"I have never met anyone with more enthusiasm, more passion for her job and more care for her students than Fliss. She has supported me from when I started Courage Performers age 11, during performances and Edinburgh festival shows, right through until my auditions for drama school when I eventually left for London. She helped me through some of the hardest times and without her encouragement and unfailing support I am certain that I would not be where I am today - everything she taught me has stayed with me and some of the productions I have been most proud to work on have been with her. The most rewarding thing about being taught by Fliss is that I always feel like I can count on her and reach out to her for help and advice, even after all these years. Once you're her student, you will always be her student and in my case, I am also honoured to call her my friend - if that isn't the mark of a truly great and inspiring mentor then I don't know what is."
Tom got a place at Central School of Speech and Drama and now is a professional actor, in the West End and National Tours.
"Many of my fondest memories and ongoing friendships are thanks to Courage Performers.
I was part of the club for many years and that’s testimony to Fliss and the endless opportunities she offered.
My confidence and love for performing grew with every musical production, singing concert and exam she threw at me.
Fliss’ infectious energy and enthusiasm for the arts definitely rubbed off on me, and since leaving the club over 8 years ago, I have gone on to have a career within the industry, working in Musical Theatre both touring and in the Westend."
Vanessa was deputy head of Wigs for Wicked in the West End. She is currently with the national tour of Les Miserables.
"I started Courage Performers and singing lessons with Fliss in my first year of secondary school and continued to my last. I loved every minute with Courage Performers and highly recommend Fliss, whether you’re interested in the profession or just want to have some fun!"
Luke got a place at Guilford School of Acting and is now a professional actor
"I started Courage Performers when I was 7 yrs and continued on until I was 19. Not only did Fliss train me with the skills I need as a performer but she gave me the confidence to pursue a career on stage. Fliss’ constant hard work and commitment to everyone she teaches reflects in the progress and enjoyment of all of her students. I’m currently studying for my Musical Theatre bachelors degree at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in LA and I can honestly say I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Courage Performers and Fliss’ dedication helping me succeed."
Sophie got a place at AMDA in Hollywood!
We never ask for feedback from the parents of Courage Performers, but they often write to tell us anyway. Here are some lovely messages just from the last year alone..
I wanted to put in words how much we loved the show on Sunday. We were all overwhelmed with the quality of the performances and all the attention to detail
I think this will have helped her enormously to build confidence and will have made a lasting and positive impression on her development.
Once again, many thanks for another fun and a fulfilling year from me and my girls.
We can’t thank you enough for all the time you took with them, rehearsals and organisation as well as all the creative direction and input.
Congratulations! My whole family were enthralled by the performance - goosebumps up my spine! What a professional group of performers
Thank you, most of all, for your commitment and all your astoundingly hard graft! Well done!