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McCarthy Studios began in 1987 as a jazz dance school called McCarthy Dance Academy. It has since evolved into a highly respected performing arts facility offering classes in the "triple threat" - dance, drama and singing. Classes are held in a relaxed and fun manner and attempt to cater to all students - from the casual "once a week" to the more seriously inclined. Over the years, using the skills they have learnt from the Studio, many students have taken leading roles in their school musical productions and in professional theatre. The confidence that the students gain is invaluable in their adult life and in whatever direction their employment takes them.


Principal of McCarthy Studios is Cheryl McCarthy who performed as a dancer/actor and then as a producer/ choreographer, firstly in Sydney and then in London. Cheryl is now a highly experienced teacher and, together with her skills learnt from working professionally, is able to bring the students to a very high standard which is evident from the successes the Studio enjoys, both in groups and in solo performances. Cheryl now divides her time between the studio and adjudicating throughout Australia.

Her daughter, Katie McCarthy, is the Assistant Principal.  She has also enjoyed a very successful career in musical theatre (notably, Shout, the Musical (understudying the female lead), Hair, What The World Needs Now, Bye Bye Birdie, South Pacific and also appeared in several plays at the Stable Theatre. Katie brings the "triple threat" to the studio and her singing students have all enjoyed considerable success in eisteddfods and in the last few years have dominated the leading roles in school musicals produced at the the schools on the upper North Shore.

The Studio has a varied group of teachers - some are trained though the studio, some work professionally and impart their skills in between their own performance schedules whilst others are specifically trained in specialist teaching - acting, hip-hop, singing, acrobatics etc. Guest teachers are also introduced throughout the year to further enhance the students' learning experiences.