Geoff has had a career in both education and the entertainment industry. Geoff is also recognised expert in delivering participative training sessions that utilise his professional experience as the Principal of a large college in London. He does this through imparting his knowledge and expertise whilst at the same time encouraging participants to demonstrate and build on their own expertise, knowledge and understanding.
People at BIRD
BIRD has an exceptional faculty, having been comprised of the most distinguished teachers and professionals in their respective fields. They are selected on their teaching abilities, as well as their unique knowledge and experience in the performance industry.
The staff are chosen not only for their artistic background and teaching experience but also for their ability to communicate with young people, providing a secure and stable environment in which students can develop their individual set of specialised skills.
Students also have the opportunity to work with a range of external directors, choreographers and lecturers, so they receive the most relevant and career enhancing opportunities.
Stephen Mear CBE
Choreographer & Director
Stephen has won the Olivier Award for Best Theatre Choreographer three times, twice for Mary Poppins (London, Broadway & UK tours; Co-Choreographer with Sir Matthew Bourne – they also received an LA Drama Critics Circle Award, a Helpmann Award in Australia, and a Tony and Drama Desk Award nomination) and the third for Hello, Dolly! at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Olivier Award Nominations include: Gypsy (Chichester Festival Theatre/Savoy), Kiss Me, Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre/Old Vic), Crazy for You (Regent’s Park/Novello), Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate Factory/Theatre Royal), Sinatra (Palladium/UK tour), Singin’ in the Rain (West Yorkshire Playhouse/ National; received the WhatsOnStage Award in 2001 for Best Choreography) and Soul Train (West Yorkshire Playhouse/Victoria Palace).
Theatre includes, as Director/ Choreographer: Guys and Dolls and Funny Girl (Théâtre Marigny, Paris), Guys and Dolls Live in Concert and The Best of the West End (Royal Albert Hall), 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), Top Hat and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Kilworth House Theatre), She Loves Me (Chichester Festival Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors(Storyhouse Theatre, Chester) and Shoes (Sadlers Wells/Peacock).
As Choreographer: Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Gielgud Theatre) La Cage aux Folles (Regent’s Park), The Witches (National Theatre); the Gala performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Sondheim Theatre), Chess(ENO), Sunset Boulevard (ENO, Broadway), On the Town (ENO, Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), Singin’ in the Rain (Grand Palais/Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), City of Angels, The Vote and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Donmar Warehouse), White Christmas (Curve/Dominion), Scrooge: The Musical (Curve), Mack and Mabel (Chichester Festival Theatre/UK tour), The Pajama Game (Shaftesbury), Amadeus, Music Man, Funny Girl, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Putting it Together and The Grapes of Wrath (Chichester Festival Theatre), Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls and Ragtime (Milwaukee Rep), Die Fledermaus and The Little Mermaid (Broadway), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (West Yorkshire Playhouse/UK tour), Gigi (Regent’s Park), Stephen Ward (Aldwych), Betty Blue Eyes (Novello), Me and My Girl (Sheffield Crucible), Anything Goes (National/Theatre Royal) and Acorn Antiques: The Musical (London/UK tour).
TV credits: Gypsy Live at the Savoy, The Tracey Ullman Show, Psychobitches, Acorn Antiques: The Musical, So You Think You Can Dance? and Victoria Wood’s Christmas Special.
Music Videos: Number 1 (Goldfrapp) and The Importance of Being Idle (Oasis).
Gary Avis MBE
Dancer
English dancer Gary Avis is Senior Répétiteur and a Principal Character Artist of The Royal Ballet. He joined the Company in 1989 and was promoted to Soloist in 1995 and to Principal Character Artist in 2005. He was made Assistant Ballet Master in 2007 and Ballet Master during the 2009/10 Season, promoted to Senior Ballet Master in 2019. His many roles with the Company include almost all the male Principal Character roles, including Drosselmeyer (The Nutcracker), Von Rothbart (Swan Lake) and Step-Sister (Cinderella). He has created many roles for The Royal Ballet.
He was born in Ipswich and began ballet aged 12, having originally trained in musical theatre; Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire remain major inspirations. He trained locally at the Linda Shipton School of Dance and at Bird College, Kent, before joining The Royal Ballet Upper School and graduating into the Company. He left the Company in 1999 to co-found K-Ballet Company in Japan, and danced with English National Ballet for two years before returning to The Royal Ballet in 2004. His dance partnership with Darcey Bussell included Christopher Wheeldon’s DGV: Danse à grande vitesse, her 2007 farewell performance of Song of the Earth, her Viva la Diva Strictly Come Dancing Tour and the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony.
In 2011 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by University Campus Suffolk and was awarded the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards for Outstanding Male Classical Performance (2011, 2019). He supports a wide variety of charitable causes, mainly in his home county of Suffolk (Suffolk Community Foundation) and was involved in the creation of World Hunger Day. He is a patron of the Choreographic Development Fund at Dance East, Chelsea Ballet and is on the board of Dance East. He was made an MBE in 2018.
Christopher Biggins
Actor
From Porridge to I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here, Christopher Biggins has graced our screens for over thirty years. This multi talented actor, humorist, writer and national treasure counts the worlds most glamorous stars as his best friends and brings his own inimitable sense of humour and warmth to any production.
Christopher has been seen across BBC, ITV, Ch4 and Ch5 in ITV This Morning’s Pantomime, the celebrity Christmas edition of BBC’s The Wheel and Celebrity Masterchef. In 2019, Christopher appeared on ITV’s primetime hit show Gone To Pot, Channel 5’s Five Celebrities Go To Lapland, Celebrity 100% Hotter and was a regular on The Wright Stuff. Christopher was a big hit with audiences staring in his own one-man show at Edinburgh Festival Late Lunch With Biggins and regularly stars in Christmas pantomimes.
Christopher was a regular panellist on BBC2’s Debatable, was a special guest on ITV1’s Live at The Palladium, won thousands for charity on DAVE’s Celebrity Storage Hunters and voiced Channel 5 panel show It’s Not Me, It’s You.
Christopher won over a huge new audience when he was crowned King Of The Jungle after winning series 7 of the hit ITV1 show, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here but his career began many years earlier.
He started his training at Salisbury Repertory Theatre and later at Bristol Old Vic as a prelude to his first West End appearance – creating the role of Head Jumbly in The Owl and The Pussycat Went to Sea. Christopher has also taken part in a successful run of The Play What I Wrote; directed by Kenneth Branagh; and is a regular guest as The Narrator in the National Tour of The Rocky Horror Show. Christopher has also managed to fit in a year with The Royal Shakespeare Company appearing in London Assurance with Judi Dench and Donald Sinden. Other theatre work includes a National tour of Side by Side by Sondheim, Beyond The Fringe, A Touch of Spring, Cluedo and On Approval. In the summer of 1990, Christopher played and sang the role of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s Barbican Theatre.
Cavin Cornwall
Stage and Screen Actor
Cavin was England’s Junior Karate Champion at the age of 17, then briefly went on to become a member of the England Karate Squad, before beginning his training at Bird College.
Theatre Credits include Standby Jafar/Sultan in Disney’s Aladdin, Mister in The Color Purple, Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Caiaphas in The World Arena Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, Curtis Shanks in Sister Act, David Keaton in The Exonerated, Voice of the plant in Little Shop Of Horrors, The Harder They Come, John in Kurt Weills’ Lost In The Stars, Crown in Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Chuck Brown in Over The Rainbow, Billy Flynn in Chicago, Narrator in Nill By Mouth, John in Miss Saigon, Featured Performer in Fosse The Musical – Prologue, Dancin’ Dan and Old Bojangles, Ramone in Weekend In Rio, Police Sergeant in The Full Monty. He also appeared in the European debut of Ragtime, at the International Festival Of Musical Theatre in Cardiff, playing the part of Booker T.
Film Credits include Han Solo, A Smuggler’s Trade, Pemmin Brunce in The Last Jedi, Prison Guard in Paddington 2, Captain Sidon Ithano (aka The Crimson Corsair) in Star Wars VII The Force Awakens, Convict No1 in Les Miserables with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe & Anne Hathaway. De-Lovely, with Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd, the Emmy Award winning remake of Jesus Christ Super Star, Fox Trap with Fred Williamson and Enter the Preacher (winner of Best Actor and Best Comedy short film 2009 Fringe Awards).
Television Credits include Streets Ahead, Channel 4; The Look Of Love, BBC; EastEnders, BBC, and commercials for Nescafe, Phillips Television and Echo Communications and Harry in Tall Order for Strongbow. Cavin can be heard in many voice-overs for film trailers, television commercials, i dents, radio, animation and PS games. From Channel 4’s cult animation The House Of Rock, Nescafe’s Hairy Old Cortina vocals, to James Bond – Casino Royale, Max Payne, Arthur And The Invisibles, Grand Theft Auto 5 and War Hammer.
Ryan Francois
Producer, Choreographer & Dancer
Ryan Francois is a producer, choreographer, dancer, instructor and historian. Francois was part of a Black British resurgence of African originated dances in eighties Britain. He developed his knowledge of dance especially the Authentic Jazz Dances from their original source, chiefly Pepsi Bethel and Frankie Manning. A modern-day pioneer of the vernacular arts he has formed two successful dance companies, choreographed and starred on Broadway. Appeared in and choreographed numerous movies and TV shows including Malcolm X, Swing Kids, Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance, Britain’s Got Talent and Dancing with the Stars.
Gavin Lee
Musical Theatre Artist
West End credits include: Sondheim’s Old Friends; Lumière in Beauty and the Beast; Jerry Travers in Top Hat; Bert in Mary Poppins (Olivier nomination); Contact; Oklahoma!; Peggy Sue Got Married; A Saint She Ain’t; Crazy For You; Me And My Girl.
Broadway credits include: Squidward in The SpongeBob Musical (Tony and OCC nominations, Drama Desk Award); Thenadier in Les Misérables; Bert in Mary Poppins (Tony and OCC nominations, Drama Desk and Theater World Awards).
Other select theatre credits include: 39 Steps (Chicago); Beauty and The Beast; Sound of Music (Papermill Playhouse, NJ); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Madison Square Garden); Showboat (Carnegie Hall); Holiday Inn (World premiere, Goodspeed); Mary Poppins (1st national tour); The Nerd (Bucks County).
TV credits include: Woodford in White Collar (season six); Little America; Law and Order SVU; The Good Wife.
Joseph McFadden
Actor
West End credits include: Sam in 2:22, A Ghost Story at The Gielgud, Mark Cohen in Rent at The Shaftesbury and King James in Treason at The London Palladium.
His other theatre credits include: Rainbow Kiss at The Royal Court, Ed in Torch Song Trilogy at The Chocolate Factory, Aladdin in Aladdin at The Old Vic, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Edinburgh Playhouse, The Missing for The National Theatre Of Scotland, Georg in She Loves Me and Finch in How To Succeed In Business Without Really trying at Chichester Festival Theatre, Peter in Peter Pan at The Royal Festival Hall, John in A Life In The Theatre at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh, Claude in15 Seconds at the Traverse, Edinburgh and UK tours of Haunting Julia, The House on Cold Hill, The Mirror Crack’d, and Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert playing Tick/Mitzi.
