DIAMOND
SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS
STAFF
Michael Diamond - Drama/Singing/Film Workshops
I first experienced the acting bug when I got the part of Michael Darling in Perth Reps production of Peter Pan. I got to ride on the back of a gigantic dog AND was happily hoisted several feet in the air during the flying sequences; who wouldn't be smitten?
Since then I've been lucky enough to land a fair amount of decent acting roles including 'Weed' in Bad Boyes (BBC), 'Aladdin', in Aladdin (Dublins prestigious Gaiety Theatre) and 'Franklyn' in Channel 4's Teenage Health Freak (Directed by Oscar nominee Peter Cattaneo - from 'The Full Monty' fame); and numerous Royal Variety performances.
I've also done extensive work behind the scenes on pretty much all of the Harry Potter films, X-factor, Filth and Wisdom (Directed by Madonna), Thunderbirds, Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging, Finding Neverland, St Trinians, Escape from Scorpian Island to name but a few. I've also taught at the illustrious Sylvia Young Theatre School for about 8 years and achieved a BA (Hons) Degree in English Literature and Film Studies. I also have a dog. His name is Monty.
Lauren Carter - Dance - Strength and Fitness Guru
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Lauren started dancing at Diamond at the age of 3 and has never looked back since!
As a child she earned various roles including yearly contributions to the pantomine at Northampton's Derngate Theatre and 'Shrinking Granny' in George's Marvellous Medicine at MK Theatre.
She has a National Diploma in Dance and Professional Practice, is a gym class instructor, and will shortly be adding the string of Personal Trainer to her bow of many talents.
Probably also fair to mention her Cheerleading credentials seeing as by all accounts she regularly risked her life for them.
She also has a dog. His name is Trev.
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Zoe Ballard - Dance and Musical Theatre Specialist
Zoe first began training at Diamond School of Performing Arts at the age of 11 and quite clearly had a real aptitude for performance which we of course were more than happy to nurture.
She continued her training at the world renowned Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where she gained her Masters in Musical Theatre.
This in turn has led to her achieving a number of professional roles, touring both nationally and internationally. These include 'Dorothy' in the Wizard of Oz National tour, 'Fairy Godmother' in the Cinderella tour of Ireland and 'Peter Pan' in Peter Pan at the Hartlepool civic. She's also performed at the NEC and London Olympia.
As well as all of the above, Zoe has also recently qualified as a Drama and Performing Arts teacher.
She has no dog. She has cheese toasties.