Mrs Jo Walls
PROFESSIONAL TUTOR IN MUSICAL THEATRE
Music
wallsj@hope.ac.uk
I started my performing journey at the young age of three at Egerton’s School of Dance in Liverpool. My training consisted of RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern and Tap. I played many instruments including piano, flute and guitar as well as singing in a youth choir. My love for performing shone through from an early age being offered many roles in television; Brookside, Hollyoaks, Grange Hill and 55 Degrees North.
I started auditioning young and my love for theatre was fulfilled in performances at the Liverpool Empire, Neptune Theatre and the Queens Theatre in Easter and Christmas shows. Being selected for Her Benny, Flowers of the City, Our Day Out and Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat tours developed my specific love for Musical Theatre.
I have been part of numerous pantomime productions every year since the age of seven working as ensemble, dance captain, choreographer, and co director for New Pantomime productions, Evolution, First Family, New World Productions and Blue Genie Entertainment. My pantomime experiences include 'Jack and the Beanstalk', 'Cinderella', 'Peter Pan', 'Snow White and the seven Dwarfs', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Dick Whittington', 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Aladdin' to name a few. This year I will return to The Playhouse, Whitley Bay as choreographer/company manager and assistant director of The New Adventures of Peter Pan.'
After graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Dance, I was invited to train at New York Dance Centre. Whilst there, 'Quartet Dance Company' and 'Move' offered an ensemble role and I toured throughout the USA. Whilst on tour, I was also offered the role as choreographer, creating works for their Broadway showcase. My love for travelling has been fulfilled working on cruise lines, river cruises, hotel and work abroad showcasing in Spain, Germany, Norway, Greece, France and USA.
I continued my studies alongside my performing/choreographing career, qualifying with a Grade 1, PGCE Secondary Education. Here, I worked in a variety of schools across the city as a dance teacher, Head of Dance, Head of Performing Arts, Assistant Head teacher and Associate Head Teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my expertise with students of tomorrow. I produced my own musicals for over 17 years. Some of my alumni students include Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Laura Morgan (Joan of Arc), Hayley Clarke (Boys from the Black Stuff), Ellie Taylor Birchall (Grease the musical and We will Rock You), Megan Wade (Disney Hong Kong/Paris) and countless others who perform regularly on cruise lines and in theatres. I am beyond proud of all the students I have had the pleasure to teach, inspire, support and open doors for new opportunities.
After joining Liverpool Hope University team in 2022 as the Dance lead, I have immersed myself into supporting the development of the brand new Musical Theatre course. It is a brilliant course with a very talented team.
Here are just a few of the wonderful industry projects I have been part of in 2024.
Professional Expertise
Consultancy work
Dance Education consultant across the UK for GCSE/BTEC/A Level.
Curriculum/Assessment consultant in Secondary Education.
Professional Experience
Producer
Creative producer for Liverpool Chinese New Year, St George's Hall.
Choreographer
Choreographer/Assistant Director/ Company Manager - The New Adventures of Peter Pan, Newcastle.
Choreographer- Pineapple Dance Studio, London (Varied programme on Musical Theatre).
Choreographer- Dance2Organ, Ludlow.
Choreographer- GODS, Liverpool.
Choreographer- BEEP, Liverpool.
Choreographer- West End Live.
Choreographer- Legally Blonde.
Choreographer- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Choreographer- Liverpool Chinese New Year Celebration.
Adjudicator
UK Dance Class Championships.
Dance Dream Events.
In It, To Win It.
Ultimate Dance Events.
Kings Summer Festival of Dance.
Stand out UK.
Teaching Specialisms
History of Musical Theatre
Fosse Case Study
Choreography
Site Specific MT/Dance
Dance Technique in all styles
Ensemble Performance
Showcase performance
Level H Musical
Industry ready
Role of Choreographer, Director or Producer
Role of Stage Management
Community outreach
Education Consultant for Secondary/ FE