The St Albans Performing Arts school
Theatrix
Successfully teaching children and adults since 1980
Meet the Team
Finding Inspiration in All of Us
We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and supportive team.
A bit about them - in their own words (mostly):
Rosemarie
Partridge
Principal
A trained actor and teacher
a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama
a member of The Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama
Rosemarie has over 30 years experience teaching and directing young people and adults.
Establishing Theatrix in 1980 with just six students, she has overseen its growth and development to become
a highly succesful performing arts centre whose excellent reputation is based on the achievements of its students and actors.
Abbie Surridge
Tutor - Drama
I'm Abbie the Lead Drama Teacher at Yavneh College. I have had a passion for drama since a very young age! I studied Theatre at University and have been a member of multiple drama clubs, taking part in various shows. When I was younger, stage fright was a big issue but being apart of these clubs helped build my confidence and I love that I can now pass that onto my students.
I take my students through their GCSE, which means I have a lot of experience in working 1-1 to build upon skills and creative ideas. The enjoyment and understanding of performance is so important, it allows pupils to connect with each other and express themselves in ways which are not always possible.'
Simon Traylen
Photographer
We are lucky enough to have a published professional Sports and Events photographer in our midst, and get very excited when his images are used online or in the national papers. His claim to fame is being in the Photographers' Pit photographing Queen at Live Aid!
(Maybe that is a reference for the grandparents?)
Dennis
O'Connell-Baker
Support
Back Office and all round, Good Egg!
If we don't see Dennis with a paint brush, clipboard or his trusty tool kit, we are a little worried!
Dennis is also a trained teacher and administrator.
Phoebe Mercer
Tutor - Drama
and Musical
Theatre
I began leading my own classes at 18. The arts had such an impact on my life that I decided to go to drama school to further develop my skills and I graduated from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting. Since graduating, I have had experience in voice over work, extra work and I most recently performed in an original physical theatre show named ‘’Toska’’, with Sortsol Theatre, that was performed at both The Bridge House Theatre in South London and The Hope Theatre in Islington.
I came to be a part of Theatrix through a friend who also worked at Theatrix at the time, not long after the school began classes again since COVID. Since then, I have been teaching both musical theatre & drama since 2021 and I have loved every minute! What I love the most about Theatrix is how Rosemarie has created a community that feels like a family, and an environment allowing the students to thrive in confidence and skill with no judgement. Theatrix is an absolute joy to be a part of and I count myself very lucky to be part of such an incredible team of teachers and students - every week I look forward to my lessons to see what amazing new work the students will produce next!
Ben Williams
Tutor - Drama
Ben is an ex Theatrix students, it seems he can't get enough of us!
Young enough to understand just what the young actors are thinking, old enough to be a great teacher.
We are so lucky to have Ben with us.
Claire Twilley
Tutor - Drama
Where would we be without our lovely Claire? Not only was she a very supportive parent (until her daughter went to university), she has been a reliable, kind and patient teacher.
Always ready to stand in and help when needed and the backbone of our Ukrainian childrens' classes.
An experienced LAMDA and Trinity tutor, Claire has RADA Certification in Contemporary Theatre with Training in Voice, Movement, Physical and Classical Theatre
Rosemary
Goodman
Tutor - Drama
Rosemary is a very experienced teacher and a long term supporter of Theatrix.
If you are looking for private lessons, this is your lady
Gail Newman
Administrator
In 1996 my parents went to the Abbey Theatre to pick up tickets for a performance. They saw Rosemarie teaching and enrolled my son for classes. He was 9 and stayed until he was 17! My younger son and my grandson also joined and enjoyed every moment. I have worked for Theatrix for over 3 years and have loved it. Always varied and always fun
Conor Booker
Tutor - Drama
"Hello, I'm Conor Booker, the new but old guy, I have been a part of Theatrix since I was young, playing evil princes, drunken captains and philosophizing Writers to name a few small favourites. Theatrix was a life changing experience that brought me out of my shell when I was young and I am now thrilled to give back all I learnt at Theatrix and later, East15 and Bath Spa University, furthering myself on how to both Teach and Act. Theatrix is an community that supports its students and is a stepping stone to go further. Theatrix helped me get into further education, learn skills I missed in Mainstream schooling and even professional work on both the stage and silver screen all opportunities I would have missed without them. I am happy to be a part of the team and to do my best to continue the legacy of brilliant actors and Teachers who have come before me."
Phil Reardon
Tutor - Drama
Mr St Albans drama!
If there is a production in the city, there is a good chance Phil will be involved. From Christmas Street performances, a Mediaeval show at the Abbey or teaching at Theatrix.
Phil is so supportive and genuinely cares about the students and the team.
Philip Reardon trained in Performing Arts; Drama, Dance and Musical Theatre, and is a graduate of the University of Hertfordshire. He has been running the Company of Teens, the youth wing of The Abbey Theatre, for the past five years. He is currently the Production Executive of the Company of Ten, at the Abbey Theatre, and has directed multiple youth and adult productions for them.
He called himself a 'mature student', we think he was worth the wait.
