Aida Foster Theatre School

The Aida Foster Theatre School for drama, dance and education was founded by Aida Foster in 1929[1] as a hobby to teach dancing. It expanded over the years to become one of Britain's foremost stage schools. Many of the 20th-century stage and film personalities obtained their professional education from the school, and many their first employment through the school. Run by Aida and later by her daughter, Anita Foster, the school catered for three different groups of students; Those that took dance training only, the younger students that had full education plus both dancing and drama training, and the older students taking drama training only.

Aida Foster school supplied many of the Pantomime "Babes" (Children choruses and parts) for many of the West End Christmas shows in the 1950s.[2] They also obtained modelling contracts for many of the juveniles.

Foster had started a theatrical agency associated with the school in 1944.[3] Following the death of her husband she closed the school in 1970 to concentrate on the agency with her daughter Anita.[3]

The school was situated on the Finchley Road in Golders Green, London, just north of the junction with Golders Green Road.

Alumni

Notable alumni include Jean Simmons,[1] Barbara Windsor,[1] Kate O'Mara,[1] Vicki Michelle,[1] Shirley Eaton,[1] Elaine Paige,[1] Marti Webb,[4] Dilys Laye,[3] Sara Leighton,[3] Perlita Neilson[3] Paul Layton,[5] and Robin Davies.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Freeman, Ian (2 October 2007), "Anita Foster", The Stage
  2. ↑ "Pantomime Chorus and Juveniles". its-behind-you.com.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Theatre school closes... 40 years on." Times [London, England] 20 Jan. 1970: 8. The Times Digital Archive. Web. 26 Oct. 2013.
  4. ↑ Editorial Staff (9 February 2004). "20 Questions With…Marti Webb". WhatsOnStage.com.
  5. ↑ "pauls biog". thenewseekers.com.
  6. ↑ "Robin Davies: Actor who found fame alongside Wendy Craig and Catweazle". The Independent.

External links

Coordinates: 51°34′22″N 0°11′44″W / 51.57278°N 0.19556°W / 51.57278; -0.19556

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