The Drama Bird

Offering workshops for students and teachers.

Welcome to The Drama Bird!

My name is Kirsten Lane, aka Birdy. I am a qualified Drama and English teacher of 27 years and an experienced director and performer. I offer bespoke online and face to face drama education sessions to students and teachers.

My degree is in Performance Arts with Religious Studies from Cheltenham and a PGCE in English & Drama from Bretton Hall. I create teaching resources and am currently developing a drama teacher ‘box of tricks’.

I am currently training with the RSC for a Teaching Shakespeare Certificate to work with the set text of your choice within both English and Drama departments in secondary schools. I have worked worked extensively with Shakespeare for Schools both as a director and teacher with ClickView and directed Macbeth and The Tempest with them and Midsummer Night's Dream independently.

I have led and lectured BTEC Performing Arts in FE Colleges for 8 years, led departments and taught GCSE Drama and English and A Level Theatre Studies in secondary schools for a further 16 years. I have directed over 30 scripted student shows and numerous issue based devised pieces. My philosophy of education is to have fun when learning. As Brecht said, ‘If you don’t have fun, you don’t have a show’.

I am an online Drama Tutor and teach Drama GCSE to my students, both abroad and in the UK. I am trained in Teen Yoga and deliver yoga, meditation and yoga nidra to teenagers. I am also a supporting artist for Phoenix Casting and Mad Dog Casting and perform as the other half of Maxwell&Lane Comedy Duo.

Please have a look around my site and get in touch if you would like a group or individual workshop.














DRAMA & ENGLISH TUTORING

I offer Drama (GCSE/A Level and Degree Level) and English tuition (KS3 and GCSE) online and face to face if based near Bath and Bristol (Edexcel syllabus). If you need help with your portfolio or your exam or even monologues and audition speeches I can help you.

DRAMA WORKSHOPS

I offer practitioner and set text workshops for Drama A Level and GCSE students. My expertise is in Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Berkoff and Shakespeare.

DRAMA TEACHER TRAINING

I offer physical and online bespoke teacher training sessions according to your needs. I am familiar with the Edexcel syllabus for GCSE and A Level and the set texts. I can support your understanding of the exam requirements online and face to face. I am able to offer bespoke practitioner sessions to you as well as generalised sessions on warm ups. Guest speakers and experts will feature at a higher cost.

WELL-BEING

I offer yoga, meditation and yoga nidra classes to teenagers and can deliver in your school or community. If practised regularly yoga practice can benefit all teenagers bringing calm into their lives and helping them sleep better and deal with stress. I trained as a Teen Yoga instructor and I can visit you to deliver to with small groups. https://teenyogafoundation.com/

GCSE and A Level (Edexcel) Resources

GCSE Section A and B writing frames and help-sheets are available to purchase for £10. Please get in touch if you would like these editable documents. An additional £5 for the zoom teaching link from the Events page. A Level support offered - please get in touch.

  • £10.00
  •  02/05/2023 05:00 PM - 02/05/2023 06:00 PM
  • Online Event

Ever get stuck on warm-ups? Want to share your favourites in return for other professionals? If the answer is yes then help me help you! I am looking for several brilliant warm-ups that drama teachers use to focus students. I have a few of my best to to share with you! If you would like to share one (or two) of your best warm ups on Zoom with 10 teachers on May 2nd then please apply with a short written or verbal description your best warm up by April 25th. The best will be selected and you mist be prepared to share on Zoom with cameras on and be ready to get on your feet and play! You will gain a large selection of the 'Best Warm-ups in the World.....Ever!' to use in your classrooms and workshops. You will also have great fun taking part! A recording will be sent to you afterwards that you can treasure forever!

  • £20.00
  •  18/04/2023 06:00 PM - 18/04/2023 07:00 PM
  • Online Event

Please see Eventbrite for details.

  • £20.00
  •  16/03/2023 06:00 PM
  • Online Event

Please see Eventbrite description.

  • £10
  •  27/02/2023 06:00 PM - 27/02/2023 07:00 PM
  • Online Event

EventBrite Teacher Training

Current Collaborators

Emmaline Maxwell

Yoga Teacher Comedian LAMDA Teacher Director

Emmaline runs aerial and floor yoga classes In Glastonbury, she teaches LAMDA and is a comedy writer and performer and the other half of our comedy duo Maxwell&Lane. She has an MA in Comedy Writing from Falmouth University. We have directed Shakespeare together with Shakespeare for Schools and collaborated as a comedy duo and drama facilitators for seven years.

Read More  

Anna Friend

Actor Director Teacher Author

Anna runs Quirky Bird Theatre and together we run Bird Brains, delivering physical and digital workshops on a set text in schools with students or on film with the cast. We published a DNA resource available on the Quirky Bird website. We are currently developing set text resources for other plays soon to be announced.