He was in the feature films Small Faces and Dad Savage and his television credits include: PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat, Raf Dilucca in Holby City, Jack Marshland in Cranford, Prentice McHoan in The Crow Road, Dallas McCabe in Sex, Chips And Rock ‘n’ Roll as well as roles in Sparkhouse, Judge John Deed, Zig Zag Love, The Law, High Road and Taggart. He also won the Strictly Come Dancing glitter-ball trophy in 2017.
Lara Pulver
Stage and Screen Actress
Bird College graduate and patron, Lara Pulver is an esteemed musical theatre and screen actress. Lara is probably best known for her portrayals of Erin Watts in the popular BBC spy drama Spooks and Irene Adler in BBC’s TV adaptation Sherlock, for which she was nominated for a Critic’s Choice Television Award for Best Movie/Mini Series Actress in 2012.
In the 2016 Olivier Awards ceremony, the musical Gypsy collected 4 awards, including Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Lara. The Olivier Awards are the most prestigious theatrical awards in the UK and Lara had been previously nominated in 2008 for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Lucille Frank in Parade. She later reprised the role in the Los Angeles production at the Mark Taper Forum. Other West End credits include Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Uncle Vanya, The Wizard of Oz, 42nd Street, Grease, Chicago, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon, The Last Five Years and Into The Woods.
Lara first appeared on TV as Isabella in BBC’s Robin Hood and went on to join the cast of HBO’s True Blood as Sookie Stackhouse’s fairy godmother, Claudine Crane. Other TV & Film credits include Karen Lord in Edge of Tomorrow with Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, Catherine MacDiarmid in ITV’s Maternal, Kate Pencastle in BBC’s The Split, Karen Stratton in Netflix’s The Alienist: The Angel of Darkness, Clarice Orsini in Fox’s TV series Da Vinci’s Demons, Anne O’Neill in Sky Atlantic’s series Fleming, Channel 4’s Electric Dreams and BBC’s The City and The City.
Liz Robertson
Musical Theatre Artist
Liz has over 50 years experience of performing in theatres both in the UK and America. Her love of all things theatrical led her to join The Theatrical Guild 30 years ago, a charity that had always been close to her heart.
She made her West End debut in A Little Night Music, directed by Hal Prince, followed by Side By Side by Sondheim which she took to Toronto with Georgia Brown, and was then chosen by Cameron Mackintosh to star as Eliza Doolittle in his revival of the iconic musical My Fair Lady, for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, and a Variety Club of Great Britain Award. Other London credits include; I Love My Wife, Song and Dance, The Music Man, The Sound of Music and Phantom of the Opera. Liz created the role of Madame Giry in the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, played Velma Von Tussle in the hit musical Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre, played Cheryl Gillan in Committee at the Donmar Warehouse and was Miss Andrews in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre.
In America, Liz could be seen on Broadway in Dance a Little Closer and Jerome Kern Goes to Hollywood (which she originated at the Donmar Warehouse, London), and the US Tour of The King and I alongside Rudolph Nureyev. She has also performed at the Kennedy Centre Honours before the President and Mrs Reagan.
Tosh Wanogho-Maud
Musical Theatre Artist
Tosh is an actor, director and choreographer based in London. He is currently the Assistant Director and Choreographer of The Devil Wears Prada in the West End.
Training: Bird College: Conservatoire of Dance and Musical Theatre
Theatre credits include: Buddy Foster in Side Show in concert (The London Palladium), Reverend Hightower in Batboy in concert (The London Palladium), David Ruffin in Ain’t Too Proud (Prince Edward Theatre), Winston in Whistle Down The Wind (Aldwych Theatre), Young Simba in The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), Rufus in Save The Last Dance (UK tour), Cabaret Singer in Sweet Smell of Success (Arcola Theatre), Mutumbo in The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Joe in Showboat (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Jimmy “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), Ben E King/Rudy Lewis in The Drifters Girl (Garrick Theatre) and Pharoah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto).
TV credits include: Man on Phone in Still Up (Apple TV+), Suitor in Bridgerton (Shondaland/Netflix), Husband in Roadkill (BBC One) and Police Officer in A Discovery of Witches (Bad Wolf).
Film credits include: Pip in Jingle Jangle (Netflix).
Sally Atkins
Chair of Board of Trustees; Board of Directors Non-Executive Director
Sally Atkins has worked in most areas of the entertainment industry, specialising in large-scale, live events and TV production. Her career started in the music industry, working for Elton John then managing Stock Aitken Waterman’s stable of artists, including Kylie Minogue. Music often plays a part in the events she now produces, films, or manages.
Event management credits include: thirteen years of LSO classical concerts in Trafalgar Square, The Liberty Festival of Deaf and disability arts, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and spectacular outdoor theatrical Events such as: ‘The Heritage Flame’, a ceremony for the 2016 Paralympics, staged at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, and The Great North Star celebrating the centenary of some women getting the vote on the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle.
Sally’s TV Production credits include multi-artist, multi-media TV events such as ‘Titanic: A Commemoration in Music and Film’ for the BBC, and ‘Fashion Rocks for The Prince’s Trust’. She produced ‘Talks Music’, an intimate series of interviews with music icons for Sky Arts, and has filmed stadium concerts with George Michael, Take That, and Sir Elton John.
Sally produced book launches for the final three Harry Potter books for JK Rowling and Bloomsbury Publishing. They included: a magical weekend at Edinburgh Castle, an all-night book signing at the Natural History Museum and a theatrical event, complete with flying car, at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Stephen Fry.
Sally’s a Londoner, so loves events and locations that showcase her iconic home city. She is passionate about its diverse cultural influences and her favourite events bring free, unexpected experiences to Londoners and visitors alike. She was proud to sit on the board of Greenwich+Docklands International Festivals (GDIF), for many years. Their mantra is to curate ‘extraordinary outdoor events that transform people’s lives’. She only stepped down when she started producing some of those events for them. In 2016 she produced GDIF’s landmark opening event, ‘The House’, staged in the grounds of the Royal Maritime Museum.
If asked what qualities her jobs requires, Sally lists: a great team, communication, patience coupled with dogged determination, a sense of humour, the ability to inspire confidence in a group of disparate stake holders and to convince local authorities that ambitious events can be staged safely in challenging city locations. In her spare time, she dances – Ballroom and Latin and writes – suspense thrillers. She is not yet published but has just completed an advanced novel writing course with Faber and Faber.
Pippa Catterall
Non-Executive Director
Pippa Catterall is Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster where she serves on the University’s EDI Committee as chair of the University of Westminster Press. She is also chair of AIDS Memory UK and the George Lansbury Memorial Trust, a trustee of the Heritage of London Trust and a member of the Valuation Tribunal for England. Her research interests range widely from her work as co-editor of National Identities to the history of thanatourism, and she is a passionate enthusiast for dance and musical theatre.
Christopher Costigan LLB (Hons), LLM, Barrister, FHEA, FCG.
Principal & CEO
Christopher is Principal and CEO of Bird College, joining the College in January 2025. In this role Christopher is responsible for the overall effectiveness of the academic provision at Bird College; the formulation and delivery of the College’s academic and corporate strategies; and for working with external partners to enhance the College’s brand and reach. Christopher sits on the Board of Directors of Bird College and the Board of Trustees of the Doreen Bird Foundation.
Prior to joining Bird College, Christopher had a 20-year career in higher education, starting as a law lecturer at BPP University. During his time at BPP University, Christopher became a senior lecturer and took on module and programme management, eventually joining the University’s executive team as Dean of Academic Quality. During Christopher’s time at BPP University he led almost a dozen successful external regulatory visits and wrote BPP University’s successful permanent degree-awarding powers application, the first in the country. Following his tenure at BPP University, Christopher was appointed to the executive team of Ravensbourne University London as University Secretary and Director of Strategic Delivery where he was responsible for governance, academic quality, and strategy and change management. During Christopher’s time at Ravensbourne, the University more than doubled in size, largely through internationalisation, tripled in revenue and went from loss-making to surpluses of over 10% per annum.
Outside of work Christopher has been active in the sector speaking at numerous conferences held by the QAA, OIA and specialist networks such as the Academic Registrars Council. He sat on the Board of Directors of the University College of Osteopathy and chaired the joint merger board with AECC University College, the two institutions later merging and becoming Health Sciences University. Christopher currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the University College of Estate Management (since 2017), where he chairs the Audit Committee.
Christopher holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Kent, graduated from the Bar Vocational Course from the University of Law and has been called to the Bar of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Christopher further holds a PGCert in the Management of International Higher Education, an LLM in Corporate Governance and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.
Lee Dean Lee Dean
Non-Executive Director
Lee has presented more than 100 theatre productions worldwide.
Producing credits incude the feature film Judy starring Renee Zellweger as Judy Garland (winning Ms. Zellweger the Golden Globe, BAFTA award and Oscar for Best Actress) based on the stage play End Of The Rainbow which Lee produced in the West End, on Broadway and in Los Angeles.
Lee was responsible for Oscar recipient and six-time Tony Award-winner Dame Angela Lansbury’s return to the West End after forty years to play Madame Arcati in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, winning her an Olivier Award. Subsequently playing in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto & Washington DC.
Lee produced the transfer to Sydney, Australia of the Almeida Theatre Production of Mike Bartlett’s King Charles III and co-produced the production in the West End (BEST PLAY Olivier Award) and on Broadway. Other Almeida productions in the West End: Eline Arbo’s adaptation of The Years; Peter Morgan’s Patriots with Tom Hollander; James Graham’s Ink; Robert Icke’s production of Hamlet with Andrew Scott; Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? with Sir Jonathan Pryce and Eddie Redmayne and Tom Kempinski’s Duet for One with Juliet Stevenson.
In partnership with Sir Michael Codron, Lee presented five National Theatre Productions in the West End: Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen (BEST PLAY Evening Standard Award) also on Broadway (BEST PLAY Tony Award); Joe Penhall’s blue/orange with Bill Nighy and Chiwetel Ejiofor (BEST PLAY Critics Circle, Evening Standard & Olivier Awards); Sir Tom Stoppard’s The Invention of Love (BEST PLAY Evening Standard Award); Moira Buffini’s Dinner with Dame Harriet Walter; Michael Frayn’s Democracy (BEST PLAY Evening Standard Award).
Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with Kathleen Turner (Evening Standard Award for BEST ACTRESS); Alan Ayckbourn’s Comic Potential with Janie Dee (Critics Circle, Evening Standard & Olivier Awards for BEST ACTRESS); Alistair Beaton’s Feelgood, with Henry Goodman and Nigel Planer (BEST COMEDY Evening Standard Award); Shelagh Stephenson’s The Memory of Water with Alison Steadman (BEST COMEDY Olivier Award); Gypsy with Dame Imelda Staunton (BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL Olivier Award).
Lee is a trustee of Cambridge Arts Theatre and a trustee of The Actors’ Children’s Trust (ACT). He is a member of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre.
Alasdair Evans
Non-Executive Director
Alasdair Evans is partner in Tritax Management LLP, the real estate fund manager. He has thirty years’ experience in senior finance roles in the real estate investment industry including Get Living, United House Developments, IPD, Hermes Real Estate and Trillium. He is a trustee of the Actors’ Children’s Trust, a charity supporting actors with children.
Sally Atkins
Chair of Board of Trustees; Board of Directors Non-Executive Director
Sally Atkins has worked in most areas of the entertainment industry, specialising in large-scale, live events and TV production. Her career started in the music industry, working for Elton John then managing Stock Aitken Waterman’s stable of artists, including Kylie Minogue. Music often plays a part in the events she now produces, films, or manages.
