Spotlight: Queen’s Academy of the Arts

Artist, teacher, entrepreneur

Queen is the founder of Queen's Academy and has been teaching musical theatre children's programs since 2013.

The mission is to make performing arts accessible to all, fostering connections and building community through inclusive, play-based musical theatre programs.

Queen believes that every child should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts, which is why she founded Queen's Academy. The work is rooted in creating a space where children feel valued, empowered to express themselves, and supported in building confidence and life skills.

Queen holds a Musical Theatre Diploma, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at Capilano University, and will soon be working towards a Teaching Degree.

When not teaching, Queen can be found hiking with a dog, enjoying chocolate, and playing board games with friends and family!

Queen has been providing arts based opportunities for young people in the Lower Mainland for over a decade, and is passionate about what she does.

I asked Queen a few questions about the inspiration behind her business, here is what she had to say:

Q. When did you decide to turn your passion for teaching into running your own business?

A. As a child, I was excluded from arts programs due to financial barriers, and that experience fuelled my desire to make the arts more accessible to all. So, in 2013, I founded Queen's Academy of The Arts to create an inclusive space where children could access the arts, regardless of their background.

Q. What do you love most about what you do?

A. I love seeing children grow in confidence and creativity. Watching them find their voice through music, theatre, and movement is incredibly rewarding. I'm passionate about creating spaces where kids feel valued and celebrated for who they are.

Q. How do you find the time to do all of these things in your life?

A. Balancing my roles as an educator, business owner, and full-time student is challenging! But I make it work with time management and discipline. When I'm not teaching or learning, I always make time for myself by doing the things I love.

Q. Where do you see Queen's Academy in the next few years?

A. In the coming years, I see Queen's Academy expanding to reach more children and developing BIPOC-focused programs to amplify underrepresented voices in the arts. We're working on collaborating and partnering with organizations to create more accessibility through sponsorships and performance opportunities. I hope to become a cornerstone of the community, where families and children feel safe, supported, and confident.

When I first met Queen, I knew right away that this was someone I wanted to align with. Her positive energy and her vibrant presence made such an impact on me, I was eager to learn more about what she might bring to the Studio.

She asked if she could run some of her arts programs in the Studio space and teach music lessons there as well, and I was happy to say "yes"!

What does Queen's Academy do at Little Words Studio?

Queen's Academy offers a variety of performing arts programs for children, including musical theatre classes, afterschool programs, private lessons, as well as Pro-D, spring, and summer camps.

These programs focus on building confidence, teamwork, and self-expression, all while having fun!

At Little Words we also believe in the power of the arts, as we strive to create a space where joy and self-love can grow through music, connection, and community.