Philip Waller’s experience of teaching drama to the next generation

If you know of In2Drama then you'll surely know of the man who makes it all happen; Philip Waller. Phil has a passion for musical theatre and supporting young people and this is reflected in his work as Head of Drama at Cranleigh Prep School, as trustee of The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust and of course as the Founder & Director of In2Drama!

With a breadth of talents himself and a dedication to fostering the future of UK talent, we just had to hear more about what drives Phil on this mission and to document some of the highlights of this work...

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Passion and Purpose: A Founder's Journey in Musical Theatre and Youth Empowerment with Philip Waller

- Phil, please share with us where your passion for musical theatre comes from and what aspects do you enjoy the most?

"My passion started as a young boy when my parents used to take me to the West End. I was lucky enough to see some of the great musicals at the start of their journey - Michael Ball in Les Misérables and Aspects of Love in his early years, Cats and Evita with Elaine Page just to name a few. I loved watching all styles of musicals from Starlight Express, Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon. We went to all the shows as they opened. Blood Brothers is a favourite, but the original version of Guys and Dolls at the National inspired me to tread the boards at University where I was studying a BEd (Hons) English and Drama. I played “The Drunk” and was in the ensemble in my first year in the University of England’s production of Guys and Dolls. I was sold! The next year I auditioned for Oklahoma and won the leading role of Curly and although felt out of my comfort zone, I went for it and loved it! The following year I played Moonface Martin in Anything Goes which was terrific fun. The theatre never leaves the blood! Whether taking part in the Best of the West for the Ewhurst Players locally or Directing and Producing productions at Cranleigh Prep School, it is all simply a pleasure to be involved in in this art."

- Why do you feel it is important to support the Performing Arts and in particular to give access to such training for young people?

"The performing arts is a vehicle to entertain and to give pleasure, not just to audiences but for those involved in the process and productions. For young people, it not only gives focus, confidence, self belief and a purpose but also teaches teamwork, leadership and learning about oneself. The communication skills that are developed are invaluable and mental health and resilience can be improved with these areas being easily accessible. The story telling and opportunity to develop creativity and create something is so important. The skills required are vital and the concern is that the performing arts is diminishing in schools, due to cost cuts."

- What makes In2Drama special and what is its impact on the local community?‍

"In2Drama is unique as it is a week’s intense academy where aspiring performers and those who work behind the camera and at the tech desk get to develop and try out new skills with those already currently in the industry, such as our patron Kerry Ellis. The students get first hand feedback from the best, whether Emma Hatton for Musical Theatre, Phoebe Hyder for Movement Direction or Henry Hereford, Acting Masterclass to name but a few. It is unique as the students present each evening, and are taught in small groups allowing one to one focus and plenty of time with the coaches to receive advice. We provide headshots and showreels to help the students to obtain work, win an agent or get into drama or film college. The new Music Production course dove tails with the Film Production module, where the students will get the opportunity to create a short film. The Theatre Tech course and Dance Masterclass also demonstrates how diverse In2Drama is and how it separates itself from other drama workshops. It’s approach and care for the enjoyment of the students and the benefit it will give to them is vital, so age related groups are essential."

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The Highlights

A report on just some of the positive impacts of this work & the wonderful achievements of young people through the arts:

• In 2019, Phil was an Associate Producer for Hugh Wooldridge's The Best of….Rock Musicals at the Hammersmith Apollo with some of the biggest names in musical theatre. This was a musicals showcase, raising money for The Charlie Waller Trust, a charity set up in memory of Phil’s brother that provides mental health training, resources and consultancy with a focus on children and young people. Watch this recent Instagram video from Phil as he trained for a charity run in aid of the CWT.
• This year, Cranleigh Prep School saw the launch of a series of short films directed by Philip Waller. Aptly named “Conflictus”, all plots centered around the theme of conflict including that of Lord of the Flies by William Golding and Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman. They were wonderfully performed and produced by Form 6 students, under the expert guidance of Phil and CPS's Director of Photography, Max Jewell-Smith.
• In March 2023, In2Drama student Harry H came third in the Year 8 IAPS Finals of the Surrey Drama Festival! The festival was hosted by St Hilary's Director of Performing Arts, Mark Parton in Goldaming and Adjudicated by Guildford School of Acting Principal, Anna McNamara. Plus, Elias from Newland House won the In2Drama Outstanding Award from the adjudicator and received a fully paid for Scholarship to the Summer Academy. Learn more and check out the snaps here.
• 2023 saw the first offering of the Roger Coupe In2Drama Scholarship ensuring that talented young people didn’t miss out on the opportunity. Ariane & Tommy were deserving recipients having both recently starred in the hilariously funny Ewurst Players production of A Chorus of Disapproval and having their sights set on Drama College in the not so distant future. Here was Phil's TV debut talking about the scholarship opportunity.

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If you feel inspired to get involved in the performing arts whether that be as a hobby or future career then please don't hesitate to reach out to Philip Waller for some friendly advice or enroll for the In2Drama Summer Academy!