Event management credits include: thirteen years of LSO classical concerts in Trafalgar Square, The Liberty Festival of Deaf and disability arts, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and spectacular outdoor theatrical Events such as: ‘The Heritage Flame’, a ceremony for the 2016 Paralympics, staged at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, and The Great North Star celebrating the centenary of some women getting the vote on the banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle.
Sally’s TV Production credits include multi-artist, multi-media TV events such as ‘Titanic: A Commemoration in Music and Film’ for the BBC, and ‘Fashion Rocks for The Prince’s Trust’. She produced ‘Talks Music’, an intimate series of interviews with music icons for Sky Arts, and has filmed stadium concerts with George Michael, Take That, and Sir Elton John.
Sally produced book launches for the final three Harry Potter books for JK Rowling and Bloomsbury Publishing. They included: a magical weekend at Edinburgh Castle, an all-night book signing at the Natural History Museum and a theatrical event, complete with flying car, at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Stephen Fry.
Sally’s a Londoner, so loves events and locations that showcase her iconic home city. She is passionate about its diverse cultural influences and her favourite events bring free, unexpected experiences to Londoners and visitors alike. She was proud to sit on the board of Greenwich+Docklands International Festivals (GDIF), for many years. Their mantra is to curate ‘extraordinary outdoor events that transform people’s lives’. She only stepped down when she started producing some of those events for them. In 2016 she produced GDIF’s landmark opening event, ‘The House’, staged in the grounds of the Royal Maritime Museum.
If asked what qualities her jobs requires, Sally lists: a great team, communication, patience coupled with dogged determination, a sense of humour, the ability to inspire confidence in a group of disparate stake holders and to convince local authorities that ambitious events can be staged safely in challenging city locations. In her spare time, she dances – Ballroom and Latin and writes – suspense thrillers. She is not yet published but has just completed an advanced novel writing course with Faber and Faber.
Pippa Catterall
Non-Executive Director
Pippa Catterall is Professor of History and Policy at the University of Westminster where she serves on the University’s EDI Committee as chair of the University of Westminster Press. She is also chair of AIDS Memory UK and the George Lansbury Memorial Trust, a trustee of the Heritage of London Trust and a member of the Valuation Tribunal for England. Her research interests range widely from her work as co-editor of National Identities to the history of thanatourism, and she is a passionate enthusiast for dance and musical theatre.
Andy Cook Andy Cook
Non-Executive Director
Andy Cook is an experienced higher education leader with a career spanning over 35 years in education, media, and digital strategy. Most recently, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Ravensbourne University London, a specialist creative and digital institution known for its industry-facing approach and focus on creative technology-led education.
Originally trained as a physicist, Andy holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics from the University of Portsmouth and a PGCE from King’s College London. He began his career as a science teacher before moving into the media sector, founding his own production company and subsequently working in commercial roles for an international multimedia label.
Andy’s operational leadership experience includes senior roles at the University of Southampton as Deputy IT Director, and at the University of East London as Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer. These positions saw him lead institution-wide business transformation projects, digital infrastructure strategies, and operational delivery at large scale.
At Ravensbourne, Andy was appointed Vice-Chancellor in 2019 after joining the executive team in 2018. Under his leadership, the university grew significantly in size and influence, strengthening its identity at the intersection of creativity, technology, and enterprise. He oversaw strategic initiatives that expanded the university’s industry partnerships, introduced new curriculum pathways in digital, business and immersive media, and enhanced the institution’s social mobility mission through targeted access and participation programmes.
Andy is a regular contributor to sector debates around the future of creative industries education, digital capability in higher education, and the role of universities in driving social and economic growth. He has presented at national forums including the UK Education Strategy Forum, contributed comment pieces to sector publications such as the Times Higher Education Supplement and Arts Professional, and advised on institutional governance and digital transformation strategies.
A strong advocate of collaborative leadership and enterprise partnerships, Andy brings extensive board-level experience in both executive and non-executive capacities, with a particular interest in governance models for specialist and innovation-led institutions.
Christopher Costigan LLB (Hons), LLM, Barrister, FHEA, FCG.
Principal & CEO
Christopher is Principal and CEO of Bird College, joining the College in January 2025. In this role Christopher is responsible for the overall effectiveness of the academic provision at Bird College; the formulation and delivery of the College’s academic and corporate strategies; and for working with external partners to enhance the College’s brand and reach. Christopher sits on the Board of Directors of Bird College and the Board of Trustees of the Doreen Bird Foundation.
Prior to joining Bird College, Christopher had a 20-year career in higher education, starting as a law lecturer at BPP University. During his time at BPP University, Christopher became a senior lecturer and took on module and programme management, eventually joining the University’s executive team as Dean of Academic Quality. During Christopher’s time at BPP University he led almost a dozen successful external regulatory visits and wrote BPP University’s successful permanent degree-awarding powers application, the first in the country. Following his tenure at BPP University, Christopher was appointed to the executive team of Ravensbourne University London as University Secretary and Director of Strategic Delivery where he was responsible for governance, academic quality, and strategy and change management. During Christopher’s time at Ravensbourne, the University more than doubled in size, largely through internationalisation, tripled in revenue and went from loss-making to surpluses of over 10% per annum.
Outside of work Christopher has been active in the sector speaking at numerous conferences held by the QAA, OIA and specialist networks such as the Academic Registrars Council. He sat on the Board of Directors of the University College of Osteopathy and chaired the joint merger board with AECC University College, the two institutions later merging and becoming Health Sciences University. Christopher currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the University College of Estate Management (since 2017), where he chairs the Audit Committee.
Christopher holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Kent, graduated from the Bar Vocational Course from the University of Law and has been called to the Bar of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Christopher further holds a PGCert in the Management of International Higher Education, an LLM in Corporate Governance and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.
Caroline Evans
Non-Executive Director
Caroline has worked in the Learning and Development sector for her whole career. Over the last 20 years, she has worked in Universities, L&D Consultancies and Training Companies, driven by her passion for enabling others to fulfil their potential and find their strength. She is currently Vice President of Enterprise at FutureLearn, where she feels profoundly lucky to be able to deliver learning opportunities to people from all backgrounds, in all situations, all over the world. Caroline is delighted to be able to bring all the experience she has gathered through her career to her role on the Board of Bird College and is excited to work with the brilliant team there.
Geoff Pine
Non-Executive Director
Geoff has had a career in both education and the entertainment industry. Geoff is also recognised expert in delivering participative training sessions that utilise his professional experience as the Principal of a large college in London. He does this through imparting his knowledge and expertise whilst at the same time encouraging participants to demonstrate and build on their own expertise, knowledge and understanding.
Sharon Potter Sharon Potter
Non-Executive Director
Sharon Potter has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Health Sciences University (HSU) since August 2024 with her areas of responsibility including Student and Wellbeing Services, Access and Participation, Marketing and Practice Related Learning/Technology.
She was Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University College of Osteopathy (UCO) prior to its merger into HSU, for just over a year. She first joined UCO’s predecessor, the British School of Osteopathy (BSO), in 1997 and was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) between 2008 and July 2023. During her time at BSO/UCO, she either led or participated in many landmark achievements for the institution including the receipt of Teaching Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP); the rebranding from BSO to a university; the award of Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver shortly thereafter.
Roxanne Stockwell
Non-Executive Director
Roxanne originally studied law and theatre in Australia but then moved to England and has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership in UK HE, with many links to the creative industries.
She was on the board of BPP College of Professional education, and then Principal and CEO of Pearson College (including Escape Studios, a creative industries specialist school) at Pearson Education. She was a non-executive director on the board of ICMP (the Institute of Contemporary Music performance), and Chair of Independent HE (a membership body representing specialist UK HE institutions, including many in the creative schools.
She has an international award-winning doctorate from the University of Bath in higher education management, as well as a masters in Intellectual and Cultural Property (UCL).
Roxanne is delighted to join the board at Bird as she has always had a love of theatre in all its forms. She is qualified as a drama teacher, has a Masters in Theatre Directing, ran an educational theatre company for students in outback NSW for several years, and has recently joined the board of Riksteatern Trosa, in Sweden. She has recently joined a research project with the university in Santarém, Portugal and splits her time between the UK, Sweden and Portugal.
Misa von Tunzelman
Non-Executive Director
Misa is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing – Europe for real estate investment, development and construction firm Lendlease. She has 30 years’ marketing and comms experience and has worked in the built environment sector since 2004.
In addition to her role at Lendlease, Misa is a trustee of Eastside Young Leaders Academy a youth charity in Newham; a board member for Freehold, the property industry’s LGBT+ network and a member of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors. She was a trustee of the University College of Estate Management for six years, reaching her maximum term in 2024.
Misa is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and holds a degree in Sociology and Cultural Studies from the University of Sussex. Prior to joining Lendlease, she worked in Marketing & Communications at BNP Paribas Real Estate, JLL, EY and the Imperial War Museum.
Jonny Ward Jonny Ward
Non-Executive Director
Jonny graduated from Birmingham University with a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts and then worked at Mountview Theatre School for many years, training actors in technical theatre and going on to run the part time acting courses for adults and children. He also gained a Certificate in Education from Greenwich University and taught drama at Havering College of Further Education before pursuing a career in events management.
With a strong track record in site, venue, and production management, he has worked on a variety of both large and small events in some truly extraordinary venues and locations, including senior roles at the Royal Albert Hall, The 02 Arena, and The National Theatre.
Internationally, Jonny spent two and a half years as Head of Event Production at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE, and served as Production Director for Balich Wonder Studios on their spectacular outdoor events in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
He is currently Scenic Production Manager at Eclipse Global, an event production company based in London.
Christopher Costigan LLB (Hons), LLM, Barrister, FHEA, FCG.
Principal & CEO
Christopher is Principal and CEO of Bird College, joining the College in January 2025. In this role Christopher is responsible for the overall effectiveness of the academic provision at Bird College; the formulation and delivery of the College’s academic and corporate strategies; and for working with external partners to enhance the College’s brand and reach. Christopher sits on the Board of Directors of Bird College and the Board of Trustees of the Doreen Bird Foundation.
Prior to joining Bird College, Christopher had a 20-year career in higher education, starting as a law lecturer at BPP University. During his time at BPP University, Christopher became a senior lecturer and took on module and programme management, eventually joining the University’s executive team as Dean of Academic Quality. During Christopher’s time at BPP University he led almost a dozen successful external regulatory visits and wrote BPP University’s successful permanent degree-awarding powers application, the first in the country. Following his tenure at BPP University, Christopher was appointed to the executive team of Ravensbourne University London as University Secretary and Director of Strategic Delivery where he was responsible for governance, academic quality, and strategy and change management. During Christopher’s time at Ravensbourne, the University more than doubled in size, largely through internationalisation, tripled in revenue and went from loss-making to surpluses of over 10% per annum.
Outside of work Christopher has been active in the sector speaking at numerous conferences held by the QAA, OIA and specialist networks such as the Academic Registrars Council. He sat on the Board of Directors of the University College of Osteopathy and chaired the joint merger board with AECC University College, the two institutions later merging and becoming Health Sciences University. Christopher currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the University College of Estate Management (since 2017), where he chairs the Audit Committee.
Christopher holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Kent, graduated from the Bar Vocational Course from the University of Law and has been called to the Bar of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Christopher further holds a PGCert in the Management of International Higher Education, an LLM in Corporate Governance and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute.