Read More  

  •  08/03/2023 08:42 PM

Certificate in Teaching Shakespeare

Emma Hurley

Student

     

Kirsten taught me through my GCSEs and had a huge impact on me as a teacher and human. She always made lessons fun and interesting, an environment in which you could let loose and be free. Beyond that she always made me feel confident in my abilities, and that I could really be myself. For a short while I also attended a drama group outside of the school where you could just see her creativity absolutely flow along with her ability to bring this out in others also. She is a joy to behold.

Anna Friend

Actor Director Drama Educator

     

Kirsten has been creating fantastic resources with me for the past two years and I've had the enormous pleasure of watching her teach. Her endless energy and incredible subject knowledge is a powerful and wonderful combination. Highly recommended!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Imogen Sargent

Student

     

Kirsten taught me in my GCSE’s and a levels. She is an incredible teacher and still remains in my life 20 years later. She is knowledgeable, friendly and wonderful. I’d recommend her to anyone.

Tasha Wares

Student

     

Kirsten taught me drama in college for 3 years! She is just fabulous! Such a creative mind and I enjoyed every minute of being taught by her! Very professional, creative, funny, witty and an absolute pleasure to work alongside! She loves hearing your ideas and incorporating them into acting and music. I was a very quiet, shy person when I started performing arts in college, but she boosted my confidence and made me the person I am today. Highly recommend 😊😊

Claire Hallybone

Director Drama and English Teacher

     

I worked with Kirsten for two years and she was so inspiring. She builds fantastic relationships with students, and is extremely kind and knowledgable.

Simon Matthew Blakeman

Clown Artist Teacher

     

Kirsten helped me so generously when I was first setting out as a Drama GCSE teacher. (I was brought into an academy as a theatre professional but without the teacher qualification). She showed me how to successfully organise my two years in order to deliver the course components in a sensible way. She helped me to feel a lot more prepared and confident as I went into the role. I know Kirsten personally and she’s clever, professional and respectful. I also know that she cares deeply about the craft of theatre.

Tash Leslie

Student

     

Kirsten taught me throughout my 2 years on the performing arts national diploma at Trowbridge college, and what an inspiration she was. The classes were fun and her teaching was beyond beneficial. She was a friend and a teacher and even after 12 years or more she still keeps in touch with her pupils. She is supportive, kind and an inspiration both in her teachings and personally. I can not tell you how thankful I am for having had the opportunity to be taught by such a wonderful lady.

Caitlin Clancy

Student

     

I was lucky enough to have her as my teacher for 4 years. She is inspiring, fun, patient and most of all she’s always supportive of her students. There’s not much she doesn’t know when it comes to different styles of theatre and getting the best out of her students - and this has enabled her to help students like me achieve exams grades way above my expectations. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️!!

Jessica Garner

Teacher Recruitment

     

I worked with Kirsten at Millfield School for several years, where she was a successful and respected Head of Drama. Kirsten's enthusiasm and sense of humour made her very popular with both students and colleagues. A caring, energetic and highly experienced tutor who will give any budding actor the skills and confidence to thrive.

Millie Gibbons

Student Actor

     

I have worked with Mrs Lane since I was 14. She worked with me through Drama GCSE and A levels, both of which I received an A in. She is a truly incredible instructor, not only is she full of ambition and charisma, but she is so knowledgeable about the topics we explored during those times and the Industry itself. Since I graduated in 2018, Mrs Lane has continued to input her wisdom and support on me, pushing me to my potential and encouraging me to follow my dream. I am now a graduate of the American Academy in New York City, and a Professional Actress. I have been cast in my first Feature Film alongside Vanessa Hudgens and Christopher Lloyd. To this day I am grateful as I would never have made it to the place I am in right now if it weren’t for Mrs Lane! So book up those tutoring sessions people!

Erin Kielty

Student

     

I had two lovely, memorable years with Mrs Lane as my drama teacher and tutor, she’s an encouraging and supportive mentor and above all kind. She is excellent at her craft and drew the best out of everyone in my A Level drama class, helping us all achieve stellar grades.

Dominic McDonald

Lecturer Actor Director Musician

     

I worked with Kirsten for several years at Wiltshire College in Trowbridge. She was always very good indeed with the students, able to lead projects and be clear in her teaching and direction. She was always an excellent colleague in every way, supportive and professional at all times.

Joshua Dubarry

Student

     

The best drama tutor in England, highly recommended, the best in every way.

Tanya

Student

     

Miss Lane has taught me for 2 years for my gcses and I have really enjoyed it , furthermore over the course of two years I was very pleased with the results I kept getting for my drama tests and mock exams. She has also been very supportive throughout the way and helped us with our performances.

