More Than Teachers
At Set the Stage, we're passionate about helping every child grow in confidence, creativity and self-belief.
Our team brings together years of experience in performing arts, education and coaching, creating a welcoming environment where every child feels encouraged, supported and inspired to shine.
Whether a child dreams of performing professionally or simply wants to have fun and make new friends, we're here to help them every step of the way.
Meet the Team
Passionate teachers dedicated to helping every child find their spotlight.
Our Principals
Caryl Horsley DIP R.T.S
Principal, Co-Founder & All Stages Teacher
Performing arts has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey began when I first walked through the doors of a theatre school as a young student. From that moment, I discovered a passion that has shaped both my career and my life.
Over the years I have trained extensively in acting, singing and dance, achieving LAMDA Gold before continuing my professional training at Redroofs Theatre School, where I gained qualifications in Musical Theatre. Alongside my teaching career, I have worked professionally in theatre, film, television and voiceover, and have also held Entertainment Manager roles for Shearings Hotels and hotels across Bournemouth, leading performance teams and creating family entertainment programmes. I also hold a CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and have extensive experience working with children of all ages and abilities, including children with additional needs
Teaching has always been where my heart is. For many years I have worked with children of all ages, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and discover a genuine love for performing arts. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child achieve something they never believed possible—whether that's speaking confidently in front of an audience for the first time or taking centre stage in a full production.
Today, my journey has truly come full circle. From being the young student who nervously stepped into a theatre class all those years ago, to becoming an assistant, a teacher and now Principal and Co-Founder of Set the Stage Performing Arts, I feel incredibly privileged to inspire the next generation of performers. As well as leading the school, I continue to teach students across all age groups, from Stage Tots through to our Advanced Main Stages, because there is nowhere I'd rather be than in the classroom. My aim is to give every child the same sense of belonging, encouragement and opportunity that first inspired me.
Watching our students grow—not just as performers, but as confident, kind and resilient young people—is the greatest privilege of my job. If a child leaves Set the Stage believing in themselves a little more than when they first walked through our doors, then I know we've done our job. I can't wait to welcome your family to the Set the Stage community.
Gordon Horsley
Principal, Co-Founder & Student Support Lead
Helping young people grow in confidence has always been at the heart of what I do. For over 20 years, I have worked with children and young people as a rugby coach, supporting everyone from complete beginners to adult players. Throughout that time, I've learned that the greatest achievements don't always happen on the pitch—they happen when someone discovers confidence in themselves.
When I joined Caryl in building our performing arts school, I quickly discovered that the same principles apply. Whether it's sport or performing arts, children thrive when they feel supported, encouraged and part of a team.
I've always believed that every child deserves someone who believes in them. Sometimes all it takes is a word of encouragement or someone noticing their potential to make a lasting difference. Being part of those moments is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
At Set the Stage, I work alongside our staff to ensure every child feels welcomed, valued and able to achieve their potential. Whether I'm supporting classes, helping with productions, managing costumes and props or simply getting to know our families, I believe the greatest successes happen when children feel safe, encouraged and part of a team.
One of the things I enjoy most is watching children grow over the years. Seeing a child arrive feeling nervous, then gradually develop the confidence to perform on stage, make new friends and believe in themselves is incredibly rewarding. Those moments remind me why we do what we do.
As Principal and Co-Founder of Set the Stage Performing Arts, I'm proud to help create a school where children are encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate one another's successes and enjoy every step of their performing arts journey. My aim is for every child to leave our classes feeling more confident than when they arrived.
I look forward to welcoming your family to the Set the Stage community and sharing in your child's journey as they grow in confidence, creativity and self-belief.
Meet Our Teachers & Teaching Assistants
Our experienced teaching team brings a wealth of professional performing arts and educational experience to every class. Each teacher shares our passion for helping children grow in confidence, develop new skills and discover a lifelong love of performing.
Alex Booth
Acting Teacher
Alex trained in Acting at Italia Conti before completing a degree in Scriptwriting for Film and Television at Bournemouth University. Over the past five years, he has worked across musical theatre, film and television, while also writing several short films and a television series currently in development. As he likes to say, "If there's acting in it, sign me up!"
