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About Us
King Arts Academy was founded by Charli Stephens-King in 2026 after moving from Hertfordshire to Ipswich earlier that year.
The Creative Arts has always been a big part of Charli's life and so has working with children. But as Charli hit her mid 20's, she noticed that there wasn't really high intensity training for recent graduates from drama school that are now based outside of London, hence why our sessions are now tailored to all ages. From studying at various drama schools (LAMDA, Emil Dale and Spirit Young Performers Company) over the years, this has given Charli the education and connections with other professionals to make this dream come to life.
The goal for King Arts Academy is to build a place where all areas of the arts can be studied and enjoyed. This includes performing arts, technical theatre and orchestras, as well as much more!
Yes, King Arts Academy is the newest Drama School on the block but you will not want to miss out! King Arts Academy is going to be something you have never seen in Ipswich, maybe even in the UK!
Charli Stephens-King - Academy Principal
Meet the Faculty
Esme Ransom
Acting Tutor
Hello! My name is Esme Ransom, and I am an acting teacher with a BA (Hons) in Acting from Norwich University of the Arts. I am passionate about helping young people build confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills through drama.
I believe that drama is not just about acting, but about growing in confidence, communication, and self-belief.
I’m really excited for us to discover the joy of performance together!
Francesca Roe
Dance Tutor
Fran trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, graduating with a first class honours degree in Contemporary Dance in 2024. She was also awarded with the Simone Michelle Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Choreography’.
As a contemporary dance artist freelancing as a teacher, producer, choreographer and performer, her work has led her to collaborate with many companies and organisations including Mugler, Beijing Dance Academy, DanceEast, Suffolk Community Libraries as well as art galleries in Suffolk, London and Athens.
Fran places community and collaboration at the centre of her creative practice. It is important to her that in her classes or creative projects, that she facilitates an open and supportive space where everyone is free to explore their artistry and flourish.
Kaff Koksal
Dance Tutor
Kaff is an equipped artist with 16 years of experience in the performing arts, specifically Dance. She began her journey learning Dance, drama and Musical theatre, progressing through A-levels to diplomas and graduating from the University of Suffolk/Dance East with a BA Hons in Dance. Kaff has entailed many performing and engagement opportunities ranging from school productions, site specific work, collaborating with various artists and dance companies, engaging in community and primary school projects via Dance East. Kaff has a strong background in teaching, facilitating and has taught in schools around the Ipswich area, ensuring a great rapport and creating a safe space for every young person she works with. She particularly enjoys teaching and supporting our next generation to have fun, be confident and to be the next shinning star!
Maria Avlianos
Acting Tutor
I trained at East 15 Acting School and have worked with children in a wide range of educational and creative settings for over 25 years. I am currently Head of Drama at Stowupland High School, where I am passionate about inspiring young performers and building confidence through the arts. Over the years, I have directed productions including Frozen Jr. and Fame Jr., bringing creativity, teamwork, and performance opportunities to students of all ages.
Sienna Taylor
Dance Tutor
Hello! My name is Sienna Taylor, I am a dance and theatre educator and have been teaching for the last two years. Alongside my teaching work, I am training with the Royal Academy of Dance to further develop my professional qualifications in ballet instruction.
I began training in ballet at the age of 3 and have achieved Advanced 1 in the RAD syllabus. Alongside ballet, I have also trained in jazz, contemporary, commercial, lyrical, and tap. I have also been part of the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company since the age of 6 where I played my dream role of ‘Victoria’ in Cats the musical.
I am passionate about inspiring young performers and can’t wait to continue sharing my love of dance and theatre with all of the students!
Tacha Zani
Singing Tutor
Hi! My name is Tacha Zani and I’m a singing and performance teacher. With a Music Performance degree from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music and years of experience in the field, I am dedicated and passionate about helping students find their voice, their confidence and develop new skills.
We will learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, be a part of singing community and I look forward to embarking on this journey together.
Guest Tutors
Kerry Ellis
Since graduating from Laine Arts, Kerry made her West End debut in 1998 as Understudy Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Since then she has gone on to play many iconic roles on the West End and Broadway, including:
Fantine in Les Miserables
Nancy in Oliver
Meat in We will Rock You
...and not forgetting being the FIRST British Elphaba on the West End and Broadway!
Sophie-Rose Middleton
Sophie trained at Emil Dale Academy in Hertfordshire and has been actively working in the industry since her graduation. Here are just a few highlights from her impressive career so far:
Tick,Tick …Boom! - Susan (International China Tour)
Starlight Express – Pearl (Bochum, Germany)
KIN, A New Musical – Cora (Theatro Technis, London)
CATS The Musical – Electra, Swing (International Tour & Taiwan)
SIX The Musical – Swing, Associate Show Captain (NCL)
Dirty Dancing – Ensemble, Cover Baby, Dance Captain
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