Elsie Brade

Student

     

Kirsten was my group tutor at school for 2 years. Kirsten’s passion for drama is infectious. She is an incredibly talented and encouraging teacher. She is patient and taught me how to be myself and grow as a person both on and off the stage. As well as her talent as a teacher of drama she is also one of the most kind and caring people I have had the fortune to know. Kirsten supported me through tough personal times and listened when I needed a friend more than a teacher. She is always able to bring a smile to those around her. She taught me to have confidence in myself as a performer and I learnt so much from her which has truly changed the way I approach various aspects of my life. I cannot recommend her enough!

Ryan Spong

Student Actor

     

Kirsten taught me at Wiltshire College when I was 16. I didn't really have any experience at the time but she helped guide me through 2 wonderful years of training. She's driven, talented, funny, kind and made my college experience incredibly enjoyable. I am grateful to have had a mentor at a young age that inspired me to want to keep working in this industry.

Olivia Davies

Drama Student

     

I cannot thank Mrs Lane enough. I was taught drama by her for 2 years (sixth form) and had the best time. Not only did I achieve an A in A-level drama, but as a result of practicing yoga with her once a week, my mental health drastically improved. Mrs Lane has an incredible ability to put a smile on everyone’s face, and my whole class looked forward to every lesson with her. I highly recommend Mrs Lane to everyone. She is such a fun and passionate teacher, which makes lessons incredibly engaging, while still getting good work done.

Pam Rose

Drama Teacher

     

Kirsten is an amazing teacher. I had the pleasure of meeting her online after I reached out for some support with the new exam board I was teaching. Her time, effort and knowledge has been professional and of top quality each step of the way. She has provided me with outstanding resources and guidance on how to approach teaching the Edexcel GCSE and A-level specification. A true inspiration and expert in her field. I would not hesitate in recommending her services if you want to advance in your teaching practice.

Ema-Jayne Jones

Drama Teacher

     

Kirsten’s services are outstanding! Her resources are amazing and her online training was fantastic! She is extremely knowledgeable and an expert in her field. I’m so grateful for the time and effort she put into planning and delivering an excellent training session. I highly recommend!!

Karen Jane Moger

Ex student

     

Kirsten taught me when I did a 3 year performing arts course. I can honestly say that she was fundemental in the person I am today. Although I don't have a career in performing arts I know that without her support I wouldn't have the confidence I do now. She gives you the confidence to perform and is a fabulous teacher and a great support!

Henry O’Sullivan

Student

     

Birdy taught me all throughout my A Levels and helped me achieve an A grade, despite the whirlwind of COVID. Not only was she phenomenal at teaching the content, but she made it all far more fun than I could have imagined. I’m now well on the way in the industry thanks to all the advice and support she has given me! Birdy has the knowledge, passion, and expertise to provide anyone with what they want in the drama sector. I highly recommend her!

Lillie Bennetto

Ex Student

     

I was taught GCSE drama by Birdy, and I have such wonderful memories of that time. Her classes were an open and safe environment where any idea was accepted and developed. Her skill in getting even the most difficult students to open up and be free benefitted the entire class. I still remember the plays we did in class, which helped me explore managing my mental health. I also joined a fantastic after school drama club, where together we wrote a brilliant play. We enjoyed the writing and exploration process so much that we didn't actually finish writing the play, but I learnt so much about the joy of writing, acting, having an open mind and having the confidence to change things, and leave things unfinished. I value what she taught me at school, and in life outside of school. As a very open and engaging person, she gives so much to each student and to whatever project she is involved in.

Edward Earl

Student

     

Mrs. Lane is an exceptional tutor who is highly skilled in teaching the subjects of English, Drama, and Religious Studies. She has a deep understanding of the subjects and uses creative methods to make the lessons engaging and enjoyable for her students. Her expertise in English is particularly impressive, as she has a knack for breaking down complex concepts and helping her students develop strong writing and analytical skills. Mrs. Lane's drama lessons are equally engaging, and she has a unique ability to help her students understand and appreciate the nuances of dramatic performance. In addition to her strong teaching skills, Mrs. Lane is also very patient and supportive, creating a positive and nurturing environment for her students to learn in. Her approach is tailored to the individual needs of each student, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support they need to achieve their goals. Overall, I highly recommend Mrs. Lane as a tutor for anyone looking to improve their skills in English, Drama, or Religious Studies. Her dedication and expertise are second to none, and her students consistently rave about her ability to help them achieve their academic goals.

Cheryl Gaukroger

Leader of Drama

     

I cannot recommend Kirsten's services highly enough! After attending an online GCSE written exam session I saw an improvement in results that summer - amazing! I quickly got in touch again and Kirsten tailored two online sessions and resources for A Level Drama and Theatre units that I needed support with. She was enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable and patient with my many questions. Excellent value; I highly recommend!