Rob Archibald Rob Archibald
Executive Dean
Prior to joining BIRD, Rob served as Head of Performing Arts at City St George’s, University of London, where he led the Department of Performing Arts following the integration of Urdang into the University. Previously, he was Co-Principal and Artistic Director at Urdang, Head of Singing at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and Head of Singing and Music at LAMDA.
Originally trained as a performer, Rob holds a BA in Acting, a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance and a PGCLTHE from Rose Bruford College. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Alongside his academic leadership, Rob has maintained an active professional career as a musical director, composer and vocal coach, ensuring his teaching, leadership and curriculum development remain closely connected to current industry practice.
Throughout his career, Rob has led programme development, curriculum innovation, quality assurance and enhancement, and organisational change across specialist performing arts institutions. He is passionate about creating learning environments in which students feel challenged, supported and empowered to fulfil their potential. He believes outstanding conservatoire training combines artistic excellence with genuine care for the individual, preparing graduates for long and sustainable careers within the creative industries.
Luisa Figuerola MSc, Cert.Ed, BA
Dean of Students
Luisa trained at Escola Superior de Danca in Lisbon graduating with a BA in Choreography in 1993. She continued her studies at Laban where she obtained a Professional Diploma in Dance Studies and was part of Transitions Dance Company in 1996. As a professional dancer, Luisa worked with BI MA Dance Company, The Cholmondeleys, Protein Dance, Theatre En Corps and First Person Dance Company. Luisa also worked with the Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs in the role of Rehearsal Director for the revival of Anderson’s piece ‘Flesh and Blood’. Luisa began teaching at Bird College in 1997 as a contemporary dance teacher and has been managing the Student Wellbeing Services since 2016 working closely with staff to create a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. This approach considers the student as a whole person with the aim to support each and every student in their drive to succeed in their studies despite the challenges they may be faced with along the way. A deep interest in the connection between mind and body led Luisa to start practicing yoga in 2008 and complete a 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training in 2012. Luisa regularly teaches Yoga and meditation as part of the Wellbeing sessions offered to all students.
Kaity O’Keefe
Director of Marketing & External Relations
Kaity O’Keefe is Director of Marketing & External Relations at Bird College, where she leads the College’s brand, partnerships and strategic growth initiatives.
With a career built between London and New York, Kaity brings a global perspective to brand building and storytelling. She has worked across agency, in-house and consultancy roles, delivering integrated marketing campaigns, partnership strategies and communications programmes for clients across the retail, technology, non-profit and cultural sectors. Her experience includes senior leadership roles at Ogilvy and Purple PR, as well as heading partnerships and public relations for high-growth direct-to-consumer brand, Brooklinen.
Kaity’s work is rooted in creative strategy and community connection. She is particularly passionate about positioning institutions with clarity and ambition, ensuring that their public presence reflects both heritage and forward momentum. At Bird, she oversees admissions marketing, digital communications, brand development, events strategy and external engagement, working closely with faculty and leadership to strengthen the College’s profile as one of the UK’s leading conservatoires for professional performer training.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, English Literature and Communications from Villanova University.
Shiv Deepak Rabheru Shiv Deepak Rabheru
Artistic Director
Shiv Deepak Rabheru is an award-nominated director, choreographer and actor working across theatre, film and television. HisHis multifaceted career has brought him to leading venues across London’s West End, throughout the UK and internationally. Recently shortlisted for the prestigious Sir Peter Hall Director Award, Shiv is particularly renowned for his collaborative, actor-focused approach to the work, underpinned by a commitment to bold storytelling, musicality and championing emerging talent.
Shiv is currently the UK associate director on the West End production of Hamilton and previously served as resident director on Paddington and also associate director/choreographer on Everybody’s Talking About Jamie for the West End, UK tour and Los Angeles productions. He also spent a season at Shakespeare’s Globe, working as associate director on Chekhov’s Three Sisters.
As a director and choreographer, Shiv has created and re-imagined a number of notable productions including: I Wish You Well (West End/Edinburgh), Out Of The Box (Turbine Theatre), Nell Gwynn (Guildhall), Les Misérables (Mountview), Into The Woods (Royal Academy of Music), Spring Awakening (RADA), The Secret Garden (GSA), Epic Love and Pop Songs (ArtsEd), Gypsy and Pippin (BIRD Conservatoire). He also choreographed the music video for Reverend And The Makers Christmas single Late Night Phone Call (Distiller Records).
Before becoming a theatre maker, Shiv worked extensively as an actor for 15 years. After training at BIRD Conservatoire, he began his professional career developing the role of ‘Charlie’ in the workshops for the West End production of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, directed by Sam Mendes. He went on to perform internationally as ‘Mr. Mistofelees’ – a role he long aspired to play – on the UK and International Tour of CATS, under the direction of Dame Gillian Lynne. Following several years with the production, he continued his training at The Identity Drama School and The Actors Temple (Meisner Technique), forging a diverse career across stage and screen.
Highlights include: ‘Rahman’ in Sissy (Donmar Warehouse), ‘Akmed Kathrada’ in Mandela (Young Vic), ‘Lavrenti/Youssef’ in The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Rose), ‘Max’ in Shake My Bones (Royal Court), ‘Tinkerbell’ in Peter Pan (National Theatre), ‘Tobias Ragg’ in Sweeney Todd (Liverpool Everyman), ‘Hammad’ in The Kings Of Idle Land (Vaults), ‘Phantom’ in A Christmas Carol (RSC), ‘Dick’ in Dick Whittington (National Theatre), ‘Omar’ in Some Girls (Playful), ‘Hortensio’ in The Taming Of The Shrew (Lazarus), ‘Sameer’ in Submission (Kings Head/Edinburgh), ‘Ensemble’ in Sylvia (Old Vic), ‘Sayed’ in TERP (Finborough), ‘Derek’ in 21 Chump Street (Courtyard), ‘Cy/Dance Captain’ in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Sheffield Crucible/West End), ‘Yasir’ in The Sh*t (London Improv Theatre), ‘Jamal’ in Prevent Tours (Bunker), ‘Richie’ in Me I’m British (Richmond), ‘Jake’ in Sleeping Beauty (Millfield Arts), ‘Tommy’ in Dick Whittington (Loughborough Halls) and as a ‘Dancer’ for Celebrity Cruise Lines (QDOS).
On screen, Shiv’s work includes: Next Of Kin (ITV), Class Dismissed and #WhatKatyDid (BBC), What’s Love Got To Do With It (Working Title), Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Warp Films/Film4/FOX), and Undercliffe (Open Palm Films), as well as commercial campaigns for Amazon, Microsoft, McVities, and Nintendo.
Alongside his creative work, Shiv is a deeply committed educator and mentor with a particular passion for performance training. He is dedicated to empowering performers to deliver truthful, instinctive, and fearlessly connected performances by nurturing technical precision, developing craft, and creating environments in which artists can be confident and bold.
Shiv has been a faculty member, guest lecturer, director and choreographer at many of the UK’s leading drama schools, including: RADA, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Mountview, ArtsEd, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Royal Academy of Music, Guildford School of Acting, Italia Conti, Laine Theatre Arts, BIRD Conservatoire and The James Madison University in the USA.
Philip Ramge
Chief Operating Officer & Registrar
Philip Ramge is Chief Operating Officer and Registrar at Bird College. He brings extensive executive leadership experience across higher education and creative institutions in the UK and internationally, with a strong focus on operational, digital and governance transformation in complex, regulated environments.
Prior to joining Bird, Philip was Director of Student and Academic Services at SOAS University of London and a member of the University’s Executive Board, where he led large, multi-function services and delivered significant organisational, service, and digital change. He has also held senior leadership roles at CODE University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, a tech-focused higher education startup, where he helped build the operational foundations of a new institution from the ground up during a period of rapid growth.
Philip is known for translating strategy into delivery, strengthening decision-making and maintaining continuity during periods of transition. Alongside his work at Bird, he serves as a trustee of the University Schools Trust and is a member of its Resources Committee.
Tom Bond BA (Hons), EFP (Estill Figure Proficiency)
Deputy Programme Leader – Musical Theatre
Tom trained at Leeds College of Music, and graduated in 2015 with a BA (Hons) in Music (Jazz). Since graduating, he has worked across the UK and Internationally as a Performer, Musical Director and Teacher, performing in venues such as BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Liverpool Echo Arena, Stade Français Paris as well as many regional theatres, clubs and wedding venues.
Tom has been a member of the singing department at Bird College since 2021.
Tom is the co-founder of Kristian Thomas Company (KTCo), an East Midlands based performance training establishment and production company. During his 7 years as Managing Director and Head of Music at KTCo, Tom acted as Musical Director for over 30 musicals and concerts as well as co-creating the ‘Accelerate Training Programme’, a one-year course aimed at equipping young people for higher education.
Alongside his work in education, Tom is a regular member of Fat Cat Brass Band, who engage in over 120 performances across the UK and Europe each year.
Tom is currently on the Estill Master Trainer Certification Pathway, under the mentorship of Charlotte Xerri EMT/EMCI-ATP SD.
Notable professional engagements include: SAGA Ocean Cruises, BBC 2, Evolution Pantomimes, Kristian Thomas Company, Little Wolf Entertainment, Derby LIVE, Sinfonia Viva, The Magic of Motown and England Rugby.
Dr. Jane Carr PhD, ARAD, FHEA
Academic Practice Lead
Jane worked as a ballet dancer before studying dance in higher education. She was later a founding member of quiet, an artists’ group that collaborated on multidisciplinary performance works during the 1990’s. She received a BA and MA in Dance Studies from Laban and a PhD from Roehampton University in 2008.
Jane worked Morley College in Southeast London to develop opportunities for adults and young people to participate in dance before teaching in Higher Education at Trinity Laban, Central School of Ballet and the Universities of Lincoln and Bedfordshire where she led the School of Media and Performance.
Dr Carr has remained research active, developing upon her doctoral research into embodiment to publish in the field of dance and performance and to lead projects – most recently an Arts Council of England funded development of choreographic practices. She currently serves as a member of the executive committee of The Society for Dance Research and is finalising the co-editing of a book on Safeguarding of Creole Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Rob Archibald Rob Archibald
Executive Dean
Prior to joining BIRD, Rob served as Head of Performing Arts at City St George’s, University of London, where he led the Department of Performing Arts following the integration of Urdang into the University. Previously, he was Co-Principal and Artistic Director at Urdang, Head of Singing at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and Head of Singing and Music at LAMDA.
Originally trained as a performer, Rob holds a BA in Acting, a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance and a PGCLTHE from Rose Bruford College. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Alongside his academic leadership, Rob has maintained an active professional career as a musical director, composer and vocal coach, ensuring his teaching, leadership and curriculum development remain closely connected to current industry practice.
Throughout his career, Rob has led programme development, curriculum innovation, quality assurance and enhancement, and organisational change across specialist performing arts institutions. He is passionate about creating learning environments in which students feel challenged, supported and empowered to fulfil their potential. He believes outstanding conservatoire training combines artistic excellence with genuine care for the individual, preparing graduates for long and sustainable careers within the creative industries.
Sue Brice FISTD, Cert. Ed.
