Kate Lingard, BA (HONS), PGCE PCET - Principal of Encore Tuition

Kate started her training at Salford University where she studied a BA Honours degree in Performing Arts. During her time there she developed a vast range of skills in the integrated arts including stage acting, TV acting, radio acting, physical theatre, dance, devised theatre, singing and Musical Theatre.

Upon leaving university, Kate travelled the world as a production singer and presenter aboard cruise liners and in popular European holiday destinations. Kate has previously acted on screen and delivered workshops to children in a variety of educational settings. Kate has previously worked as an actor for Theatre in Education companies and travelled the UK as part of T.I.E touring casts.

In 2013, Kate completed her Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) at Edgehill University. Since becoming a teacher, Kate has relished sharing her passion for performance with learners of all ages. She has taught a varied drama curriculum in schools and directed a plethora of Musicals and Shakespearian plays with learners of all ages.

Kate has been teaching L.A.M.D.A and preparing learners for their examinations for over a decade and has been a qualified L.A.M.D.A examiner since 2019. Kate is incredibly proud to celebrate a longstanding 100% success pass rate for all learners who have taken L.A.M.D.A examinations under her guidance. Kate's learners have also had performance opportunities at Speech and Drama festivals in the North-West where they have achieved 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in a variety of categories.

Kate is passionate about all areas of performance, in particular acting and musical theatre and her favourite part about working at Encore is 'enabling young people to discover and hone their performing talent.'

Chloe Bedford - Musical Theatre and Dance Teacher

Chloe attended the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts where she studied a diploma in Musical theatre. Shortly after graduating, Chloe worked professionally in many popular Musical Theatre roles and productions such as 'Francine' in Jersey Boys (International tour), 'Jeanie' in 'Hair' at the Hope Mill Theatre (this production later transferred to London's West End), 'Cover Satine' in 'Moulin Rouge' with Secret Cinema, Ensemble/Cover Wicked Witch of the West in the Winter Gardens Christmas production of The Wizard of Oz, Niece/Young Maggie in Maggie May at the Finborough Theatre, London, Twyla in When Midnight Strikes at The Gatehouse, London, as well as being a part of repertory theatre seasons in Southwold, Stratford and The Other Palace, London.

Chloe continues to pursue her performing career alongside providing tuition in Acting and Musical Theatre to aspiring performers across the Northwest of England. Chloe has a fantastic track-record of high results for her pupils L.A.M.D.A qualifications. Through Chloe's extensive performing arts experience, she is able to tutor learners with a well-equipped performance toolkit straight from the industry. You may have most recently seen Chloe appear in King Georges Hall Pantomime, Blackburn as Cinderella, The Spirit of the ring, Fairy Butterbean or Snow White.

As our very own local celebrity, we are delighted to have Chloe join the Encore team. Chloe will be greatly involved in our holiday workshops and performance events.

Jennifer Hodkinson - Drama and L.A.M.D.A Teacher

The 'Grand Dame' of the team! Jenny studied drama at the University of Chester where she trained as a teacher. Jenny holds an MA in playwriting from UCLAN and is proud to be a Licentiate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

With over thirty years teaching experience Jenny enjoys preparing learners for LAMDA exams, helping them refine their performances and grow as actors.

Jenny has directed many successful youth productions over the years as well as directing and performing on the amateur drama circuit as an award winning actress.

Jennifer Lakin - Drama group assistant

Jenni is a fully qualified early years practitioner and has been working in the early years sector for 10 years. Jenni is passionate about encouraging learners to be confident communicators and watching them develop their imagination by exploring some of their favourite stories and popular characters through drama.

Jenni says 'I love working at Encore because not only is it incredibly fun, but it is fantastic watching youngsters thrive by transforming into confident and talented performers. The progress the children are able to have in such a short space of time never ceases to amaze me!'