Meet our faculty, including Adam Stadius (Programme Leader), Elissa Hicken (Singing) and Damien Poole (Dance).
The team will be on hand to discuss their careers, training and all things Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire. This is a perfect opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the course content on the programme, the calibre of our faculty or to get an insight in to life in Leeds.
You can access each seminar using the button below prior to the scheduled start time.
Live from 4pm on 12 MayAdam Stadius
Adam Stadius is an acting coach currently based between Leeds, London and the North-East of England and Programme Leader of BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire.
Adam trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (MA Music Theatre - with distinction) and has since held teaching posts at college and university levels across the country including the BRIT School of Performing Arts and SLP College. As a teacher and practitioner of the Meisner Technique, Adam has instructed professional actors, students and graduates of accredited schools including Arts Ed, LAMDA, Mountview, Arden, GSA, RADA, London Studio Centre, and the London School of Musical Theatre. He is co-founder of Both Feet Actor Training and continues to work around the country coaching professionals.
Student destinations include Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), Aspects of Love (Hope Mill Theatre), Hamilton (Victoria Palace), Kinky Boots (UK Tour), Coronation Street & Emmerdale (ITV) and many more.
Elissa Hicken
Leading International Vocal Coach, Choreographer and Performance Director. Elissa has worked all over the world in the Musical Theatre, Pop and TV/Film industries. She has worked extensively as a vocal coach to the stars across the West End and Number 1 UK Tours as well as on films such as The Greatest Showman, Frozen 2 and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Elissa brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to training as well as a realistic and supportive approach to what training and auditioning within the industry is like. Elissa is the former Acting Head of Singing at GSA and is a sought after consultant for Drama Schools across the UK.
She is now residing in Sheffield and is excited to be providing authentic industry training and inspiring the next generation with Leeds Conservatoire.
Damien Poole
Damien teaches conditioning and dance repertoire at the conservatoire.
Damien enjoyed a vast and successful career in the arts. Damien’s theatre credits included: Alternate Vince Fontaine /Teen Angel/ Kenickie/ Roger in Grease (Piccadilly Theatre) Originated the role of The Mad Hatter in Shrek the Musical (Original London Cast) Originated the role of Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Original London Cast) Kansas/Dance Captain in Gypsy alongside Imelda Staunton (London Revivial Cast) Swing/Assistant Dance Captain in Groundhog Day (Original London Cast - won Best New Musical Olivier).
Soundtracks included: Chess in Concert, Josh Groban's No1 Album 'Anthem', Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Cast Album, Gypsy London Revival Cast Album. Film & Arena Tours.
Damien also worked as a session singer on the new 'Mary Poppins Returns' film with Lin Manuel Miranda and Emily Blunt, and sang as one of Adele's backing singers on her Wembley Dates of her International Tour in summer 2018.