Deputy Programme Leader – Dance
Sue trained at Laine Theatre Arts and in her early career taught and performed around Europe and Canada. Choreography has always been a strong passion for Sue and she loves to explore the relationship between the musical phrase and body movement. Sue received Distinctions in all her teaching examinations and was made a Modern and Tap Examiner for the Imperial Society in 2000 and a Major Vocational examiner shortly afterwards. She has held full time posts at other leading dance colleges and has freelanced in other leading establishments. Sue began working at Bird College in 1999 and has remained at the College ever since, believing in its ethics, energy and commitment to outstanding training in dance and musical theatre. Sue became head of the Jazz Department in 2005. Sue is a freelance tutor for the Imperial Society, often lecturing on Syllabus but more prominently on uses of free work within the syllabus framework and free Jazz technique for all Vocational and Pre-vocational Levels. Sue has joined the creative team for the new Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 modern syllabus and is part of the teaching team travelling around the country and the rest of Europe. Sue completed her Certificate of Education in 2003 and is currently training to become a qualified registered Nutritionalist.
Sebastian Alexa
Librarian
Sebastian studied at the University of Greenwich on the BA (Hons) in English Literature & Creative Writing. Since graduating in 2018 Sebastian has worked in academic, national and college libraries as a librarian and information professional. His experience includes the British Library, University College London and St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. Sebastian joined the college in April 2022.
Tiffany Chiu BSc Hons
Assistant Accountant
Tiffany joined Bird College in February 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Finance from City University in Hong Kong and has successfully completed the ACCA examination with over a decade of experience. Throughout her career, Tiffany has worked in various industries, gaining valuable expertise in Finance and Operations. Additionally, she has demonstrated her adaptability by working on office setup projects in prominent locations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Vietnam.
Grace Clayton
Counsellor
Grace is a qualified counsellor and is currently finishing her Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy course. Grace has always understood the importance of supporting mental health and holistic wellbeing having completed her MSc in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health in 2017 and BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 2016.
Over the past 9 years she has worked with adults, children and adolescents in a variety of therapeutic roles, including charities, schools, pupil referral units and mental health units. For the past 3 years she worked as a youth counsellor and the specialist lead practitioner for substance use within the youth justice system for a local authority in London.
Grace is an advocate for making therapy accessible for everyone and has a passion in understanding and working within the context of an individual’s life. First and foremost, she feels it is important to develop a relationship with her clients and create a safe environment where they feel empowered to share their stories and experiences. Grace is trained in using a variety of creative interventions and believes this can be helpful in facilitating self-expression, especially when finding the right words may be difficult.
Man Li FCCA, MA
Head of Finance
Man joined Bird College in April 2021; she is a qualified Accountant (FCCA) and holds a master’s degree in International Accounting and Financial Management from University of Glasgow. Man has more than 10 years finance and account management experience. After qualified from chartered certified accountancy practices, she joined the charitable sector 6 years ago as a senior finance person with the intension to apply financial skillset to support worthy causes.
Man has a track record of transforming internal procedures to achieve financial objectives. Her area of expertise was overseeing accounting function; managing systems and procedures to ensure best practice in terms of financial control and compliance with relevant regulations such as SORP and pension; preparing annual statutory financial statements, budget and forecast; managing annual audit.
Lutfur Haider BA (Hons)
Assistant Accountant
Lutfur joined Bird College in November 2022; as an Assistant Accountant with first class BA honours degree in Accounting and Finance. Lutfur was an Assistant Management Accountant in his previous role, progressing towards becoming an Accountant. Lutfur has been keen to advance in accounting and finance and has over 8 years experience with local community, retail and education. With a strong financial background, Lutfur has a proven track record of understanding and articulating needs and requirements of management involving wider operational departments. He possesses excellent communication skills, thrives with variety, enjoys working within a dynamic team solving problems and has an ability to adapt new strengths to suit the changing demands of a business.
Carly Hainsby
Agency Manager
Carly trained at BIRD. Theatre Credits include the workshop of Feelin in the Mood for renowned choreographer Chet Walker, International and UK Productions of Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, Annie in which she played the role of Lily St Regis, Crazy For You in which she played the role of Patsy, Arms and the Cow for Opera North, Calamity Jane, Anything Goes, La Traviata for Grange Park Opera, Chess in which she played the role of The White Queen and The Wiz. She was also a featured singer and dancer for the Jean Ann Ryan Company for NCL and a member of the Moulin Rouge Company both in Paris and for their touring productions all over the world. Her choreographic credits include Rumpy Pumpy at The Union Theatre, The Music of Annemarie Lewis Thomas at The Landor Theatre, Pimpinone for the Buxton festival, Carmen for London Opera Vocal, Dangerous Daughters at The Drill Hall, The Sunshine Gang, The Ballad of Kitty Jay, Celebs Anon, The Venus Factor all at The Bridewell Theatre and pieces for Bird College productions at The Orchard Theatre. Carly has also worked with BML Workshops London as an Assistant Choreographer and Choreographer. Carly was Vice Principal and Head of Dance at The MTA from 2009 till 2016 and has an extensive teaching career both as a regular faculty member and guest teacher at the UK’s top training institutions.
Dave Kerry
Design, Set & Construction Co-ordinator
Dave Joined Bird college in Nov 2023. He has been working in theatre for 35 years as a designer and set builder. Dave came into theatre as casual show crew for The Orchard Theatre in Dartford, and gradually expanded his horizons, moving into construction at The Young Vic, Royal Court and others. He then moved across to Rose Bruford as their professional practitioner in set construction.
Immediately prior to joining Bird College, Dave held the position of Deputy Head of Stage at The Bridge Theatre building five or six shows per year, however, the huge success of Guys and Dolls led to a long extension, with no sign of a new challenge in the near future. The part time role at Bird College allows Dave to use his creative skills whilst he can still do freelance work in the professional field when opportunities arise.
James Kiell BA (Hons)
Stage Manager
James studied Stage Management at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, later obtaining his honours degree. James joined the college as an Assistant Stage Manager and Technical Support in 2019, before becoming Stage Manager in 2021. He has also had the opportunity to work professionally in touring, concerts, opera and plays alongside his career at Bird College.
Androniki Koshi
Assistant Stage Manager
Androniki has been actively involved in performing arts for a while. However, in recent years, she has developed a keen interest in the production aspect of theatre and has had the privilege of working with several companies on various productions in London, among them Bird College. Through her work, she has gained valuable insights into the creative process and demonstrated a clear aptitude for the technical aspects of theatrical production. Her hard work and dedication eventually earned her the position of Assistant Stage Manager, which she began in September 2023.
Kathryn Ledger Dip. Professional Musical Theatre
Marketing Assistant
Kathryn trained at BIRD, graduating in 2019. She began part-time administrative work at the Conservatoire during her final year of training and was appointed to the position of Marketing Assistant upon graduation. The multifaceted role includes managing all social platforms including the website, co-ordinating career events, Short Courses, open days, programmes and graphics.
Jessica Levin
Assistant to Principal and Artistic Director & Timetable Co-ordinator
Jessica graduated from Bird College in 2016, and after a short run of Spamalot (Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells), returned to work at the college later that year. Jessica now works closely with both students and staff to organise and maintain the timetable, scheduling and communication within the college, whilst providing support to Luis De Abreu, our Joint Principal and Artistic Director. In her free time, Jessica also teaches young performers in Musical Theatre, Jazz and professional development.
Tanya Lorenzotti
Admissions Manager
Tanya joined Bird College as Admission Coordinator in February 2017. A graduate in International Tourism Management from the University of East London, Tanya has previously worked in a variety of roles within the corporate hospitality sector. In her current position, she takes a lead role organizing the admissions process, from applications through to enrolment.
Paul Mancini
Grounds Supervisor
Paul started his career in facilities at the age of 16 working for a London advertising company as a post room assistant. He was there for 14 years and finished his role as a facilities coordinator. Paul has also worked in media and construction industries.
In March 2017 Paul started working at Bird College on a temporary basis and was employed permanently from September 2017.
Calum Reid BA (Hons)
Operations Manager
Calum joined the college in March 2019 from Paddington Sports Club in Maida Vale where he had been the Facility Manager for two and a half years. Prior to this Calum spent a further 5.5 years in Leisure Management with Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) as Centre Manager, Operations Manager, and Health and Fitness Manager. Calum simultaneously held the Operations Manager position at the Eltham Centre for 2 years. His final position within GLL was part of the team that successfully launched the newly refurbished Leytonstone Leisure Centre (formerly Cathall) in 2014.
Prior to moving into management in London, Calum graduated from Stirling University in Business Studies and Sports Studies, combined honours and was awarded with the Airthrey Trophy for ‘Most Talented Sportsperson of the year’ in his final year. He has maintained this passion in helping people develop throughout his career, and this was one of the driving forces behind seeking a move into the Education sector.
Calum manages the newly restructured facility team, reception team and cleaning contractor to manage the entire site maintenance and premises. He is also Chair to the H&S Management Committee.
Tanya Robb
Agency Manager
Tanya trained at BIRD. Theatre credits include understudying and playing the role of Bianca/Lois in Kiss Me Kate (Chichester Festival Theatre & The Old Vic Theatre, London) Alice in All the Fun of the Fair, Wendy Jo/understudy Ariel in Footloose, Dinah/understudy Pearl in Starlight Express and Lorraine in 42nd Street (UK tours). Lisa in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales Theatre), Kitty in Drowsy Chaperone (Upstairs at the Gatehouse) Swing in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Loretta/understudy Mary in Tonight’s the Night (Victoria Palace Theatre), Swing in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), understudy Linda/Maddy in Peggy Sue Got Married (Shaftesbury Theatre), understudy Sally Smith in Me and My Girl (Alexandra Theatre Birmingham), Alice in Dick Whittington (Theatre Royal Wakefield), DuBarry was a Lady (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Mother in Aspire (Doha Qatar), Cinderella (Theatre Royal Bath) and Fred Astaire – His Daughter’s Tribute (London Palladium). Original cast recordings include We Will Rock You, Tonight’s the Night and All the Fun of the Fair. Television includes The Future WAGS of Great Britain. Film Credits include Tubby & Enid (BBC/Endor).
Cleo Spear
Agency Manager
Cleo is a graduate of BIRD and, in her graduating year, was offered an Agent’s Assistant position at Apollo Artist Management. Alongside this work, Cleo continued to perform as an actress and dancer. Cleo was Apollo’s first employee and helped grow & create the business over a period of 2 years, working her way up to Associate Agent. During her time at Apollo, Cleo grew her own book and worked closely with the clients to enable their career goals across the West End, the UK, internationally and on screen. Cleo has been working back at Bird College since late 2019, where she helps nurture the students and graduate clients to fulfil their potential within their careers.
Daniel Taylor
Head of Production
Daniel originally trained as a performer at Bird College, but has always had a passion for the technical side of theatre. He has been fortunate enough to do event management, lighting and sound design and operation for professional events across Birmingham and London. Daniel’s experience both on and off the stage has allowed him greater insight into the inner workings of a professional production and has only served to inspire and fuel his artistic vision.
Hannah-Leigh Tsvetkov BSc, PhD
Learning Support Tutor & Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Hannah joined Bird College in November 2017 to assist with the learning support team. Hannah has a strong background in Psychology, and she completed her PhD in the field of Educational Psychology in 2019 and has previously worked as a Psychology Lecturer. Furthermore, she has also delivered talks at several international conferences, most recently at the International Conference held by the British Dyslexia Association. Hannah’s responsibilities mainly include delivering one-to-one tutorials to students helping them with essays or developing strategies for practical learning. Occasionally, Hannah will also deliver academic skills lectures, such as referencing. Hannah is also dyslexic herself, so she can easily empathise with students and loves nothing more than helping students to develop strategies to overcome any difficulties they are facing.
