spires logo

Online Drama Tutor Karen

Karen

Karen

Theatre & Performance MA

$39/hr

Experienced English & Drama Tutor | GCSE, A‑Level & University.
I offer calm, confidence‑building support to help students write clearly, think critically, and achieve strong exam results.

Karen0 classes

Queen Mary, University London - Theatre & Performance - MA

Experienced English & Drama Tutor | GCSE, A‑Level & University.
I offer calm, confidence‑building support to help students write clearly, think critically, and achieve strong exam results.

Recent Students: 0
Total Hours: 0
Last Online:
All-time Students: 0
Total Classes: 0
Signed Up:
Recent Students: 0Total Hours: 0Last Online:
All-time Students: 0Total Classes: 0Signed Up:

About Me

I’ve spent the last 30 years combining professional work as an actor and singer with a long career in education. I trained at Rose Bruford College and have taught English internationally, in Europe and with the British Council in Southeast Asia, before settling on the south coast of England over 20 years ago.

Based in Brighton, I love running or walking on the beach and South Downs with my dog, Rufus. I remain professionally active as a singer, regularly performing as a soloist and working on recording projects - this keeps my teaching grounded in real‑world creative practice.

I believe tutoring is about more than passing an exam. It’s about building confidence, clarity, and the critical thinking skills students need to succeed at GCSE, A‑level and beyond. I’m known for my calm, supportive approach and for helping students feel more secure and capable under exam pressure.

Alongside my BA and MA, I hold a PGCHE and Cambridge DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching), I’m a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and I have a current Enhanced DBS check for complete peace of mind.

Tutor Experience

I’ve taught and tutored for over 20 years and have delivered thousands of hours of one‑to‑one and small‑group tuition, both online and in person. I’ve worked with students from GCSE through to university level including UCL, the University of Sussex and Cardiff University.

My approach is calm, supportive and practical. I help students understand what examiners are really looking for, build confidence, and perform at their best under pressure.

Who I work with:

GCSE & A level English Language: I help students develop clear structure, analytical confidence and what examiners often describe as 'critical flair' — without overcomplicating things.

GCSE & A level Drama: I support students with both performance and written components, helping them connect theory to practice and communicate ideas clearly. I’m familiar with OCR, AQA, Edexcel and WJEC/Eduqas specifications.

Drama School Applicants: I coach students preparing for auditions at leading drama schools such as RADA, LAMDA and Central. This includes monologue selection, character work, confidence‑building and interview technique.

Admissions & personal statements: I support students with entrance exams and personal statements, helping them find an authentic academic voice and present their strengths with clarity and confidence.

As a former Senior Lecturer and Curriculum Leader, I’ve designed and delivered programmes specifically aimed at preparing students for entry into high‑ranking universities. This means I understand assessment from the inside. I can break down mark schemes, remove the jargon, and show students exactly how to improve their essays, exam answers or performances.

I particularly enjoy working with students who feel capable but lack confidence — and helping them realise they can do better than they think.

Topic Expertise

I offer clear, practical support across all components of GCSE and A‑level English and Drama, combining strong subject knowledge with personalised feedback tailored to each student.

English Language (GCSE, A‑Level)
I primarily support students with GCSE English Language, with additional experience at A‑level and beyond.
I help students to:
- understand what English Language exam questions are really asking
- plan and structure clear, focused responses
- improve analytical writing using appropriate terminology
- develop exam technique, timing, and confidence

My background in academic English also helps students develop clarity, structure, and independent thinking — skills that transfer directly into stronger exam responses.

Drama: Exam Writing, Portfolios & Performance Feedback (GCSE & A‑Level)
Many capable Drama students lose marks not because of their ideas or performance ability, but because they struggle to evidence and explain their process clearly or meet the requirements of the written exam. I support students across AQA, OCR, Edexcel and WJEC/Eduqas in strengthening both their exam writing and their assessed performance work.

I help students to:
- make clear links between performance choices and practitioner theory
- structure Working Notebooks and Reflective Reports clearly and coherently
- write effectively about performance using appropriate drama terminology
- ensure their work directly meets the assessment brief and marking criteria

For devised work, I do not direct performance (e.g. blocking), but I provide focused feedback on whether ideas are clear, purposeful, and clearly evidenced — an area where marks are often lost and can improve most quickly.

Audition Preparation
I provide focused, supportive coaching for drama school auditions, including:
- monologue selection
- character development
- vocal and physical presence
- interview confidence
My approach helps students feel prepared, grounded, and authentic — not over‑rehearsed.

I’m known for my calm, supportive approach and for helping students turn ability into confident performance.

Testimonials

"Karen is a wonderful lady and tutor. My son felt lighter after a lesson with Karen. She is empowering, holds space for brain storming ideas and generating techniques. She also is kind and has offered reflective phone calls following up on his recent mocks, regularly offers advice and recommendations on excellent resources and extra curriculum activities. Highly recommended." - Maria

Background Checks

Verified

Qualifications

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
PGCHE - University of Sussex
MA - Theatre and Performance - Queen Mary, University London
Cambridge DELTA - Embassy, Brighton, 2010
CELTA - International House, Barcelona
BA (Hons) Theatre - Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama

Availability

WeekdaysWeekends
Morning
Afternoon
Evening