About

Our Story

The ‘Kristian Thomas Company’ is a performing arts establishment who offer a high-quality, variety of training at their bespoke studios and produce electrifying & innovative theatrical productions. Together with the highest level of talent and teachers across the East Midlands, ‘KTCo’ is at the forefront of the modern performing arts world. They are following the evolving musical theatre movement, staying fresh with the industry as it develops.

‘KTCo’ is the brainchild of Urdang Academy Graduate, Professional Performer and Creative, Kristian Cunningham. Since being officially set up in May 2016, they have opened a range of sectors within the company, producing a diverse and thriving arts community.

Initially, the business began with the ‘Adult Elite Company’ – a group of professional working and aspiring elite performers. They came together to create theatre and bring it to their local performing arts scene within the East Midlands. With critical acclaim, the ‘Elite Company’ made the foundations of what was about to become something pretty spectacular. Following the continued achievements, it was time to explore the ‘learning’ side of the mission statement and begun classes for all ages and abilities.

With the production success and growing rapport, it was time to expand the ‘KTCo’ circle. Their musical theatre youth classes launched in late 2017; initially starting with a small group of 10-18 year olds who performed a variety of musicals and showcases. Now heading into its 7th academic year it provides intensive, fresh and detailed training for students aged 4 upwards across four different age groups; Seniors, Intermediates, Juniors and Primary. Not only working towards high-calibre productions, but undertaking musical theatre exams, offering private singing classes and group acting classes for those wanting to focus more on individual disciplines.

Finally, to complete the establishment and offer more in-depth and wholesome arts training, Rebecca Wrench joined the team. Kristian and her created the Dance sector in late 2019; with the intent to nurture and develop dancers through technical dance

 

 

 

 

training while inspiring our pupils with the excitement and fun of theatre performance. The curriculum includes the Royal Academy of Dance ballet syllabus and IDTA modern and tap syllabus. Headed into it’s 4th year of training dancers, the studios is training in technique, flexibility, excellence and more! With the umbrella being on its way to completed, there was a final puzzle piece and alongside the launch of the Dance sector, it was time for ‘KTCo’ to find their own roof. The Kristian Thomas Company studios, based in Shardlow, were confirmed in August 2019 and after four months of work, their bespoke studio space opened its doors in January 2020.

Following a (not so short) break due to a global pandemic (who shall not be named) and after many a zoom class, quiz and their very own talent show (which kept the performing arts family in contact with one another and gave all the feeling of togetherness), the ‘KTCo’ studios opened it’s doors with a bang. At this point of the KTCo journey, the ‘Accelerate Training Programme’ was born; a course written by Creative Director, Kristian Cunningham, tailor-made to the individual student wanting to achieve their drama school dream. The studios was finding itself welcoming more and more students who needed guidance on their next steps of professional development and the foundation course came at the perfect time. The programme is a one-year, non-accredited performing arts foundation course, designed to bridge the gap between local training and drama school. Now in its 3rd year, graduates are gaining (numerous) places at top drama schools across the country.

KTCo Studios sees over 100 students and faculty members go through its doors each week. Students and graduates continue to soar and achieve professional jobs and drama school dreams thanks to the boutique training they offer, not just this but confidence grows in children and memories & friendships are made that last a lifetime.

 

 

‘Opportunity to create, to learn and to perform’.

Meet The Team

Creative & Managing Director

Kristian Cunningham

Kristian is a well-recognised Producer, Creative and Performing Arts Teacher based in the Midlands. He trained at the The Urdang Academy in London and graduated in Professional Dance & Musical…

Read more about Kristian

Head of Dance & Company Director

Becky Wrench

Becky is a professional performer turned dance teacher based in the East Midlands. After having graduated from Bird College with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre and Dance in 2012,…

Read more about Becky

Lead Agent & Managing Director

Tom Hopcroft

Tom is proud to be co-Managing Director and Lead Agent at KTCo; having performed in the companies first production ‘Our House’ back in 2017. Also a member of Nottingham Playhouse…

Read more about Tom

The Extended Team

Katie Lawson

Acting Teacher and Business & Operations Manager

Sam Hedley

Head of Singing

Katy Maclaughlin

Head of Acting

Bethany Neville

Modern & Tap Teacher

Ellie Kinsey

Commercial Teacher

Lauren Polimos

Private Singing Teacher

Stephen Greatorex

Technical & Lighting Design

Alysha Gomes

Adult Company Resident Director

Millie Gilks

Company & Productions Assistant

Andy Booth

Accelerate Singing Teacher

Tom Samuels

Accelerate Acting Teacher & Headshot Photographer

Joe Millward

Accelerate Fitness Coach

Chloe Bircher

Accelerate Pilates Teacher

Alyson Hoprcoft

Business Advisor

Becky Hopcroft/Kristian Cunningham

Designated Safeguarding Leads