Join the MAPA community at Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, Chester.
Based in Chester, we are an independent performing arts academy dedicated to elite training and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Majestic Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) offers inspiring, fun, and challenging training in all aspects of performing arts. Our classes cover a wide range of skills, including improvisation, acting, script work, play production, filming, presentation skills, musical theatre, ballet, solo and group singing, street dance, commercial jazz, contemporary dance, audition technique, and vocal coaching.
Taught by a team of experienced industry professionals, students have the opportunity to take part in competitions, participate in our annual showcase, and perform in a full-scale West End production at major theatres such as StoryHouse Chester and Liverpool Empire.
Students also have access to exciting performance opportunities, including dancing at Disneyland Paris, performing on Britain’s Got Talent, competing in Dance World Cup, and more. We organise theatre trips across the North West and the West End, allowing students to experience professional productions first-hand.
For students pursuing academic recognition, we offer exams that can earn UCAS points, supporting their future education and career aspirations.
MAPA students may also be scouted by Majestic Talent Agency (MTA), a highly successful casting agency through which many of our talent have secured major West End, film, and TV roles. Our classes are friendly, fun, and supportive, celebrating each student’s individuality with regular performance opportunities and showcases.
We are committed to making arts education affordable and accessible. Our award-winning instructors and dedicated support staff combine professional training with leadership development and practical guidance to help students unlock their potential, understand their craft, and prepare for a career in the arts.
At MAPA, we use an intense yet supportive approach, pushing students to reach their full capabilities while fine-tuning the practical skills they need to thrive, both in the performing arts industry and in everyday life.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced performer, our courses are designed to challenge, inspire, and empower. At MAPA, we help your dreams take center stage. We look forward to welcoming you to our classes and courses.
Check out our CLASS & COURSE TIMETABLE to access elite training.
https://majesticacademyofperformingarts.co.uk/
Our Mission
At Majestic Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) in Chester, we believe that performing arts and storytelling have the power to transform lives, helping students connect with themselves, others, and the world around them.
Our Team of Industry Professionals
Joanne Saunders
Principal of Majestic Academy of Performing Arts & Founder of Majestic Talent Agency.
Meet Our Principal Joanne
Joanne is the Principal of Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, and the visionary Founder of Majestic Performing Arts 6th Form College and Majestic International Model & Casting Agency. She holds a degree in Performing Arts and Acting as well as a Master’s degree, giving her both extensive practical experience and advanced academic knowledge of the entertainment industry. Additionally, Joanne has studied law, equipping her with valuable insight into contracts, rights, and the business side of performing arts.
With over 22 years of professional experience, Joanne has performed on stage and screen, working with industry legends such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Joop Van De Ende. Her career spans acting, children’s entertainment, modelling, TV and radio presenting, journalism, and multiple creative business ventures, making her uniquely qualified to guide aspiring performers.
A proud North West native, Joanne’s work has taken her across the globe. Leveraging her international contacts and insider knowledge, she ensures every project at Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, Majestic Performing Arts 6th Form College, and Majestic Talent Agency is handled with professionalism, originality, and maximum exposure. Her expertise, dedication, and exceptional ability to connect with performers of all ages have contributed to the academy’s thriving community and the agency’s diverse and successful clientele.
Joanne is passionate about nurturing talent and guiding aspiring performers. Whether you’re exploring acting, dance, or musical theatre classes in Chester, interested in joining a talent agency, or want to understand what casting agents are looking for, Joanne is your go-to expert. Her guidance represents an unmissable opportunity for anyone serious about a future in the performing arts.
Alisyn Christensen
Drama & Musical Theatre Coach, Music Teacher
Meet Alisyn
Alisyn has been immersed in the performing arts from a very young age, singing in choirs, performing on stage, and playing multiple instruments. While her expertise lies in instrumental performance and musical theatre, both performing and teaching have always been a true passion.
She earned her B.A. in Music Performance and Music Education from Luther College (Decorah, IA, USA) in 2010. Following graduation, Alisyn began teaching primary general music education and assisting with the school’s musical productions. She then pursued her M.A. in Orchestral Conducting at Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA, USA), graduating in 2015.
After returning to Tacoma, Alisyn applied her knowledge to youth theatre and music programs, working with the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association to coach instrumentalists and orchestras, and with Tacoma Musical Playhouseand Tacoma Little Theatre to guide young actors on stage. She has directed and musically directed numerous youth productions in the Puget Sound area, including Seussical, Peter Pan Jr., Jungle Book Kids, Robin Hood, and several virtual productions during lockdown.
