DANCE | ACT | SING

DANCE | ACT | SINGDANCE | ACT | SINGDANCE | ACT | SING

DANCE | ACT | SING

DANCE | ACT | SINGDANCE | ACT | SINGDANCE | ACT | SING
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    • Home
    • Timetable
    • Teaching Faculty
    • Performing Opportunities
    • Facilities

  • Home
  • Timetable
  • Teaching Faculty
  • Performing Opportunities
  • Facilities

KPA Teaching Faculty

Nikki Kennedy

As Founder and Principal of Kennedy’s Performing Arts since 2003, Nikki has established an outstanding reputation for excellence in performing arts education, studio management, directing, and choreography. With over three decades of experience, she specialises in delivering high-quality performing arts training to students from pre-school age through to higher education, teaching and mentoring learners up to Level 6 within the National Qualifications Framework.

In addition to her work within Kennedy’s Performing Arts, Nikki is committed to extending access to the arts through partnerships with schools and the wider community. She delivers high-quality, inclusive dance, drama, and singing programmes that enrich the curriculum and provide primary school children with valuable transferable life skills, including confidence, communication, teamwork, creativity, resilience, and self-expression.

Nikki leads the production of two large-scale musical theatre and variety performances annually at some of the UK’s leading theatres, alongside collaborations with other producers that create many additional performance opportunities throughout the year. She has also been invited on multiple occasions to mentor trainee teachers on the Royal Academy of Dance’s Classical Ballet Teaching Studies programme.

More recently, Nikki was selected to participate in the pilot scheme for the Royal Academy of Dance’s new Musical Theatre Programme at its London headquarters, joining a select group of teachers recognised for their commitment, expertise, and passion for performing arts education. She is also among the first teachers worldwide to introduce and deliver this syllabus within her school.

A highly experienced and qualified educator, Nikki prepares students for examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance (Ballet and Musical Theatre), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (Modern Jazz and Tap), and Trinity College London (Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre, and Performing Arts). She also holds an additional Associate with the IDTA (Ballet Branch) and has completed Rambert Grades training across all levels in Contemporary Dance, further broadening the range and depth of expertise she brings to her students.

Her professional portfolio extends beyond education and includes choreography for ITV’s Dancing on Ice and the production of opening entertainment programmes for the Ideal Home Show, working alongside renowned personalities including Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Gino D’Acampo, and George Clarke.

Committed to continuous professional development, Nikki has recently been accepted onto the Theatre and Performance Studies programme at the University of Cambridge, further enhancing her academic and practical understanding of the performing arts.

Throughout her career, Nikki has remained dedicated to nurturing aspiring performers and supporting students in achieving professional industry standards. She takes great pride in the success of the many former students who have progressed into careers in teaching, theatre, television, and the wider entertainment industry, reflecting her long-standing commitment to excellence, opportunity, and the transformative power of the performing arts.

Connie Wakeford

Connie began her training at Kennedys Performing Arts at the age of eight, where she performed in annual variety shows and musical

productions. 

From an early age, she knew she wanted to pursue performing as a career and continued her training on the vocational training programme at KPA. During this time, she achieved her Associate and Licentiate diplomas in Musical Theatre with Trinity

Guildhall. She also gained her Royal Academy of Dance, Ballet Grades 6–8, alongside ISTD Jazz Intermediate, Advanced 1, and

Advanced 2 qualifications. 

Connie continued her training at The London School of Musical Theatre. There, she completed an intensive, industry-focused programme, working closely with leading industry professionals to further refine her skills and build a strong foundation

for her career. 

Connie’s professional credits include; Jason and the Argonauts: The Musical (Bridewell Theatre), Lea’s Guide to Winning the Lottery (Perfect Pitch Musicals), The Store Room (Workshop), Peaky Blinders: The Immersive Experience (Peaky Blinders Manchester), as well as commercial work for Barclays Bank and Paddy Power. Most recently she has featured in the short film, Janet, written and directed by current Sidemen creative producer Fin Wallace. With over 15 years teaching experience, 

Connie has worked across a wide range of settings including pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, community projects and further/higher education. She is passionate about inspiring confidence, creativity, and a love of performance in her students, creating a supportive and engaging environment for all abilities

Charlotte Kenny

Charlotte developed a passion for dance from an early age while attending classes at KPA, where she also gained valuable performance experience, building her confidence and stage presence. After attending part-time as a child, Charlotte went on to study Performing Arts full-time with KPA, where she gained multiple qualifications. After completing her training, she went on to teach and choreograph for numerous KPA productions, further strengthening her practical and creative expertise.

Her formal training includes RAD Ballet Grades 6–8, Intermediate and Advanced 1 Jazz, and Intermediate Tap with the ISTD. She also holds both an Associate and Licentiate Diploma in Performing Arts with Trinity College London, recognising her advanced technical skill and artistic understanding.

Charlotte has knowledge of both the RAD and ISTD examination syllabi and has significant experience assisting in the preparation of students for these assessments. Beyond teaching and choreography, she has extensive production experience, having stage managed many KPA productions and supported performances as a chaperone. This has given her a strong understanding of the organisational, technical, and safeguarding aspects of theatre production, making her a versatile asset across multiple areas of dance and performing arts.

