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Rebecca Wilson
OWNER / ACTING
Rebecca’s theatre journey began back at the turn of the millennium, when her greatest wish was to go to drama school. “But Mum, I just want to act,” she pleaded, and so she did. The following week she was dropped off at the Playhouse Theatre for her very first session at Players Drama School. With a tummy full of dancing butterflies, equal parts nerves and excitement, she vividly remembers that moment: two older girls standing either side of the theatre doors, lots of children rushing past, giggling and smiling. She felt like a tiny fish in a very big ocean, but she knew that all she had to do was step through those doors… and from then on, there would be no looking back.
And to this very day, she never has. Twenty-five years later, Rebecca still walks through those same theatre doors, but now her butterflies come from the joy of inspiring and teaching young people to fall in love with the arts. Over the last 18 years, she has expanded her teaching career, directing and leading in many schools across Lancashire, spending eight years as a part-time drama teacher at Our Lady’s Catholic High School, and studying mindfulness and meditation for children, weaving these practices into her work through the arts.
At the age of 21, after travelling the world, Rebecca felt a strong pull back to her roots and knew she wanted to play a bigger part in Players Drama School. With that determination, she launched the sister company, Players in Education, a programme that takes Performing Arts directly into primary schools. Through engaging after-school sessions, the programme helps children build confidence, communication, and essential life skills through the arts. As the company grew, so did Rebecca’s passion for Players.
As life moved forward, Rebecca started her own family and, at the same time, continued to built a wonderful relationship with Debby, the founder of Players Drama School. Their bond grew so strong that Debby became godparent to Rebecca’s children, a reflection of the deep trust and friendship they shared. In 2020, Debby sold the school to Rebecca, in the belief that Rebecca would carry on the legacy of such a well-loved and respected school.
Since then, Rebecca has continued to nurture and expand the company with the same love and passion that first inspired her as a child walking through those theatre doors. After re building the school from the pandemic, she has brought back large-scale productions, launched summer schools, created intensive workshop days, opened another Saturday school and broadened opportunities for young people to shine. With the invaluable support of her sister Anna, who manages the new school and 14 primary schools within Players in Education, the Players family continues to grow. Together, they are building not just a thriving performing arts organisation, but a community rooted in creativity, confidence, and a shared sense of family.
Rebecca feels incredibly fortunate to say that she loves her job. Teaching is a huge part of her life, but she also treasures her time with her young family. Becoming a mother has deepened her belief in the importance of the arts for children, helping them imagine, create, and perform. She is passionate about giving the next generation the same opportunities that shaped her own journey, and she truly believes that the arts are a vital part of growing and learning.
The Players Drama School has played an important role in both Rebecca’s childhood and adulthood, and she knows she would not be the person she is today without its influence. Now, with her heart, her family, and her future firmly rooted in Players, she is dedicated to passing on that gift to every child who steps through those theatre doors.
