The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in Bethnal Green is launching a brand-new Saturday afternoon academy with an open day on 26 September after growing demand from local families saw its existing session reach full capacity.
With a waitlist of over 44 young people for the academy’s Green Group (six to nine year olds), the new afternoon session from 2pm to 5pm every Saturday will create more places for children and teenagers aged six to 18 to access PQA’s training in Musical Theatre, Film & Television, and Comedy & Drama.
The expansion follows a period of strong growth under Principal Livvie May, who took over PQA Bethnal Green in 2022. When Livvie took over the academy, it had around 50 students and no classes for children under six. She introduced Poppets immediately, PQA’s dedicated class for children aged four to six, where young performers are taught to develop their confidence, build friendship and bring their ideas to life through imaginative play and storytelling.
Originally from Bristol, Livvie first joined PQA Bristol in 2013 and spent eight years working across a variety of roles including Poppets teacher, Vice Principal and Film & Television teacher. A Meisner-trained actor, she has also appeared on stage and screen, with recent credits including Katy Asquith in ‘The Serial Killer’s Wife’ (Channel 5 and Paramount+) and ‘Misper’ (2025).
Principal Livvie May said, “This expansion means so much to us because it allows even more families in Bethnal Green and the surrounding area to experience everything PQA has to offer.
“We’ve seen incredible growth since taking over the academy, and we know there are so many young people looking for a place where they can build confidence, express themselves and make lifelong friendships. Opening this new session means we can welcome even more children into our PQA family.”
Young performers at PQA Bethnal Green enjoy opportunities to perform both on stage and on screen. Recent highlights include a West End performance of ‘Across the Line’, a production of ‘High School Musical’, regular in-house talent showcases and original short films created each term as part of the academy’s Film & Television classes.
Principal Livvie May, alongside her team of professional teachers, are dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for young people to discover themselves whilst learning the latest techniques in performing arts. Performing arts isn’t just about singing and dancing, there are also opportunities for all young people to explore comedy, story writing, TV and filmmaking.
Ahead of the new afternoon session launching in September, the academy will host a Casting Masterclass Workshop on 25 July and a K-Pop Summer School from 27 to 31 July, giving local young people the opportunity to develop new skills during the summer holidays.
To book a space on the open day on Saturday 26 September or the summer schools, please visit https://www.pqacademy.com/academies/bethnal-green/
