Craig Bartley GCGI, FIDTA, DDT, CertEd, MBBO.
Craig recently returned from starring on Broadway as lead vocalist and show host/compare in Smile at the Town Hall Theatre, New York.
Craig’s career path is immense, spanning over 35 years and has taken him from Feature film to stage and theatre, from drama series on television to commercial endorsements.
After 13 years performing consistently in London’s west end and then 7 years in the United States including musicals on Broadway and theatre tours.
Some of his UK theatre credits include such show as the original 42nd Street, Me & My Girl, Mack & Mable, La Cage Aux Folles, Man of La Mancha, Song & Dance, Grease, Follies Royale and many more.
He has toured as backing vocalist with such legends as Gladys Knight, Tom Jones, Jennifer Holliday, Melba Moore, Tina Turner, Elton John and Tommy Tune in the US and also produced, directed, devised and choreographed many productions for cruise lines, hotels and corporate events worldwide.
Craig has also played featured roles in feature films, drama soap operas, commercials and two Royal Variety Performances and has performed for the Royal family of the UK, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Monaco and Dubai.
Craig is a professional adjudicator for the British & International Federation of Festivals Worldwide with a widespread in-depth knowledge in all genres.
Craig regularly lectures on dance and musical theatre subjects with the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) and is Vice Chairman of the South East area Theatre Dance Council Committee. He also takes workshops for the ISTD, UTD, BBO, NATD and UKA.
In 2015/16/17, Craig was commissioned by the ISTD, IDTA & RAD to stage and choreograph the prestigious annual International Dance Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, working with over 500 plus international dancers including Principals from the Royal Ballet, Matt Fling and the Lukas McFarlane Dance Company. This gave Craig much critical acclaim for creating outstanding choreography and staging in global editorials.
Craig also choreographs and stages regularly for the professional tours for Opera and Ballet International with productions such as La Traviata, (Royal Albert Hall), Madam Butterfly (Royal Albert Hall), La Boheme Int. tour) and most recently six productions of Aida (Int. tours).
After being a specialist tutor at many full-time vocational colleges including Mountview, Elmhurst, Millennium, Urdang and many more, Craig decided he would open his own full-time vocational performing arts college, offering affordable and outstanding training for students. Hence his present role as full-time Course Director and Principal of Starquest Performers College in the South East.