Hayes woman to open new performing arts school

MOST people in their 20s are only just getting their foot on the career ladder but Hayley Medwell is certainly the exception to the rule.

The 26-year-old is about to use all of her experiences in the film industry to open her own performing arts school in Uxbridge under her company, OnRoute Entertainment.

She said: "Kids can come here and learn everything about performing and the entertainment industry.

"At most performing arts schools you can only do one or two things but here you can come in and do the whole lot. You can sign up as a member and do unlimited classes."

The school, in Wallingford Road, is holding its official open day on November 2 to invite people to come in and see what they do.

It will offer courses in all different types of dance, singing, acting, post production, music, film making, music producing, creative writing classes and stunt training.

Next month, Hayley, who lives in Tudor Way, Hayes, is also planning to start a beginners course in free running.

Although the school is aimed at children and adults, Hayley is also adamant that it will be open to everyone.

She said: "We're going to hold adult classes in the evenings and I've also been approached by a young offenders group who want to come here in the day time.

"We've got wheelchair access to the school as well because we want to work with special needs children and I want to hold classes for the over 60s.

"We don't want to isolate anyone."

There will also be a careers advisor on hand at the school because Hayley is keen to encourage all her students to go into further education.

"I strongly believe that if you want to do something in life then do it. There's no stopping you. As long as you put the time and work in, you're guaranteed to get something out of it," said Hayley, who is a shining example of this.

Five years ago she took herself off to Los Angeles to study at the New York Film Academy based at Universal Studios for three months.

"It opened my eyes to the industry. I wanted to write films and direct and going there made me realise I could do it. It encouraged me and pushed me on," explained Hayley.

"I've always wanted my own performing arts school and film and production company so I could provide opportunities for others.

"Last year one of my feature films was going to get made, but that fell through. I learnt from that and took it upon myself to open up my own company.

"There are a lot of talented kids out there and no where for them to go.

"The school will give them the opportunity to find out if they want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry before they decide to go further with it at school."

For a 26-year-old, Hayley has achieved a lot on her life, but she says you have to do things when you are younger because you have no commitments.

She said: "Hopefully the school is more appealing to people because I am young. I wanted to do it now because I'm not tied down to anything. If I was older, I think I would have been more nervous about doing it. When you are young you just bite the bullet and go for it.

"My five year goal is to have schools set up across the UK and I want to get it over to the States as well.

"I'm just going to grab the bull by the horns and run with it."

On Sunday (25) Hayley and her students were given the opportunity to perform in Uxbridge town centre as part of Hillingdon BIGFest, an annual celebration of music and arts in the borough.

The school will be open to everyone and anyone from the age of five upwards and will also be open every day.

The official opening is being held on November 2 from 4pm to 7.30pm at Victory House, in Wallingford Road, Uxbridge.

"I am really grateful for the support I have received from all my team members over the last few months," added Hayley.

For more information call Hayley on 07762 745362, email her at info@onrouteentertainment.co.uk or go to www.onrouteentertainment.co.uk.