An acting school with a branch in Sandbach is expanding into a nearby town.

Carney Academy has decided to open their second Cheshire site, and have chosen Macclesfield.

Free drama classes taught by a TV actor have been announced, alongside the reveal of a brand new Macclesfield drama school.

Carney Academy, which holds classes in Sandbach at St Mary's church hall as revealed in our article here has decided to open their second Cheshire site in Macclesfield.

The drama school for young people from 7 to 16 years old, will fully open their Macclesfield site in January.

Anyone who can't attend this year's preview classes, can book a taster one for January.

But little performers won't have to wait that long, as there are free initial classes on Tuesday 12 December.

Carney Academy – overseen by principal and professional actor David Gregan-Jones who lives in Sandbach – is offering free initial classes on Tuesday 12 December* at Bella Danza Studios (York Chambers Dukes Court on Mill Street), before the school formally opens in January.

In the new year, regular classes will be available for local young people aged between 7 to 16 years old.

Taster sessions will be held next week at Bella Danza Studios in Macclesfield. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

This is the academy's first move into the Macclesfield area, with two existing schools in Sandbach and Sheffield.

Specialising in drama, teachers offer industry-standard training, supporting students in improving communication and building confidence while learning skills necessary for a possible career in TV, film and theatre.

Carney alumni have gone on to star alongside Tom Hardy in BBC drama Taboo; join the UK tour of The Full Monty and film for new Channel 4 drama: ABC.

Macclesfield will be their third site. (Image - Carney Academy)

Others have been offered opportunities to learn at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Bristol Old Vic, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.

Gregan-Jones, who will supervise teaching and lead many classes, is an award-winning playwright and professional TV actor, appearing in Channel 4's recent drama: It's a Sin.

He said: "It feels very important to me, to bring training like this to Macclesfield."

The acting headshot of David Gregan-Jones. (Image - David Gregan-Jones)

"We already have students based here who travel all the way to Sandbach to join our classes – we want to offer them, and other interested young people, an opportunity that feels closer to home."

"I'm looking forward to meeting local families while supporting new students looking to perform professionally, find their voice or just have fun, while learning and making new friends."

Carney Academy was established in 2010 by television and theatre director Ruth Carney, who has worked over the West End and the New York theatre scene. Her on-screen credits include the TV shows Casualty, Emmerdale, Death in Paradise and Brassic.

For more information, click on the red links in this article. (Image - Carney Academy Macclesfield)

"Especially as we're already seeing Macclesfield talent emerge and develop through our Sandbach school, it made a lot of sense to bring something into the town itself," said Ruth.

"Though our existing schools, we've created new growth opportunities for young people, while bringing families together to support the next generation and celebrate what they do.

"We're really looking forward to becoming part of this community."

They will launch with a full schedule next month. (Image - Carney Academy)

Free initial classes will be available on Tuesday 12 December at Bella Danza Studios (York Chambers Dukes Court on Mill Street – SK11 6NN).

*To learn more about times, class age groups, how the classes work and to register for a class in December, please email [email protected]. Registration online required, via their new Macclesfield webpage.

For more information, follow them on Facebook or contact David Gregan-Jones on 07794 696773.

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