Creative Team
Wendy C. Miller - Director/Producer
Wendy studied Drama at the Birmingham School of Speech & Drama from the age of eight and has been involved in the Performing Arts ever since. With a strong passion for acting and a genuine love for the theatre, she has appeared in many productions as a singer, actor & dancer. Principal roles include; Joanne — Stephen Sondheims Company at the Civic Hall, Stratford upon Avon, Maggie Jones — 42nd Street, the Cowardly Lion — The Wizard of Oz, Irene Roth — Crazy for You, Mrs Sowerberry — Oliver! and Mrs Eynesford Hill — My Fair Lady at the Royal Spa Centre.
Wendy previously held the position of artistic director for Spa Theatre Company Juniors for 7 years. Under her leadership, the company staged the award winning children’s musical Bugsy Malone, the critically acclaimed Godspell, Piers Chater-Robinson’s Peter Pan, Annie, the Wizard of Oz and their most successful show to date - Oliver! – the Musical.
Wendy's mission as Director of the Paramount Youth Theatre is to ensure that the company works together as an ensemble; developing skills, driving through confidence and delivering excellent musical theatre.
A semi-finalist for the Channel 4 Theatre Director Scheme in London, she is also a member of the Loft Theatre Company and the Directors Guild of Great Britain.
Mike Bernamont - Musical Director
Mike began his teaching career at secondary schools in Cambridgeshire and then Bedford. He has led Music departments since 1978, when he became Director of Music at Oswestry School. In 1992 he returned to the state sector as Head of Music at Exmouth Community College, moving with his family to the Midlands in 1998 to take up the responsibility of leading the Arts Faculty in establishing North Leamington School as a specialist Performing Arts College. Mike has decided to retire from school teaching at the end of the year, completing his career as Head of Music and Co-ordinator of Creativity at Handsworth Grammar in Birmingham.
As well as coaching violin students and performing semi-professionally as an orchestral violinist, Mike has developed his reputation as a conductor, establishing the Oswestry Sinfonia and Exmouth Community Choir. Over the years Mike has gained wide experience as musical director for productions ranging from traditional to rock. He is looking forward to having the time to indulge and further develop his love of musical performance as an examiner, conductor, coach and tutor. Mike is delighted to be joining the dedicated PYT team and to be able to share his enthusiasm and experience with talented local young people.
Jeren Hogben - Choreographer
Jeren’s passion for dance began at the age of 5 years old at the Christine Anderson Theatre School, Rugby. She studied and achieved high levels in R.A.D. Ballet, I.D.T.A. Tap, Modern, Jazz, Freestyle and Gymnastics. She also studied drama and musical theatre gaining many LAMDA certificates.
During her time as a young performer at C.A.T.S. she enjoyed playing roles such as Glinda from The Wizard of Oz and Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast. Jeren has also performed with the Rugby Theatre in some of their pantos and productions and worked as a student choreographer. As a young dancer Jeren was lucky enough to dance on many famous stages such as The London Palladium, Saddlers Wells Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre. She has also performed at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, USA.
Jeren went on to complete a degree in Communication Studies at Nottingham Trent University and after a six month world trip she, settled in Leamington Spa to begin Jaykays Dance Company offering dance classes in I.D.T.A. ballet and tap, street dance, freestyle and gymnastics.
Jeren also delivers a lot of dance activities in Warwickshire for schools, nurseries, youth organisations and local authorities. She thoroughly enjoys working with children and young people and is extremely passionate about musical theatre.