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A PERFORMING arts academy principal is helping to shape the next generation of talent.
Kim Baker, who leads PQA Leeds Bradford, launched the academy in 2014 at just 22 years old and has since expanded to run four PQA academies supporting around 330 students.
Her passion for performing arts began during her own childhood at theatre school but quickly evolved into a desire to teach and inspire young people.
Ms Baker said: "It’s not just about performing arts.
"It’s about helping children be who they want to be."
After studying musical theatre at the University of Central Lancashire, she knew early on that she wanted to run her own academy.
She was drawn to PQA for its focus on film and TV as well as musical theatre, comedy, and drama.
She said: "They really bought into me and my ideas, especially around TV and film.
"My hobby is my day job."
Her work goes beyond teaching performance skills and is about building confidence and self-belief in young people.
Ms Baker said: "I originally came into this as a creative, but now it is so much more about inspiring young people."
Her own principal from theatre school was a major influence, showing her how performing arts can shape a child’s confidence and ambitions.
She also values the sense of community.
She said: "It is very hard work, but it is so rewarding.
"You get a lot from the job, and you feel very much part of the community."
Ms Baker also credits the job with allowing her to spend more time with her six-year-old daughter, who now attends PQA.
She said: "I get to be more hands-on with my daughter and manage my time how I want to."
Her academies offer students opportunities such as cinema screenings and West End performances.
PQA Northwich recently held a cinema screening in March, and the Leeds afternoon academy is preparing for a West End performance in November.
She is also expanding the range of activities on offer, including Glee Clubs and stand-up comedy nights.
Ms Baker said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is seeing students grow into themselves.
For Kim, the greatest reward is seeing young people become more comfortable in who they are.
While she is content with her four academies, she remains focused on creating new opportunities for her students.