diploma under the tuition of James Bowden at the Dorset School of Acting.

Principal

Zoe Mitchener

I have performed for as long as I can remember and started at age 4 in a disco class at the sports centre and have not stopped dancing since.

I have studied a wide variety of disciplines throughout my career, from Modern Jazz, Tap, Ballroom, Musical Theatre and Ballet at different local schools including Poole Academy of Dance. I have trained with The Bournemouth Ballet Club, Laines Theatre Arts and Arts Educational Schools extra curricular courses and performed in many stage productions both amateur and professional and I have been lucky enough to work with many professionals in the industry.

After completing my Musical Theatre degree at university, I successfully graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance with my Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies qualification and with the British Theatre Dance Association in Tap and Modern shortly after. More recently I have completed my teacher training with Acrobatic Arts and trained as a Pilates teacher and a DDMix instructor.

Teaching is my biggest passion and I aim to instil this passion and love of performance into our students throughout their time with us. Watching the children develop and grow as performers and individuals in their ability and their confidence is the most rewarding thing and I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of their journey.

Tap and Jazz

Chloe Williams

Chloe graduated from Stella Mann College with a BA (Hons) and has since gone on to work professionally in the industry, mainly working in the cruise ship industry in companies such as P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises. Chloe is also a highly skilled dance teacher with over 7 years experience in teaching many different genres of dance.

Chloe is excited to be joining the team and can’t wait to watch the students grow as performers.

Chloe will be returning to us in November 2026 after finishing her Performers contract on a Cruise Ship. Chloe will be taking over Performance Crew and will be taking back Tap and Jazz classes. We are excited to see her again!

Singing and Musical Theatre

Jessica Glover

Jess trained as a Junior Associate for the Royal Ballet School before completing her Level 6 Diploma in Musical Theatre at Performers College, along with a DDI teaching qualification in Imperial Classical Ballet.

She has taught Singing, Acting, and Dance across the UK and internationally for 10+ years, including work as an assistant choreographer for TUI Resorts with Live Business.

As a performer, Jess has travelled the world as a lead vocalist in production shows and as a solo artist for brands such as P&O Cruises and Cunard. Additional credits include performances at prestigious venues such as Wembley Arena and the Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as most recently starring as Dale Tremont in Top Hat the musical.

Alongside her performance career, Jess is now also developing original production shows and creative content.

She is passionate about sharing her industry experience and performance expertise with the next generation of performers. Jess is thrilled to be joining the team and can’t wait to get to know the students—supporting them to reach their full potential, grow in confidence, and most importantly, have fun!

Singing

David Jon Ballinger

Dave is a professional Musical Theatre performer and actor with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Musical Theatre from Mountview. He has travelled the world working on Cruise Liners, resorts and in theatre productions.

He is excited to continue his teaching journey and helping the students reach their full potential.

Student Teachers

Miss Phoebe

Miss Emylia

Miss Emmy

Our Values

Inspire - Inspire creativity by sharing our love of the performing arts

Passion - A passion for excellence and drive for professionalism

Respect - Respecting each student as individuals and their personal journey as they grow with us

Energy - Creating a drive and spirit in our students to build strength and endurance through performance and life

Independence - Fostering a supportive environment to develop each student’s confidence and independence.