Meet The Team

Here at the Vale Academy of Performing Arts we pride ourselves on
the experience and standard of our coaches. All tutors are professionally
trained in their field and handpicked for their enthusiasm and spark.

Our style of teaching is one where encouragement and enjoyment are
paramount. This comes hand in hand with hard work, commitment and effort
from our members. All students, whether shy or confident, are supported
and nurtured to boost their development and confidence.

All teachers undergo DBS checks, reference assessments and termly evaluations.

Laura Brind

Principal & Dance Coach

“In 2007 I graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. After working professionally as an actress, I decided to hang up my performing shoes and have my two lovely boys! For the last 10 years I have owned a children’s theatre school in London. It has been wonderful watching our students flourish, some continuing to great success in West End shows, TV and Movies. Some of the most exciting ones include Billy Elliot (West End), Happy Feet 2 (Feature Film) and The Worst Witch (BBC Television).

I have always had a passion for teaching children and have experienced first hand how performing arts can impact young people, inspiring confidence, enthusiasm and a belief in themselves.

I am so excited to be launching The Vale Academy of Performing Arts in my local town of
Cowbridge!”

Matthew Brind

Music Coach

“I work as a Composer and Conductor for Movies, Theatre, TV Shows and Albums.

I’ve been involved with 3 UK number 1 albums and 3 UK number 1 singles. Some of the
artists I’ve worked with include: One Direction, Little Mix, Anton Du Beke, John
Barrowman, Girls Aloud, Leona Lewis, Shayne Ward, Paloma Faith, Sam Bailey, Matt
Terry and Ben Haenow. I’ve headed up the music team on some cool West End musicals
including Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Women On the Verge of A Nervous Breakdown and
Legally Blonde. I had great fun working on the Paddington 2 movie, making a track for
Hugh Grant to sing from a prison cell!!

I’m Arranger and Conductor for lots of Simon Cowell’s tv shows including, X Factor UK, Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. I also really enjoy working with lots of different orchestras…. The Royal Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra and Welsh Pop Orchestra.”

Lizzie Dimond

Drama coach

I graduated from Guildford school of Acting in 2009 with a BA HONS in Musical Theatre. In my time at Guildford I played the lead role of ‘Polly’ Matchgirls, ‘Sharon Atkins’ Working, ‘Paulina’ Winter’s Tale. I was also chosen to sing as part of the elite group ‘The GSA Singers’. My professional theatre credits include Blood Brothers, Fame, Aladdin, Zanna Don’t, Only the Brave and Sleeping Beauty.

One of my most recent roles was ‘Sunflower Queen’ and ‘Rosemary Rhyme’ in the 2017 Tour of the musical Tickledom.

I am really looking forward to being a part of the team at the Vale Academy of Performing Arts!

Christopher Bond

Music Coach

“Since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music in 2014, I have worked as a professional composer, conductor and musical director. Some highlights in my career so far include; composing for the world famous Cory Band, the UK & National Youth Brass Band Championships and composing and conducting the orchestral soundtrack for “Magic in the Skies” at Lands End. I am currently studying for a Maters at the Royal College of Music, London. I am really looking forward to joining the talented tutors and students and be apart of team VAPA” 🙂

Izzy Turner

Junior Coach

“I absolutely loved being a member of VAPA Youth and was super keen to jump on board and become part of the VAPA team. Sharing the skills that I have learnt during my time as a member of VAPA with the younger students is inspiring stuff, whilst also getting my fix of performing and being part of a creative and fun environment”