About Us
At Standing O's, we strive for every student to explore their imagination and build their confidence through Song, Dance and Theatre; making them always feel worthy of a Standing Ovation.
‘Standing O's’ was founded to encourage children to work on their creative skills in a safe environment. Too many times, an overwhelming amount of pressure is put on children to learn faster, speak more eloquently and be more confident. From birth, children need to feel safe in making mistakes and exploring their creative minds. Through a variety of playful techniques, we at ‘Standing O's’ take pride in assisting students by giving them the necessary tools to be confident, creative and cool!
Especially post-pandemic, we have seen an increase in children facing challenges to develop their skills in a social and educational setting. We want to combat those challenges and make every child feel Self-Assured in all environments.
As Whitney Houston once said “I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside”. We are here to remind children how incredible their minds are, and to always encourage their endeavours.
All of our Teachers are DBS (Enhanced) Checked and have a wealth of training and experience!
We all strive one for thing….
Let’s make magic. And make every performance, worthy of a Standing Ovation.
Our Team
Sam Amestoy - Founder
Sam is a British/French Teacher who grew up in Dubai and Singapore. He moved to London in 2017 and attended Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts where he was awarded a BA in Performance (Musical Theatre).
Sam has always had a passion for teaching. Prior to moving to the UK, Sam taught various Musical Theatre programmes in Singapore. Since being in the UK, he has taught all over London in Nurseries, Preschools and for a selection of Theatre education settings. He teaches at Reading College (Activate Learning) as a Vocational Teacher, teaching Performing Arts Students Musical Theatre, as well as being part of Reading Rep Theatre's Community Outreach Programme 'ENGAGE', working in Schools, Libraries & with Charities
Sam’s playful and comedic ways of teaching have earned him the title ‘Silly Sausage Sam’ (a name given to him by his previous students). He enjoys every moment of teaching and has set up Standing O to encourage children to be themselves and be happy! He wants Standing O to be an escape for children, even if it was a while back he still remembers how overwhelming the world can be when you’re so little. Sam was lucky enough to have the support around him to achieve his dreams, he now wants to pass on the baton.
'Silly Sausage Sam'
Sam’s professional Theatre Credits include Magic Radio’s ‘Magic At The Musicals’ at the Royal Albert Hall and London Palladium, ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ at Norwich Theatre, and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Reading Rep Theatre. He has recently spent 6 month onboard the brand new cruise liner CFC (Compagnie Francaise de Crosieres), where he was lead Vocalist for their inaugural season. He has also finished working on Ubisoft's band new video game 'Skull & Bones'.
Sam is also over the moon to be starring in Reading Rep Theatre's upcoming production of 'the Rumble Under The Rug'
Sam loves to chat! So if you ever have any questions, drop him a line, he’ll always be more than happy to reply!
Charlie Warner - Teacher
'Cheeky Charlie'
Charlotte (Charlie) Warner is an Oxfordshire based Actor and Voiceover Artist. She studied at the University of Exeter, earning a BA in Drama and is also a National Youth Theatre Alumni.
Since graduating Charlie has regularly performed on both stage and screen and loves sharing her passion for performing with children of all ages! For two years she worked with Captain Fantastic as a Children’s Entertainer performing as a Princess, Pirate, Scientist and Superhero…to name a few! Now she defends her title as ‘Queen of Games’ as part of Reading Rep Theatre's Community Outreach Programme 'ENGAGE', visiting local Libraries to run Rhyme Time Sessions, working with their Youth Theatre, Reading College (Active Learning) or even running workshops for Adult Classes.
Charlotte’s professional credits include ‘Potted Panto’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Reading Rep Theatre. Prior to this she was seen touring the UK as one half of a double act with the company Tell Tale Tits’ in their award winning show, 'Her Ps and Qs' as well as being “on the run” with Scratchworks Theatre Companies ‘Great Train Robbery’.
When she's not on stage she can be found in her recording studio providing voiceovers for company’s such: Tesco, Allinson’s, Lloyds Pharmacy, University of Warwick, PC World, Naked Smoothies and Channel 4's 'The Circle'.
“Cheeky Charlie” is so excited to be joining Standing O’s and can’t wait to bring her playful energy to Story Time and more…!