Star Act Performing Art School Brentford
Former 90s popstars Lee Brennan and Celena Cherry are determined to help local youngsters get the chance to follow in their footsteps.Lee, the lead singer of boyband 911, and Celena, lead singer with girlband The Honeyz, are launching performing arts stage school Star Act on Saturday, September 29 at Brentford School For Girls in Boston Manor Road, Brentford.The 33-year-old Lee says: "We have first hand experience of what it takes to be an all-round performer and want to pass that on to others.advertisementonly one youngster from the school achieves their dream of becoming a pop star that would be wonderful. But there are other levels of success."Those who want to make a career as performers may not necessarily do so in the pop world, which is such a competitive industry, but could perform as singers or dancers in clubs or on cruise ships. Some might want careers as actors rather than singers."As joint directors of Star Act, Lee and Celena plan to help create a new generation of performers aged five-16 years old by holding courses covering 12 weekends.Lee explains: "Students will be taught singing, dancing and acting in a fun and positive learning environment. Star Act is dedicated to developing and enhancing stage skills, regardless of ability through building confidence, technique, self-expression, team work and imagination."When I started with 911 I didn't have a clue about how to perform. Unlike Celena, I hadn't been to stage school. I joined the band at the age of 21 in 1995 by a stroke of good luck. I wrote to my local radio station in Carlisle and they put me in touch with promoter Steve Gilmour, who became 911's manager."So how does it feel after achieving 10 consecutive top 10 UK singles, including a platinum selling number one, and selling out Wembley Arena, to switch to teaching?"Forming Star Act is similar to the excitement I had when I first joined 911," explained Lee."It's a new challenge and it will give me a big kick to help others succeed in the business. But, obviously nothing can replace the buzz of performing to thousands and all the adoration you get from the fans.Lee, who co-wrote If You Come Back to give Blue a number one hit single six years ago, still appears with 911 for selected performances at club gigs, university balls and 90s weekends.He reflects: "Spike, Jimmy and I have grown up and have far more respect for each other now. But we will probably stop performing together after next year as we are all moving on."Jimmy wants to be a policeman, and last year I married my girlfriend Lindsay (who was a member of girl band B*witched)."I have still got other things lined up. I'm playing the lead role in Aladdin this Christmas after being Peter Pan in more than 280 shows around the UK in the past four years. It was in Peter Pan that I got together with Celena in 2004."Celena, who attended theatre school from the age of four, achieved success worldwide with girlband The Honeyz, including five top 10 UK hits and a top selling debut album.More recently she has appeared on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, BBC 1's Doctors, Sky One's Dream Team and ITV'S Hit Me Baby One More Time.As Lee says: "Celena and I have a lot to offer would-be performers. Our school will be professional and disciplined, but above all it will be fun."* Places in Star Act work on a first come first served basis. For information call 0800 0828 557 or email: info@ staract.co.uk. Check out staract.co.ukWhat a great opertunity right on the door stepDebbie Dewar
Debbie Dewar ● 6992d1 Comments ● 6989d