Jennifer Whittaker

Jennifer Whittaker

Co-Director and Principal 
Director of LAMDA. 

Biography

Jennifer was born to act, sing and dance - she recorded her first cover song at age 3 on her Nan's tape recorder and won her first talent contest at age 11. Jen started teaching drama at 16, singing at 17 and at 18 she became Head of Musical Theatre. By age 21 she had set up and was running her own successful community performing arts business and was teaching LAMDA lessons privately. At age 23 Jen was managing 9 franchises for a large performing arts company and shortly after, she met Tonicha. Joining TLA was the best thing Jen has ever done and she loves her Saturdays and her TLA family mean the world to her. 

In her spare time, Jen enjoys writing for the stage and her original pieces include 'The Audition' a musical which was first performed in 2008 and subsequently adapted into a play and performed in 2018 by TLA students. Jen's adaptation of James and the Giant Peach - 'Jane and the Magical Peach' was performed in 2018 TLA Intermediate students. Her original piece for young children - 'Tales of Lily and Andee' was performed in 2018 by TLA Juniors.  Jen also wrote 'Matilda' Part 1 and 3. 

Jen is currently collaborating with a well known pop-star to write a brand new, original musical - watch this space!

Education

Jennifer has multiple Performing Arts and Management qualifications ranging from GSCE's in Drama and Dance through to her Musical Theatre and Business Management degrees. Jen gained qualifications in prestigious exams in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) where she attained up to and including two Gold Medals; LCMM (London College of Music and Media) and BBO (British Ballet Organisation). 
Jen also gained distinctions in her ADPA (Associate Diploma of Performance Arts) - a teaching qualification. 

Jennifer continues her personal professional development and is currently undertaking study in Musical Theatre (LAMDA - Grade 8) and Ballet (BBO - Grade 6) in order to become a qualified teacher for these prestigious examination boards in both of these subject areas as well.

Performances

Jennifer began performing on stage in primary school as part of both the school choir and the drama club. Her first major role was as Sandy in 'Grease' and later as Rizzo, followed by playing Liesl in the 'Sound of Music' and later as Maria. 

Jen undertook many roles throughout high school, most notably as Linda in 'Blood Brothers' - later going on to play Mrs Lyons and then Mrs Johnston. Jen also sang for the Queen's Golden Jubilee at a national event. 

In college Jen premiered Mark Ravenhill's 'Totally Over You' as leading role Kitty. She then played Red Neighbour in Federico García Lorca's 'The Shoemakers Incredible Wife' and both assisted with directing and took on the role of Lou in Dennis Kelly's 'DNA'. Both TSIW and DNA toured nationally as part of The National Theatre Shell Connexions Projects in 2006 & 2007. Jen also danced on the West End and toured as a showgirl dancer whilst at college. 

At University Jen toured 4 pieces nationally; one of which she wrote herself; she stared in two others and the 4th she undertook backstage and lighting roles for. Jen took on the role of Rory in her final major project - 'BARE a Rock Opera'. 

At TLA, Jen appeared as 'Foley Artist' in 'It's A Wonderful Life' and as multiple roles including Galinda from Wicked, Fantine from Les Mis and Juliet from Shakespeares 'Romeo and Juliet' in the TLA Staff Showcase. 

Most recently, Jen played multiple roles in 'Gi60' - 'The One Minute Play Festival' as well as writing two of the plays. 
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