Alex is passionate about helping every student grow in confidence, creativity and performance skills. One of his favourite parts of teaching is watching children develop from their very first class in September through to their final performance at the end of the year, seeing just how much they have achieved along the way.
He believes performing arts offers so much more than learning lines or stepping onto a stage. Through acting, students develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and the courage to express themselves—qualities that will benefit them whatever path they choose in life.
Alex hopes every student leaves his classes with a lifelong love of performing and the confidence to face new challenges. His advice to every young performer is simple: "Speak clearly, stand tall, and never give up—the show must go on!"
Edward Brennan
Dance Teacher
Edward has been training in dance and musical theatre from a young age and achieved his ATCL Diploma in Musical Theatre as a teenager. He has gone on to enjoy a successful career in the entertainment industry, performing professionally for companies including Warner Leisure and Adventure Wonderland, among others.
Alongside his professional performing career, Edward is passionate about sharing his knowledge and real-world industry experience with the next generation of performers. His classes are energetic, encouraging and designed to challenge every student to achieve their personal best.
Edward's favourite part of teaching is watching children grow in confidence as they tackle new challenges, overcome difficult routines and realise they are capable of far more than they first believed. He encourages every student to approach dance with determination, positivity and a "can do" attitude, helping them develop not only as performers but as confident young people.
Kimberley Kells A.A.D.A.
Early Stages Teacher
Kimberley began dancing at the age of 10 and enjoyed great success in competition, winning multiple titles including the East Coast Disco Championships. At 17, she turned professional and went on to enjoy an international career as a professional dancer and singer before gaining her teaching qualifications with the Allied Dancing Association (A.A.D.A.).
Kimberley is passionate about introducing young children to the world of performing arts, believing that classes help develop far more than performance skills. Through singing, dancing and drama, children build confidence, teamwork, resilience, discipline and communication skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Her favourite part of teaching is watching every child grow in confidence, develop their own personality and discover the joy of performing in a fun, supportive environment.
Jessica Grogan
Teaching Assistant
Jessica is a third-year student at Bournemouth Film School, where she is studying Film Production, but performing arts and drama have always been a huge part of her life.
Growing up in the Midlands, Jessica attended theatre school throughout her childhood and teenage years, and some of her happiest memories come from the time she spent there. From performing alongside friends to developing new skills and growing in confidence, she knows first-hand just how special being part of a performing arts school can be.
Jessica loves being able to help create those same experiences for a new generation of young performers. As a Teaching Assistant at Set the Stage, she enjoys supporting our students in their classes, encouraging them to have fun, develop their skills and grow in confidence.
For Jessica, one of the best things about performing arts is the friendships, memories and confidence it can give children — experiences she hopes our students will look back on just as fondly as she does.
Lilly Hurrell
Teaching Assistant
Lilly has been involved in performing arts from the age of two and has trained extensively in musical theatre, singing and dance. She has achieved Grade 8 LCM Musical Theatre Singing, Grade 7 RAD Ballet, ISTD Intermediate Tap and Modern, as well as LAMDA Musical Theatre qualifications.
Over the years, Lilly has performed in numerous productions at Bournemouth Pavilion and Lighthouse, Poole, giving her valuable experience both in training and performing on stage.
Lilly is currently studying Physiotherapy at university, while continuing to pursue her love of performing arts alongside her studies.
Having grown up surrounded by performing arts herself, Lilly understands the confidence, friendships and skills that children can gain from being part of a theatre school. As a Teaching Assistant at Set the Stage, she loves supporting our students in their classes, encouraging them to challenge themselves, build confidence and, most importantly, enjoy performing.
Benny Kerbel
Early Stages Teacher & Teaching Assistant
Benny is a third year acting student at Bournemouth Film School, where he takes inspiration from their confidence-first approach for learning. He believes that as long as a child feels safe and confident to express themself in his class, he has succeeded in his work. His favourite aspect of teaching is seeing the kids not only surprise him, but surprise themselves with what they are capable of.
A son of two teachers, Benny has been leading youth services for the majority of his life, and no matter the subject always manages to squeeze some singing, acting and dancing into his sessions. “There is nothing more joyful than when a child discovers that they can move, sing, play or perform freely, without judgement!”