Brian Conroy
Diploma in Music
Certificate of Social Sciences
Brian has been performing on stage, film and TV for over 40 years*, including professional singing (recording & touring in UK/Europe), and a Butlin’s Redcoat/performer.
In addition, he managed community development projects, working with a variety of Government departments, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and community groups, focusing on The Arts, Social Inclusion, Health & Well-being and Rural issues.
Brian was a founder-director of 'The Wild Theatre Co', an integrated drama company providing performing opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The group’s successes included performances at The Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall London, as well as appearances on Central TV and as featured artists on BBC1’s Songs of Praise.
In 2011, Brian created the ‘West Oxfordshire Academy of Performing Arts’ (WOAPA) – a thriving children’s theatre school in Witney, which included the very successful 'WOAPA Adult Singing Group' (now re-named 'Witney Vocals' Choir). The school earned several awards: Performing Arts School Of The Year (Winner) 2024/25 Prestige Awards, Best Kid's Activity (Finalist) 2023 Red Kite Awards, Best for Teens (Winner) 2019 Red Kite Awards, Best Independent Activity for children aged 5 to 12 (Nomination) 2018 What's On For Kids, Family Arts Standards (Awarded) 2017 Arts Council England, Local Business Accelerators (Finalist) 2012 Newsquest / Deborah Meadon. In 2019, WOAPA became an official centre for LAMDA (London Academy Of Music and Dramatic Arts).
(for details about how you could sing Messiah at The Royal Albert Hall - CLICK HERE)
Brian is a qualified 'Arts Award' adviser (moderated by Trinity College, London & Arts Council England) and in 2014, was one of only six people, nationally, to receive an "Inspirational Adviser Award".
In 2015, Brian was awarded a 'Special Certificate of Recognition' by Witney's Town Mayor for his achievements in the local community.
Brian has worked on a programme designed specifically for actors to re-create real-life situations: training humanitarian aid-workers whose work will take them to challenging, remote or hostile regions worldwide, including training them to deal with ambush and hostage situations.
In April 2024, Brian created The Witney Guitar Club - a place where men can meet, play guitar, sing and make new friends. The Witney Guitar Club is proving to be very popular! For more information see here - WITNEY GUITAR CLUB
In 2025, Brian and his wife, Louise, sold WOAPA to free up some time to concentrate on The Conroy Collective.