Tim Ugwonno
Premises Supervisor
Tim moved to the UK from the Netherlands in 2012, having worked in IT for 2 years previously. Upon his relocation, Tim met the caretaker at Bird College and through introduction, became a cleaner for the college. Tim has since been appointed to the position of Premises Supervisor.
Lyn Upton
Registry Officer
Lyn joined the MIS team at Bird College in February 2017 as a Data Co-ordinator with responsibility for registers. Lyn has a wealth of experience working in FE Colleges, having previously worked as Head of Administration at Greenwich Community College, followed by three years as a Project Officer with Resources Plus Recruitment Agency in Erith and, prior to joining Bird College, as a Partnership Co-ordinator at London South East Colleges.
Sue Wilson MCSP, HCPC, MAACP
MSK Physiotherapist
Registered with the Health and care professions council and member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Sue is a graduate of Coventry University and has worked extensively as a Physiotherapist in private practice for BMI healthcare and BUPA and independently with her own company, the NHS and overseas in Southeast Asia in Laos and Thailand as a mentor/project manager responsible for helping to develop Children and Adult services.
Sue joined the college in 2014.Sue has additional qualifications and interests in Acupuncture and dry needling and is an accredited member of the AACP, Manual therapy: including sports massage, trigger point release /soft tissue release, mobilizations, and grade V manipulations. She is also a Certified APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute) Pilates Reformer and Mat work Instructor, TRX trainer and trained in Level 1 and 2 Therapeutic yoga and is also prone to a bit of K taping!
Raluca Musat PhD
Learning and Wellbeing Support
Raluca has a background in academia and movement: she is a historian, a yoga teacher and Feldenkrais Method practitioner.
She completed a PhD in History from UCL in 2011 and taught history courses at UCL, St Mary’s University and Goldsmiths until 2016, as well as publishing articles in academic journals on social history and East European studies.
She also completed a yoga teacher-training in 2013. After teaching yoga for many years, she wanted to expand her understanding of movement. In 2026, she became a qualified Feldenkrais Method Practitioner, a form of somatic movement education.
Raluca has two children, one whom she homeschools due to their neurodiverse profile. After becoming a mother, Raluca has developed a strong interest in wellbeing and neurodiversity, which she is now building on by working at Bird Conservatoire.
Tom Bond BA (Hons), EFP (Estill Figure Proficiency)
Deputy Programme Leader – Musical Theatre
Tom trained at Leeds College of Music, and graduated in 2015 with a BA (Hons) in Music (Jazz). Since graduating, he has worked across the UK and Internationally as a Performer, Musical Director and Teacher, performing in venues such as BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Liverpool Echo Arena, Stade Français Paris as well as many regional theatres, clubs and wedding venues.
Tom has been a member of the singing department at Bird College since 2021.
Tom is the co-founder of Kristian Thomas Company (KTCo), an East Midlands based performance training establishment and production company. During his 7 years as Managing Director and Head of Music at KTCo, Tom acted as Musical Director for over 30 musicals and concerts as well as co-creating the ‘Accelerate Training Programme’, a one-year course aimed at equipping young people for higher education.
Alongside his work in education, Tom is a regular member of Fat Cat Brass Band, who engage in over 120 performances across the UK and Europe each year.
Tom is currently on the Estill Master Trainer Certification Pathway, under the mentorship of Charlotte Xerri EMT/EMCI-ATP SD.
Notable professional engagements include: SAGA Ocean Cruises, BBC 2, Evolution Pantomimes, Kristian Thomas Company, Little Wolf Entertainment, Derby LIVE, Sinfonia Viva, The Magic of Motown and England Rugby.
Nick French FISTD, Cert. Ed.
Principal Lecturer – Musical Theatre
Nick trained at Laine Theatre Arts, whilst in training he completed a contract performing cabaret in Algiers. After completing three years training, he joined the London company of West Side Story and continued the run at the Opera House in Manchester as Jet Swing and understudy to ‘Krupke’ and ‘Glad Hand.’ West End credits include 42nd Street Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Me & My Girl Adelphi Theatre, Thin a Thon Piccadilly Theatre, Cavalcade of Coward Piccadilly Theatre, Mack & Mabel In Concert Theatre Royal Drury Lane, La Cage aux Folles In Concert London Palladium as well as performing in two Royal Variety performances at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Nick has also performed in numerous Pantomimes throughout the country. As a teacher, Nick has worked at several of the leading vocational colleges.
Nick has also choreographed musicals such as 42nd Street, Crazy for You, West Side Story, The Hot Mikado, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, Parade and Hello Dolly for the 3rd Year Bird College Students as well as musical numbers for the College annual showcase and Agents showcase. Nick also creates, directs and choreographs 1st and 2nd year Musical Theatre Workshops/Projects at the College.
Nick also lectures and examines both in the UK and internationally for the ISTD Tap and Modern Theatre Faculties. He was fortunate to have been included on the creative team responsible for choreographing the new Tap grades.
Adam Denman
Lecturer – Musical Theatre
Theatre credits include: “42nd STREET” (Théâtre du Châtelet); “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” (princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto); “UP NEXT” (National Theatre); Dance Captain in “WHITE CHRISTMAS” (Uk Tour); Stage, Ensemble, “BEST OF THE WEST END”, (Royal Albert Hall); Stage, Ensemble, “GUYS AND DOLLS”, (Crucible Theatre, Sheffield); Stage, Ensemble, “GUYS & DOLLS”, (Theatre Marigny, Paris); Ensemble in “42ND STREET” (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane); Spirit of Fosse in “CHICAGO” (UK/ European Tour); Stage, Ensemble, MACK & MABEL (Chichester Festival Theatre & UK Tour); “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” (UK Tour & Japan); CINDERELLA (Mayflower, Southampton); “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN”(Palace Theatre, London); Jack Frost in THE SNOWMAN (Peacock Theatre, London); DISCO INFERNO (UK Tour); The King & I (UK Tour) & Royal Caribbean, “BALLROOM FEVER”. He was also chosen to be a part of A Celebration of Youth, performing excerpts from ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’ at Buckingham Palace.
TV credits include: 2022, SNOW WHITE, Village Dancer, (DISNEY); 2022, Mary Poppins, Dancer, (Saturday Night Takeaway ITV) 2021, MASTERS OF THE AIR, Lindy Hop Dancer (APPLE TV); NHS VACCINE, Dancer (Advert), ANYTHING GOES, Tap Dancer (This Morning); 42nd Street – The Musical; The Royal Variety Performance (ITV); The Olivier Awards (ITV); The One Show (BBC) and Sunday Night at The Palladium (ITV).
Mike Denman
Lecturer – Musical Theatre
With over two decades in the industry, Mike has performed in Musicals in the West End and Number one UK Tours, TV, Film & straight plays.
A selection of theatre credits include: Henry Ribelow in Syncopation (Vienna English Theatre)Trevor in Bedroom Farce (Gordon Craig Theatre) Pawnee Bill in Annie Get Your Gun (Crucible Theatre Sheffield), Don Lockwood in Singing In The Rain (Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage) The Stalker in The Bodyguard (Original cast UK Tour), Henchman/understudy Mr Wormwood in Matilda RSC (Cambridge Theatre London), Jack Frost in Santa Claus (Grand Theatre Singapore), Understudy Polegrave in Nation (National Theatre London), The Wizard Of Oz (London Palladium), Understudy Jose in Never Forget (Savoy Theatre London), Understudy Billy Flynn in Chicago (Adelphi Theatre and Cambridge Theatre London), Gremio/understudy Bill Calhoun in Kiss me Kate (Original Cast UK Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Shaftesbury Theatre London), Louis in On Your Toes (Royal Festival Hall) Understudy Double J and Guss in Saturday NightFever (Musical Dome Cologne Germany).
Film and television include: William Hill online bingo commercial, Nation (NT Live Worldwide Broadcast), Paddington 2 and Beyond The Sea. Several award winning short films including -The Boy With A Camera For A Face, Saving Cain and Bluebird. Strictly Dance Fever (ITV) All Time Greatest Love Songs (BBC) and a few Royal Variety Performances.
Anthony Whiteman
Lecturer – Musical Theatre
Anthony is an international award winning choreographer, movement director and educator. Prior to this he was a successful performer, appearing in West End shows such as Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), The Wizard of Oz (Palladium) and White Christmas (Dominion) and touring globally with Cats, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Anthony is currently studying to enhance his pedagogy via PGCert and MA in Dance Education with London Studio Centre and the University of the Creative Arts (UCA).
Choreographic includes:, ‘Overture 21’ – ArtsDepot, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ – Arcola/ UK Tour, ‘Fiddler on The Roof’ – Connaught, ‘Fame’ – DAPA Online Production, ‘Dorian’ – Stream Theatre, ‘Digital Dance Overture’ – Stream Production, ‘Rapunzel’ – UK Tour ‘Tribute To Fosse’ – New Wimbledon, ‘#Fas!on’ – Bird, ‘MUSIK- The Billie Trix Story’ – Edinburgh, ‘Kids of The West End at Christmas’ – Underbelly, London, ‘The Osmonds Musical’ – Workshop, ‘Wars’ – Dartford Orchard, ‘Cinderella’ – Civic Theatre, ‘Camelot’ – London Palladium, ‘Bring It On’ – Beck Theatre, ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’- Ambassadors, ‘Mack and Mabel’ – Hackney Empire, ‘The Rat Pack Live’ – EdFringe, ‘Fiddler On The Roof – Istanbul (Jasnet Bozdag BEST CHOREOGRAPHY Award 2018), ‘Dance Overture’ – New Wimbledon, ‘Retro’ – Orchard Theatre, Cameron Macintosh’s ‘Oliver!’ – Junior Edition Workshop, ‘Southern Baptist Sissies’ – Above The Stag, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ – European Tour, ‘Legally Blonde’ – Alexandra, ‘Cinderella’ – Beck, ‘That Man’ – Hippodrome Casino, ‘Debut’ – Electric Theatre, ‘ICA 175th Gala’ – St Georges Hall, ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ – Union, ‘Danny Hero’ – Workshop, ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ – Bridewell, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ – European Tour, ‘Legally Blonde’ – Gatehouse (NOM Best Choreographer Off West End Awards), ‘Something Old, Something New’ – Bernie Grants (Review), The White Feather’ – Union, ‘Side By Side By Sondheim’ – Jack Studio Theatre, ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ – Rose and Crown (NOM Best Choreographer Off West End Awards & Best Choreography Broadway World Awards), ‘In The Dead of Night’ – Landor (NOM Best Choreographer Off West End Awards), ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Dracula’ at the Studio Theatre Ealing.
Directon credits: Kids of the West End – Underbelly Leicester Square, Fash!on – Bird, The Rat Pack – Ed Fringe, The Blues Brothers Live – Ed Fringe
Anthony has worked at institutions such as; London Studio Centre, Bird College, Trinity Laban, Guildford School of Acting and The Musical Theatre Academy.
