Our Story

Our Story

Our story began in 1994, when Deborah-Ann Carter, the visionary founder of Players Drama School, embarked on a wonderful adventure. After years working in the professional world, Deborah-Ann wanted to create a space for young, budding actors to come together, not just to learn the arts, but to build confidence. Right in the heart of Preston, she planted the seeds of something that would grow into more than just a school.

With just £30, Deborah-Ann bought a few Greek theatre masks and printed some flyers. On 23rd May 1994, with these simple tools, 26 passionate pupils walked through the doors of the Preston Playhouse, and Players Drama School was born. As week followed week, more and more students enrolled, drawn by the promise of creativity, performance, and community.

Deborah-Ann’s teaching was rooted in encouragement: take risks, be brave, laugh, explore, above all else, have fun. Players offered a safe, creative space for young people to express themselves, to explore the world of theatre, to grow in confidence. Over the years, many of the school’s alumni have gone on to pursue successful paths in the arts, and Deborah-Ann’s vision has quietly shaped lives in ways that still resonate today.

Rebecca’s Journey & The Passing of the Hat

Rebecca’s story with Players started as a child when she first walked through those same doors, full of dreams, excitement, and butterflies. Her love for performing arts carried her forward; to teaching, directing, and integrating arts with emotional wellbeing across Lancashire. She founded Players in Education, bringing theatre, dance, and drama into primary schools through after-school programmes that build confidence, communication, and life skills.

Over time, her relationship with Deborah-Ann deepened, rooted in trust, respect, and shared passion. Deborah-Ann not only became a mentor, but also a godparent to Rebecca’s children, a testament to how their lives and values became intertwined. In 2020, Deborah-Ann passed the leadership of Players Drama School to Rebecca, with faith that she would steward the legacy with heart, dedication, and vision.

Growing Together, Building the Future

Since taking the helm, Rebecca has expanded and evolved Players into something even more vibrant. She has reintroduced large-scale productions, produced many summer schools, and introduced intensive workshop days. Her sister Anna plays an essential role, overseeing 14 primary schools under Players in Education and helping to bring creative opportunities to more young people than ever before.

What remains at the heart of Players is family, not just as a word, but lived every day in relationships, creativity, trust, and community. The legacy Deborah-Ann planted has been nurtured and is flourishing under Rebecca’s care, with Anna’s support and with countless students, families, and teachers forming the growing Players family.

What Now & What’s to Come

‘I mean my dream is to build our own theatre!’ But who knows what the future holds!

Now, when a child steps through those theatre doors, whether just for curiosity, for fun, or for the dream of performing, they are entering something rooted in over 30 years of stories, growth, and love. Every class, every show, every moment is part of the living legacy.

We are proud of where we come from, excited about where we are, and eagerly looking toward what’s ahead, as Players Drama School continues to empower, inspire, and shine a light on every child’s unique creative spark.