A familiar face at The Barn, George has been part of the Upstagers family since childhood, often recognised (and gleefully booed!) as our much-loved pantomime baddy. He first fell in love with theatre at The Barn and has never left. Now, as part of the Upstagers Academy team, he is proud to inspire the next generation of performers. George brings passion, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of performance to transform lives. He approaches everything with empathy and humour, using creativity to promote wellbeing and good mental health.
With a BA (Hons) in Drama from the University of Huddersfield, George has spent over a decade working as a drama coach, workshop facilitator, and creative leader. His experience spans stage and screen, and he has led sessions in improvisation, Meisner technique, creative devising, screen acting, and applied theatre, always with a focus on intention, connection, and authenticity.
George’s teaching is both academic and practical, encouraging students to think like artists, not just actors. Whether preparing a monologue, devising original work, or building ensemble scenes, he helps young performers develop the skills, confidence, and creativity to shine both on and off the stage.
Beyond the classroom, George’s career is impressively varied. He has worked as a talent agent, produced and directed theatrical productions and charity events, facilitated wellbeing workshops, and contributed to creative projects and installations across Yorkshire. He is currently part of Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 team, bringing his skills in arts coordination and project management to support a year of cultural celebration across the district.
At the heart of George’s work is a clear belief: drama should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background. Every young person deserves the chance to find their voice, take creative risks, and realise their potential, and he is thrilled to help Upstagers Academy students do just that.