Anthony has also freelanced as a tap and movement coach for Billy Elliot the Musical and was the choreographic mentor on a new musical project for Perfect Pitch. He is also an adjudicator of several dance competitions both in the UK and internationally.
Brian Alverson
Musical Director
Brian was born in the State of Michigan in the United States and studied at Michigan State University and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where he obtained a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Business/Management in 1997. He has been working at Bird College since 2004 as a singing teacher and music director for course work and musical productions.
He has worked in musical theatre as a music director and assistant music director in the United States and Europe. In 2003 Brian was the Assistant Music Director for the European tour of Footloose. Prior to relocating to London in 2002, Brian was living in New York City where he worked on various workshops of musicals such as Robin Hood, The Musical by Martin Charnin and Uncle Broadway by Bruce Coyle.
He also worked extensively as an Assistant Music Director and keyboard player for The Goodspeed Opera House in the state of Connecticut, and his credits include George M., Redhead, The Pajama Game, Summer of ’42, Lizzie Borden, Heart Land, Fanny Hill, Mirette and Just So.
Brian has also worked as a synthesiser programmer and music copyist on many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and U.S. National tours. His credits include Kiss Me Kate, Ragtime, Jekyll and Hyde, Bat Boy, The Big Time, Glimmerglass, Red, Hot and Cole, Marie Christine, Saturday Night, The Broadway Tenors and work for City Center Encores! Brian has also been a music copyist for the feature films The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Die Another Day, 25th Hour, Big Fish and Troy.
Sophie Burke
Musical Director
Sophie works extensively as a multi instrumentalist, vocalist and musical director having trained at The Urdang Academy, Covent Garden. As a Singing Teacher, Sophie has taught at Arts Educational, The Urdang Academy and Reynold’s Performing Arts as well as providing private vocal coaching to West End professionals and amateur singers.
Musical Direction credits include: Footloose (Polish Theatre); The Great. Gatsby on Air (Theatre Royal Windsor); Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, & Aladdin (Theatre Royal Windsor); Ukraine Aid (Lafayette London); Legally Blonde Jr & The Little Mermaid Jr (Theatre Royal Windsor); Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon (Theatre Royal Plymouth, Oval House Theatre); Our House the Musical (BWA); Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (Leeds City Varieties, Choreographer & Assistant MD).
Sophie is the proud creator of The Daisy Chains – The all girl rock ‘n’ roll band.
Theatre credits include; Daisy in Original Cast Dreamboats & Petticoats (West End & UK Tour); Helene in Sweet Charity (New Wolsey Theatre); Jerry’s Girls (Jermyn Street Theatre); Threepenny Opera (UK Tour); Our House (UK Tour); Some Like It Hotter (UK Tour); Radio Times (UK Tour & Watermill Theatre); Mimi in Guys & Dolls (UK Tour); Gotta Sing Gotta Dance (UK Tour); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (International Tour); Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show (European Tour).
Simon Gray
Musical Director
Simon Gray is a musical director, pianist and composer with over twenty years of experience. Simon’s musicals include Daisy In Disguise (Vital Theatre, New York) and The Scarlet Letter (Edinburgh Fringe and Theatre Harrisburg, PA). He has written music for TADA! Youth Theatre and Theatre 167 both in New York City and his songs have been heard at 54 Below, The Zipper Factory and Birdland. With Raymond Bokhour he wrote The Glorious Death of Comrade What’s-His-Name. He is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in New York where he won the 2007 Harrington Award for musical theatre songwriting.
Before moving into teaching, Simon was a freelance music director and pianist. He was assistant MD on the original West End production of Pageant (Vaudeville Theatre) and on Bless The Bride (King’s Head). Other music direction includes the Asian premiere of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Kuala Lumpur), Mapp and Lucia (Greenwich Theatre), Newsrevue (Canal Café Theatre), George’s Marvellous Medicine (Birmingham Stage), Lucky Nurse (Finborough). Simon played keyboards on the UK tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, and was rehearsal pianist for Wonderful Town (Grange Park Opera), Hello Again (Bridewell), Killing Rasputin (Bridewell) and Candide (National Theatre). He has accompanied Cassidy Janson, Poppy Tierney and Samantha Mercer in cabaret. He has played on Silversea Cruises and was once an audition pianist for Cats in London. Simon read music at Cambridge University. He is a former student of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama junior department and an alumnus of the National Youth Music Theatre. He studied conducting with George Hurst at Canford and the Estill Model with Anne-Marie Speed in London. He has held teaching positions at Italia Conti and Havering College. Simon joined Bird College in 2016.
Dom Haslam
Musical Director
Dom Haslam has a BA degree in Contemporary Music from Bretton Hall (Leeds university) and a PGCE from Greenwich University.
He has worked at Bird College for a number of years, musically directing and arranging music for shows as well as teaching on the Musical Theatre and Singing courses. Recent Musical Directing credits within the college include Wars, Made in Dagenham, Anything Goes, Destinations and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Outside of the college, Dom has worked on a number of productions across the country, both as a musical director and as a composer. Musical Direction credits include Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Peter Pan (Churchill Theatre, Bromley) Little Voice (Watermill), Mirandolina (Royal Exchange), Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Property (National Theatre Studio workshop).
Composition credits include, for the corporate sector: NARS ‘O’ Live Event (Brick lane, 2019), Cisco Live (keynote films, 2013-16). For theatre: Therese Raquin (Theatre Royal, Bath and tour) The Real Thing (ETT/WYP), Tis Pity She’s A Whore (WYP), The Prince of Homburg and Life is a Dream (Donmar Warehouse), Serious Money (Birmingham Rep), The White Devil (Menier Chocolate Factory), Henry V (Royal Exchange).
With librettist/lyricist Jenifer Toksvig, Dom has written 2 musicals: Coppelia (adapted from the Hoffman Tales) and Mort (adapted from Terry Pratchett’s novel, for YMTUK.) With Lyricist Liz Hetherington, Dom has written and arranged a number of stand-alone songs for independent artists.
Steph de Whalley
Musical Director
Steph de Whalley is an actor, director and arts facilitator. She studied English Literature and Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds, and Acting at The Oxford School of Drama.
Assistant Directing Credits include: Wuthering Heights (Wise Children: New York & US Tour), Peter Pan Goes Wrong, (Mischief Theatre: West End, UK Tour & Latvia National Theatre), Usagi Yojimbo, (Southwark Playhouse), Camp (Etcetera Theatre).
Associate Directing credits include: ‘Spy movie: The Play!’ (Norwich Playhouse & UK Tour); Jack & The Beanstalk (Jordan Productions, Chatham Theatre). In 2022, Steph was awarded a DYCP by the Arts Council to develop her directing. As part of her shadow directing and mentoring, she worked on the immersive production of ‘Noah’s Flood’ with Slung Low; ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ by Mischief Theatre in the West End; ‘The Buddha of Suburbia’ with Emma Rice and Wise Children; and ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with Polka Theatre.
Acting credits include: Anita Benn in Doctor Who (BBC, Disney+), Magic Goes Wrong (West End), We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (UK Tour), The Green Ship (UK Tour), How to Hide a Lion (UK Tour), In His Image (Hampstead Theatre), RIP (King’s Head Theatre), Everything By My Side (Lift Theatre & Southbank Centre).
Michael Jeremiah
Musical Director
Michael is an Actor, Director, and Educator with extensive experience across musical theatre, film, television, and commercials. His performance credits include Disney’s The Lion King (UK, Ireland & Europe Tour), Motown the Musical (UK & Ireland Tour) and Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical (West End, Lyric Theatre). Michael has also appeared in films such as Sumotherhood and This Is Not a Drill, as well as featuring in a number of commercials & Web Series.
As a director, Michael has led productions including Bring It On, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Into the Woods at leading performing arts institutions, working with a number and variety of young actors. Alongside his stage and screen work, he is passionate about developing the next generation of performers, bringing his industry knowledge, creative vision
Hudson Crowe
Musical Director
Hudson is an American musical director, pianist, percussionist, arranger, and composer from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. In America, he studied piano and percussion performance in university, and spent his free time music directing for choir and theatre. During school, his arranging and composition passion led him to publish his first set of works as a student. He spent most of his summers performing and marching in Drum Corps International where he toured the country with Carolina Crown. Additionally, he had the opportunity to perform with world-renowned percussionist Michael Burritt. His professional musical directing debut was at Post Playhouse, a repertory theatre in Nebraska, where shortly after he moved to Glasgow to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where he received his MA in Musical Directing for Musical Theatre. There, he MD’d for a wide variety of projects including RCS’s Christmas at the Conservatoire, Urinetown as an actor-muso, and A Little Night Music, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. Hudson now teaches voice and musical theatre at Urdang Academy and Bird College.
Sue Brice FISTD, Cert. Ed.
Deputy Programme Leader – Dance
Sue trained at Laine Theatre Arts and in her early career taught and performed around Europe and Canada. Choreography has always been a strong passion for Sue and she loves to explore the relationship between the musical phrase and body movement. Sue received Distinctions in all her teaching examinations and was made a Modern and Tap Examiner for the Imperial Society in 2000 and a Major Vocational examiner shortly afterwards. She has held full time posts at other leading dance colleges and has freelanced in other leading establishments. Sue began working at Bird College in 1999 and has remained at the College ever since, believing in its ethics, energy and commitment to outstanding training in dance and musical theatre. Sue became head of the Jazz Department in 2005. Sue is a freelance tutor for the Imperial Society, often lecturing on Syllabus but more prominently on uses of free work within the syllabus framework and free Jazz technique for all Vocational and Pre-vocational Levels. Sue has joined the creative team for the new Advanced 1 and Advanced 2 modern syllabus and is part of the teaching team travelling around the country and the rest of Europe. Sue completed her Certificate of Education in 2003 and is currently training to become a qualified registered Nutritionalist.
Belinda Basu L.I.S.T.D, Dip, Cert. Ed.
Principal Lecturer – Jazz & Tap
Belinda established herself in teaching at Tanz-Etage, Bremerhaven, Germany, after graduating from Laine Theatre Arts in Dance and Musical Theatre. Alongside her teaching she also enjoyed a Musical Theatre career both as performer and choreographer: of all the productions during her time in Germany, ‘Victor/Victoria’ remains her favourite!
On her return to England in 2002, she joined the Dance Faculty at Laine Theatre Arts, continuing to develop her teaching, and here completed her Cert Ed to further her qualifications. Other teaching credits include Performers College, New English Contemporary Ballet School, New College Nottingham, as well as Summer School and Jazz Workshop engagements throughout the UK and overseas. She is a regular guest Jazz lecturer for CAT Programme centres across the country.
As an ISTD Lecturer Belinda has taught classes for Award days, open days, UK and International Courses and Summer Schools. She holds ISTD Fellowship status in Modern Theatre and Tap and over the past years has been invited onto the Teaching Team for various syllabi in both Modern and Tap faculties – a great honour.
Now settled at Bird College since 2010, Belinda is a Senior Tutor for the Jazz Faculty, playing an integral part in delivering Jazz Technique and Theatre Jazz styles to all levels. She loves the creative aspect of her role, relishing any involvement as part of the creative team for college productions and events.
Justine Berry PDTD, RTS, ARAD, PGCE, MA
Principal Lecturer – Ballet & Contemporary
Justine joined London City Ballet at the age of seventeen and went on to enjoy an international performing career spanning 19 years. In 2003, while still dancing, she graduated from the Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma (PDTD) with Distinction, from the Royal Academy of Dance.