Committed to continuous professional development, Charlotte gained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Staffordshire in 2024. During her studies, she explored key areas including child development, inclusive teaching strategies, curriculum design, behaviour management, and assessment methods. This academic knowledge enables her to teach inclusively, support learning outcomes effectively, and create safe, positive environments where every student can thrive.

Charlotte has broad experience working across a range of educational settings, including nurseries, primary schools, and specialist schools. She is passionate about supporting learners of all ages and abilities, adapting her approach to meet individual needs and helping every student build confidence, skill, and a lasting love for Performing Arts and learning.

Charlie Worthington

Charlie trained at Kennedys Performing Arts from the age of two, gaining early performance experience through annual variety shows and musical productions. Through her training with KPA, she has had the opportunity to perform at a range of prestigious venues and events, including Alton Towers, Disneyland Paris, and His Majesty’s Theatre in London, further developing her confidence, versatility, and stage presence as a performer.

Charlie attended the University of Chester, where she graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Drama and English Literature. During her studies, she participated in workshops led by the Storyhouse, TIPP, BBC producer Richard Maddox, and singer-songwriter Pixie Lott. Alongside her academic studies, she was the playwright and sole editor of Kill the Groove, an original theatre production performed at the conclusion of her second year. As the lead writer and editor, she oversaw the creative development of the piece from conception to performance,while also portraying the role of Daisy. The production subsequently toured a number of venues including Alexander’s Live, Revolution Chester, and Provenance Chester, providing her with valuable experience of presenting original work to diverse audiences in professional performance settings.

In her final year, Charlie tailored her studies towards modern and contemporary theatre practices, exploring innovative approaches to performance, as she studied the challenges of accessible theatre for the visually impaired by directing an extract of Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis in auditory format which was performed at the University of Chester.She further developed her academic specialism through an independent dissertation examining the representation and complexity of female characters in the works of Arthur Miller, combining critical literary analysis with an exploration of gender and identity within modern drama.

Throughout University, Charlie also had the opportunity to work with a group of young people with special educational needs to provide enrichment activities through the use of drama to develop their confidence and self esteem. 

Charlie is to continue with her studies by starting her MA course in Modern and Contemporary Literature at the University of Manchester. Her postgraduate studies will enhance her ability to explore themes, context, and interpretation in performance, enriching her work as both a drama practitioner and educator.

Millie Hewitt

Millie’s passion for dance and the performing arts began at a young age when she joined Kennedy’s Performing Arts (KPA). During her time there, she regularly performed in annual musical productions and variety shows, developing a strong foundation in performance and stagecraft.

Alongside her performance training, Millie successfully achieved Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet qualifications from  Pre-Primary, through to Grade 8. She has also had the opportunity to perform at a variety of prestigious venues and events, including Disneyland Paris, Alton Towers, His Majesty’s Theatre, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and The Palace Theatre. These experiences strengthened her passion for performing and provided valuable insight into the professional world of the performing arts.

Throughout her years at KPA, Millie has gained extensive stage experience through a range of musical theatre productions. Notable roles include Tracy in Hairspray, Fiona in Shrek, and Miss Hannigan in Annie. These opportunities have enabled her to develop key transferable skills such as teamwork, confidence, communication, and leadership.

In addition to her performance experience, Millie has spent many years supporting classes as a KPA Class Assistant, helping younger students develop their skills and confidence in a positive and encouraging environment. Through this role, she has gained valuable experience in mentoring, classroom support, and working with children of different ages and abilities.

Millie has also developed extensive backstage theatre experience, contributing to the smooth running of productions through roles in assisting stage management and as a runner. Working behind the scenes has given her a well-rounded understanding of theatre production, including organisation, teamwork, communication, and the importance of professionalism both on and off stage.

As someone who is deeply passionate about the performing arts, Millie is committed to inspiring creativity, confidence, and a love of performance in the next generation of performers. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment in which students can develop both their skills and self-belief.

Millie continues with her studies as she starts her degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Salford. This will further enhance her understanding of anatomy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation, enabling her to bring valuable knowledge of physical wellbeing and body awareness into her teaching practice.

Brooke Vincent

We are super excited to have Brooke Levi Vincent as one of our guest tutors! 

After going to drama classes from the age of 7, Brooke began her acting career in 2002 , receiving her first role in “ A League Of Gentlemen”. 

In 2004 Brooke was cast as  “Sophie Webster” on ITVs Coronation Street and is still a major part of the soap today. Wanting to exhibit her wide range of skills, Brooke took to the stage playing the role of Queenie in the play “Be My Baby” which toured the UK and received excellent reviews from the critics. Brooke’s versatility in performing arts has caught the attention of a wide range of media platforms and she was invited to become a guest presenter on Manchester Hit Radio Station “Key 103 “ on the breakfast slot. Brooke also appeared in a short film “LIV” playing title role. Brooke has also appeared on a number of reality panel shows including, “Celebrity Juice” with Keith Lemon and “I’m a celebrity get me out of here after camp”.  In 2018 Brooke once again demonstrated her strength and versatility by starring in the reality show “Dancing On Ice”. Kennedy’s joined the rest of the nation supporting Brooke all the way to the final! Brooke is an extremely experienced and diverse performer and loves  to share her expertise and knowledge with the boys and girls at Kennedy’s.

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