Achieving your stage dreams

Hayley Emma Otway – who played Polly in Crazy for You at the London Palladium – is the inspiration behind the Hayley Otway Theatre (HOT) Academy which opens in September.

Hayley, 33, said: “I’ve been teaching performing arts at companies, schools and colleges for 18 years and I’m very passionate about giving young people a chance to perform.

“I also want to bring an environment of encouragement and nurturing in what is commonly seen as a cut-throat environment, helping students truly believe they can achieve their dreams through vision and action.”

Classes will be available for children aged four to 18 and will include stage combat and make-up as well as performing skills. There will also be a summer school – based on Wicked – in August at Dunstable’s Vale Academy.

> Visit www.hotacademy.co.uk