Rod – Drama

Drama is taught by Rod Hallett, who trained at Arts Ed and has had a 30 year acting career in television, film and theatre to date.

He has worked for a number of the American streamers and networks including Netflix, Showtime, Apple+, Disney, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount, NBC, FOX, ABC as well as all the UK terrestrials.

Among his many television credits, Rod played Sir Richard Rich, throughout three seasons of the multi Emmy winning series, The Tudors. He was cast by Steven Spielberg as one of the leads in the Sci-Fi adventure series Terra Nova.  Recently he’s starred as King Constantin in the action drama The Last Kingdom and it’s concluding film, Seven Kings Must Die and in the upcoming conspiracy thriller, Prime Target, opposite Leo Woodall and drama, Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.  His film credits also include: ANNA opposite Brian Cox and Mark Strong, THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD with Gary Oldman and Marvel’s ANT-MAN.

Over these years, Rod has gathered a huge amount of understanding of the practicalities of a career in acting beyond the breakdown and execution of a character and whilst he is always available for advice and guidance with that, he believes teaching drama is most important for providing tools and skills that are valuable outside a career in acting. It was in becoming a father of three, he realised that within the day to day of regular education, the curriculum can rarely afford the time to focus on certain important life skills, skills that can be learned at any age (he’s also worked with people in the City) but are more easily absorbed when young. Techniques and experiences that aim to teach students to be brave, share ideas, adapt, take risks, not fear failure, forgive themselves quickly, think creatively, understand themselves and others, to be empathetic, to speak boldly and above all, to develop confidence. The clear growth he sees in the children at Shene Stage School (and within his own family) in these abilities are what drives his passion for teaching.  He has been involved with Shene Stage School for over ten years now and has been the Drama teacher there since 2022.

Testimonial

  • You have meant the world to me, whenever I am sad, you say to me, you can do it, you are the best and for sure I will be back next term

    - Iris

  • "Thank you to you and all the other wonderful teachers for yesterday. We enjoyed the show so very much - the children are so talented and the show was put together beautifully. We both loved how egalitarian it was - every child was included, every child felt they were a star - in fact, every child was a star!!"

    - Nadine

  • "Thank you very much for all the skills you have given to Jack over the past few years, he has really benefited from his time with you and it has been a pleasure seeing how his passion for acting and performing has developed. Also I very much enjoy the shows at the end of each term all the kids have given."

    - Lisa

  • "Our 8 year-old daughter has been doing Shene Stage for over a year and loves her Saturday mornings there. Her confidence has grown in leaps and bounds since starting – her teachers at school have even commented on the change – and she has had great fun learning about performing while making new friends with other local kids."

    - Aster’s Mum

  • "Hugo has absolutely loved his time at your school. He has really benefitted from having to act out and speak in front of an audience. All the staff are so kind and nurturing, providing such a wonderful environment for the children"

    - Victoria