Alisyn moved from America to Liverpool to continue her journey with Majestic, Alisyn is thrilled to be part of the Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, sharing her expertise and passion while supporting and nurturing the next generation of performers.
She has had the pleasure of directing Peter Pan Jr., Elf Jr., High School Musical on Stage, and cannot wait for School of Rock to take the stage!
Emma Jayne Thomas
Dance Choreographer
Meet Emma
With over 17 years of experience training performers, Emma is a highly respected freelance dance educator and choreographer, renowned for her passion, creativity, and dedication. She has choreographed for a wide range of arts-based events, including music videos, public showcases, and community projects, demonstrating her versatility and industry connections.
Emma runs regular open classes in Commercial Dance, and is also the founder of “Diversions”, a mat-based workout combining Pilates, Yoga, and dance warm-ups to enhance the fitness and performance skills of dancers in training. She is a dance lecturer at ICTheatre Manchester, delivering classes in street dance styles and Musical Theatre, and serves as an advisory board member with The Tired Movement, promoting equality, diversity, and accessibility in the performing arts.
Emma is thrilled to be part of Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, sharing her expertise and passion with students. She loves teaching Commercial Dance at Majestic, inspiring the next generation of performers, and supporting the academy’s mission to provide elite performing arts training in Chester.
Jessica Whitehurst
Dance Choreographer
Meet Isobel
Isobel has been dancing since the age of 2, growing up competing most weekends and performing in countless shows. Her dedication and love for dance led her to complete a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, building a strong foundation for her career in the industry.
Since graduating in 2022, Isobel’s career has taken her across the UK and around the world. She has worked as a showgirl in Germany and Belgium, performed as a dancer on a UK theatre tour, spent a year travelling across the UK and Channel Islands with a circus production, performed in India, and most recently completed a seven-month contract dancing at a five-star resort in Egypt.
With her incredible performing experience and genuine passion for teaching, Isobel brings energy, positivity and inspiration into every class.
Emma Jayne Thomas
Dance Choreographer
Meet Kaitlyn
Kaitlyn has been dancing since the age of two and is trained in a wide range of styles including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street, commercial, contemporary, acro, latin, pointe, lyrical, and musical theatre. She studied at The Hammond School, where she achieved her Level 6 Professional Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Most recently, Kaitlyn has completed an exciting contract with Princess Cruise Lines as a cast dancer, spending eight months performing while sailing around the Caribbean.
Alongside her performing career, Kaitlyn has a strong passion for teaching and has several years of experience delivering dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, and team sports.
She is incredibly excited to join Majestic Academy, meet all of our students, and see the talent and creativity everyone brings.
Rhys Hayes
Dance Choreographer
Meet Rhys
Rhys Hayes, born in Chester, is a highly experienced performer, choreographer, and dance educator. He trained at BodyWork Company in Cambridge, graduating in 2013 as Head Boy, and has since built a diverse career across stage, television, and cruise line performances.
Rhys’ professional credits include the Netflix movie Molly Moon and the Book of Hypnotism, working with renowned director Antony Van Laast, and the West End show What Happened to La La Shockette. He has also appeared in advertisements, modelling campaigns, and corporate dance events for brands such as JD Sports, Nike, Regatta, Jack & Jones, Topman, River Island, and CarFest North.
In addition to his stage and screen work, Rhys performed on P&O Cruises aboard the Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel, bringing his dynamic dance skills to audiences around the world.
Following a major knee injury that limited his performing career, Rhys turned his focus to teaching, choreographing, and judging dance competitions across the UK, sharing his expertise with students of all levels and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Rhys is thrilled to be part of the Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, loving every moment of working with the talented team and students. He is passionate about contributing to the academy’s mission of nurturing elite performing arts talent in Chester.
Skye Marsh
Dance Choreographer
Meet Skye
Skye is a highly skilled and versatile performing arts tutor, specialising in Commercial Dance, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. An all-round performer, she brings a wealth of professional experience to her teaching, inspiring students to develop technical excellence, performance confidence, and a love of the arts.
Skye continues to perform regularly and is lucky to travel the globe for professional performances, most recently starring as Snow White in a national touring production. Her extensive stage experience allows her to offer students unique insights into professional theatre, live performance, and audition preparation.
Alongside her performing career, Skye is thrilled to be part of Majestic Academy of Performing Arts, sharing her expertise and passion with students. She loves working with the talented Majestic team, helping to nurture the next generation of performers and supporting the academy’s mission to provide elite performing arts training in Chester.