Speech & Drama Classes and Private Lessons in Woking, Byfleet & West Byfleet.

*WEEKLY GROUP CLASSES and PRIVATE LESSONS 

*REMOTE PRIVATE LESSONS BY ZOOM & FACETIME STILL AVAILABLE

Newson Academy is an independent Speech & Drama school based in Surrey.

Founded in 2007 by Joanne Newson of West Byfleet, the school offers training in the performing arts to children and young people aged 4 to 18.

• Joanne is a member of the Voice Over Network Ltd, Equity and is currently studying the LAMDA Diploma in Communication, Speech & Drama Education, having already gained the LAMDA Performance Certificate in Speech & Drama.

Joanne has worked as a professional in the Industry for many years, working as both an actor and singer appearing in theatre, television, film and commercials.

At Newson Academy students acquire skills in all areas of the performing arts which can help not only pursue careers in the arts industry, but also develop essential life skills to enable them to grow in confidence and self-esteem. With professional training in acting, music and musical theatre, they can develop as performers and artists and are taught by industry professionals.

Staff at the Academy are passionate about creating a fun environment for students to learn to gain confidence through the Arts. Students perform in shows, show cases and local speech & drama festivals, such as the Richmond Performing Arts Festival and the Speech & Drama classes at Woking Music Festival.

Our pupils have gained places at prestigious performing arts schools and colleges such as Arts Ed, Chiswick, Sylvia Young Theatre School, The Royal School Hampshire, Italia Conti London, BA Hons Acting courses, Notre Dame Senior School Cobham and Reeds School Cobham. Some of our pupils work as professional actors in commercials, film and TV as well as on the West End Stage!

• TESTIMONIALS

'Jo Anne came into our school to give an afternoon workshop. This was a huge success, with Joanne encouraging full participation from all our students. Indeed, so successful and productive was the drama input, we have decided to expand our courses, and working in collaboration with Joanne, will run several more drama programmes. We feel the benefits in confidence; self belief and fluency are immense.'
Mrs J Pilkington, Principal Harven School of English, Woking

My daughter has only had 13 lessons with Miss Jo and within this time Miss Jo has prepared her to do her first Speaking in Public exam. First-hand, I have witnessed the effort and attention that Miss Jo has put into building a rapport with my daughter and coaching her through her first exam. The commitment and care is second to none. I only wish I had found her sooner! If you’re looking for a LAMDA teacher with experience and a great passion for both the subject and teaching, your search is over!
Mrs T, Mum of a 13 year old student

My daughter has only had 13 lessons with Miss Jo and within this time Miss Jo has prepared her to do her first Speaking in Public exam.
Firsthand, I have witnessed the effort and attention that Miss Jo has put into building a rapport with my daughter and coaching her through her first exam. The commitment and care is second to none. I only wish I had found her sooner!
If you’re looking for a LAMDA teacher with experience and a great passion for both the subject and teaching, your search is over!
Mrs G, Mother of 9 year old student

My 9-year-old daughter has been attending speech and drama classes at Newson Academy for the past three years. She loves coming to the classes. I've seen her confidence and self-esteem really grow. She's naturally a quiet child but she now speaks up in class and people constantly remark on how well spoken she is. I'm sure this is a direct result of her attending classes at Newson Academy.
Mrs E, Mother of 9 year old student

My son really enjoyed his LAMDA and drama lessons with Miss Jo.
His speech, confidence and projection skills have improved so much since attending the classes.
You can always hear him when he is chosen for parts in his school productions, whereas a lot of his classmates cannot be heard which I feel is all due to the skills learned from Miss Jo.
Mr A, Father to 10 year old student

I cannot recommend Jo enough, she taught me for a few years when I was younger and I immediately went back to her when I needed help for auditions. She has extensive knowledge and has helped me gain so much confidence. Without her I couldn’t have gained a place at drama school this year. Thank you so much!
Senior Pupil Anna, from Guildford

With your guidance and instruction over the last year, my daughter has transformed her confidence, speech and presentation skills. In addition, you have helped her to prepare for auditions and she went on to perform in a pantomime season at Camberley Theatre. Today was the best result so far as she achieved a Distinction in her LAMDA Grade 1 Acting Examination.
Thank you for all that you do. Your LAMDA teaching is highly recommended.
Mrs O, Mum of a 10 year old student

I can't say enough about Jo Anne. After months of searching for the right teacher I decided to go with Jo Anne and it was the best decision I have made. I was really nervous during our first lesson but Jo Anne put me at ease and made me feel comfortable. She encourages you too try new things and make mistakes and learn from them and for me that has been a huge part of my progression because it is great to have that freedom. Jo Anne's knowledge, advice and support has been second to none. If you are looking at starting out or are further along in your training or career I would highly recommend Jo Anne. I couldn't recommend her enough.
Ms V, private pupil

• To contact us please telephone: 07956266124 or visit our website for more information.