Department Heads and Teachers
Andy Tear
Head of Drama, Teacher in Early Years, Drama & Drumming
- University of Hertfordshire BA (Hons) Performing Arts
- University of Hertfordshire HND Performing Arts
- Guildhall School of Music and Drama Speaking Skills certificate
Andy has been involved in theatre, both acting and teaching, from a young age starting in his teens at the Gordon Craig Youth Theatre. He went on to train at Bretton Hall (University of Leeds) and the University of Hertfordshire. He has taught drama since 1993, running workshops in mime, devising, physical theatre, improvisation, clowning and script writing. Since coming to Singapore in 1999, he has taught a wide variety of ages from 18 months to adults. Andy continues to work professionally as an actor in Singapore with many local theatre companies. An experienced drummer/percussionist, Andy has performed and run workshops in Brazilian and African percussion since 1999. He has been working at Centre Stage since 2003.
Vicky Lee
Head of Dance Teacher in Dance, Tap and Jazz
- Urdang Academy of Performing Arts – Higher National Diploma (Scholarship)
- Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing - Associate Ballet (Honours)
- Broadway Dance Center – International Student Visa Program Certificate
Vicky graduated from Urdang Academy of Performing Arts in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. While in her third year of training, she earned a position as an Assistant Teacher at Carol Straker Dance Foundation in London. Upon graduation, she freelanced as a teacher in Vancouver and was invited to coach Ballet for Canada's top Five Champion National Rhythmic Gymnasts for two years. Her work with all her students include choreography, competitions, examinations and performances. She has also trained extensively in Vancouver, Los Angeles and most recently with Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. She's been actively performing on stage and TV and is grateful for the opportunity to work with top choreographers and dancers from all over the world. Her work also includes being involved in the Rover British Fashion Awards as a dancer and being one of the dancers working with Nicky Bentley in a pioneer video for the company, Pineapple Dance Studios. Vicky joined Centre Stage in October 2008, and took the position of Head of Dance in July 2010.
Lydia Graham
Head of Musical Theatre
Teacher in Early Years, Drama and Music
- University of Hertfordshire HND Performing Arts
- University of Hertfordshire 1st Class BA Honours Performing Arts
Lydia graduated in 2000 having majored in music during her degree. She then went on to work as a singer, actor and dancer in the UK and abroad for many years before moving to Singapore and Centre Stage in Nov 2005. At Centre Stage, Lydia is fortunate to be involved in a variety of disciplines. Aside from teaching drama classes and Playstage, she specializes in music and so teaches Music Box and is the singing coach for Theatre Workshop. She is also proud to run Popstars and is enjoying seeing the music department as a whole grow from strength to strength.
Shahnaz Alkaff
Head of Early Years, Teacher in Early Years and Art
- South Australia University BEd(Hons) Early Childhood Education (Undergrad)
- Froebel Acacdemy Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Singapore Polytechnic Diploma in Science Technology
Shahnaz was a founding team member of Centre Stage School of the Arts in 2000 and has enjoyed seeing the company grow from strength to strength. She started work as an assistant teacher and was involved in planning all art and craft activities. Since then, she has grown with the company, initially being in charge of assistants and resources and now moving on to teaching. She has now been promoted to Head of Playstage and also runs the Art and Fun Factory programmes.