Justine has taught for the Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School, Central School of Ballet, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Tring Park, Laine Theatre Arts, The Urdang Academy, The Place, Laban and BBO Scholars. For the Royal Academy of Dance she has taught for the Dance School, BA (Hons) in Ballet Education, Professional Dancers’ Postgraduate Certificate, Licentiate of the RAD, and numerous national and international summer schools, workshops and CPD activities.
She has also taught Benesh Movement Notation at the Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, anatomy at London Studio Centre and held the role of Ballet Mistress with rehearsal and staging responsibilities for touring companies such as Ballet Ireland, Lisbon Dance Company, Wiener Ballet Theatre, Vienna Festival Ballet and European Ballet.
Justine has extensive experience in dance teacher education, having been a Lecturer in Dance Education for the Faculty of Education at the RAD from 2019 to 2022. She has been significantly involved in the Royal Academy of Dance’s Professional Dancers’ Teaching Diploma UK for over 10 years, including tutoring, assessing, and reshaping the programme. Justine was also the PDTD Programme Manager for the UK and China cohorts from 2019 until 2022.
Justine teaches Character technique and repertoire at the Royal Ballet School White Lodge and the Upper School, including on intensive programmes, both in the UK and in Hong Kong. She is also an assessor for the Royal Ballet School’s Diploma in Dance Teaching and tutor for the final audition process at the Royal Ballet School White Lodge and the Royal Ballet School’s Inspire seminars and Enlighten webinars.
Other roles include former Chairman of the Royal Academy of Dance’s London and Middlesex Regional Advisory Board and Trustee of the Academy. In 2024, Justine resumed the role of member of the Board of Trustees and Artistic Advisory Committee for the Royal Academy of Dance, having been a former Trustee from 2016-19.
Justine has a particular interest in music in dance teaching and education and has championed this within many programmes of study. Justine holds a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching from the University of the Arts, London, and the Master of Teaching (Dance) from the University of Surrey/ Royal Academy of Dance.
Thomas Ashton
Lecturer – Jazz
Thomas Ashton, with 13 years in the industry, has crafted hundreds of bespoke dance pieces and productions. He currently choreographs large-scale circus and dance performances for Boomtown Fair Festival, captivating audiences of up to 80,000 people. Notably, he contributed to Arcadia’s “The Reactor” at London’s Olympic Park and “Metamorphosis: Genesis” for Wilderness Festival. In 2023, Ashton made his mark in musical theatre as Associate Choreographer for ‘Trompe L’Oeil’ at The Other Palace, as well as choreographing for the production internationally in 2024 in the USA.
He was also the creative producer and co-director of Creation Box London with Rachel Kay, and a key collaborator on “Umbra” at The Vaults Festival and “The Reason I Fly.” As Creative Director of the Ashton Collective, he led sell-out productions like ‘Flight’ and ‘Sophie’ and partnered with prominent photographers and videographers on impactful concept videos.
Ruth Armstrong
Lecturer – Jazz & Tap
Ruth began her training at The Pauline Howard School of Dance under the guidance of Miss Patricia Ellis FISTD Examiner/Committee. She continued to further her studies at Laine Theatre Arts and graduated with Diplomas in both Musical Theatre and Professional Dance, whilst additionally attaining ISTD Associate teaching qualifications in Modern, Tap and Imperial Ballet.
After several years working as a freelance teacher and choreographer Ruth joined the Dance Faculty at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in 1999 teaching Jazz, Modern and Tap alongside her role as resident choreographer for Dance and Musical Theatre productions. Ruth was instrumental in devising a structured course of study for Tring Park’s Outreach Dance programme which successfully encouraged the access to dance for children attending primary schools in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Having pursued her ISTD Qualifications to Fellowship Status, Ruth became a Dual Examiner for the Modern and Tap faculties in 2005. As a member of the Modern & Tap Faculty teaching teams, she regularly lectures at teacher and student courses throughout the UK and Internationally. Ruth has a true passion for theatre jazz and dance artistry and was proud to have been instrumental in creating new Optional Jazz Award Amalgamations. More recently she has choreographed the Musical Theatre Amalgamation for the new Intermediate Tap syllabus and a Musical Theatre Amalgamation for the Modern Grades syllabus, soon to be launched. As a member of the ISTD Modern Faculty committee Ruth is proud to be able to contribute to the ongoing development of its syllabus and the evolution of training for dancers and teachers alike.
In 2013 Ruth returned to working as a freelance vocational teacher & choreographer and has since taught at various vocational colleges including Mountview, GSA & The Urdang Academy. She is currently part of the Bird College Jazz & Tap faculty where she additionally tutors the DDE Modern teaching qualification. Alongside her teaching commitments Ruth is a regular guest teacher for Chrysalis London, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, National Youth Ballet and Gielgud Academy of the Performing Arts. Choreographic credits include commissions for National Youth Ballet, Encore Dance Company, ’Move It’ Exhibition and Gala Performances at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre and The Shaftesbury Theatre.
Adam Buckley
Lecturer – Tap
Adam Buckley graduated from Bird College in 2003 and spent the first few years working as a tap dancer/teacher/choreographer until 2007 when he got accepted into the show STOMP. He spent the next 11 years leading the show in London’s West End and the world over. He has continued his association with the show since, performing, aiding in routine creation, training new cast members alongside moving into teaching tap and body percussion.
Adam has been working at a Willow Dene SEND school assisting children with autism and complex needs over the last couple of years. He has recently completed a ‘Music as Therapy’ course and is creating and implementing music & movement sessions for children there alongside his new role on the tap faculty at Bird College, where his passion for rhythm and performance are equally matched by his ambition to inspire others with all he has learnt.
Ryan Campbell-Birch
Lecturer – Tap
Ryan Campbell-Birch is a professional tap dance performer, teacher, and choreographer based in London, UK. His passion for tap developed at a young age, beginning under his mother’s tutelage in his hometown of Bristol, and has since taken him around the world from Stockholm to Sydney, London to LA, and New York to New Zealand.
Ryan graduated from Doreen Bird College of Dance and Theatre Performance with a 1st Class BA Hons in 2010, and just six weeks later returned as a faculty member to tutor students on the pre-professional diploma and degree programs. Since then, he has taught for many of the UK’s leading colleges, including Italia Conti, Urdang, Morea Performing Arts, Masters Performing Arts and Guildford School of Acting. Globally, he has taught pre-professionals at Brent Street in Sydney and the Australian Institute of Music, as well as workshops in Canberra, Perth, Tauranga (NZ), Auckland, and the National Ballet School in Dubai.
Ryan has performed at Stockholm and Brighton Tap Festivals and taught at the Australian Tap Dance Festival (2016) and Tap Dance Festival UK (2017). He is also a workshop faculty member for the UK’s leading youth company, Tap Attack, and his choreography has won bronze and silver medals at the IDO World Championships with the team.
Believing that good teaching stems from continuous learning, Ryan has travelled the globe in order to study under some of the world’s current masters.
As a performer, Ryan has toured extensively with the sell-out show Tap Factory (EU, US, UK, UAE) and was the first British cast member in 2014. He was a founding member of Avalon Rathgeb’s company, Old Kent Road, and has performed in the Arts Council-funded and critically acclaimed show Fall Out in venues around the UK and the Edinburgh Fringe. Ryan co-choreographed the company’s second show, Dirty. Tap. Funk! which was commissioned by Theatre Bench for the InMotion Festival at the Bunker Theatre, London in 2017, and he was also part of Old Kent Road’s collaboration with Josh Hilberman to create video documentation of his honoured piece of choreography Capella Josh. Ryan is currently touring with Fall Out and is rehearsal director for the company.
In addition, he is part of the organisational team at London Tap Jam, which runs every second month in Hoxton, East London. The team also frequently hosts guest tap dancers from around the world for masterclasses and performances. Ryan is the Creative Director of Tap Dance UK — an online hub for Britain’s tap dance community providing information on classes, performances and resources for teachers, students and enthusiasts. Ryan’s first web series can be found for free on YouTube, with further resources available through Tap Dance UK.
Additional clients and credits include: The Australian Football League, Canon, Northern Tap Company, UK Music Video Awards, YouKu, Audi, Mercedes, The Chinese Film Festival London, The Empire Casino London, Mumford and Sons, The IDTA, The ISTD, The Tap Rhythm Project and Move It.
Otis Carr
Lecturer – Contemporary
Otis graduated from the Central School of Ballet in 2008. He initially trained in Music at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, later moving to the dance strand to study for A Levels and a BTEC National Diploma. During this time, he also trained as a Ballet Black associate, progressing to Northern School of Contemporary Dance for his first year of preprofessional training. Otis is also a 2013 Finzi Scholar commencing intense study in Countertenor voice.
Upon graduation Otis performed with the Red Tape Dance Company as part of the Malta Arts Festival 2008 going onto further engagements with ACE Dance and Music for their Autumn Tour of SKIN and Turandot at the Royal Opera House 2008 & 2017. From 2009-2013 Otis danced with Rambert Dance Company working with choreographers including Henri Oguike, Henrietta Horne, Tim Rushton, Marguerite Donlon, Itzik Galli and Mark Baldwin as well as performing in works by Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor. 2013-2014 included performing as a Signet and Medium Swan in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake National and International tour. 2015 marked the start of a recurring working relationship with Barry Kosky and Otto Pichler creating both the Glyndebourne Opera’s Production of Saul and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden production of The Nose with Saul going on to be presented as part of the Glyndebourne 2015 Tour and the Adelaide Festival 2017. During this time Otis was also engaged with CIE 7273 (Geneva), performing Tarab in Europe, Serbia and the Middle East. Other notable work includes End of Line by Goshka Macuga preforming at the Lowry Gallery 2017.
Otis has presented work as part of the Rambert season of new choreography at the Place Theatre 2011 and Moveo Dance Company (Malta) 2022 as well as assisting rehearsals with the Choreographer Mbulelo Ndabeni in subsequent seasons. For the 2019-2020 Academic year Otis was a Graduate Intern in Dance Technique and Programme Support at Trinity Laban after which he obtained an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy accreditation (AFHEA) before becoming a Dance Technique Lecturer in February 2021. He Teaches Ballet, Cunningham based and fusion contemporary dance styles combining training methods explored spanning his fourteen-year career.
Otis is currently engaged with CIE 7273 (Geneva) after re-joining the Company for the creation of Ever 2021 and the revival of Tarab. He maintains a level of professional practice to enhance his educational work as well as teaching on the Center for Advance Training programme at Trinity Laban since September 2021.
Rachael Crocker
Lecturer – Ballet
Rachael has had a successful and varied career. She recently filmed at Warner Bros studios for a new film directed by Steve McQueen and prior to that an advert for “ World Asthma Day.” Her most recent stage appearance was in On the Town choreographed by Ashley page which took her to Japan. She was dance captain for Kiss Me Kate at the London Coliseum and was involved in the soundtrack recording of the new Mamma Mia film “Here We Go Again.” This was directly after a run at the London Palladium with Dick Whittington. Other credits include : Strauss (UK tour), Kiss Me Kate (WNO), Cats – Tantomile, Jemima, Victoria, Demeter (RUG Australia), West Side Story – Graziella, Phantom of the Opera (25th Anniversary tour), Peter Pan the Musical (u/s Wendy), We Will Rock You (Dominion & Antwerp), Fame (u/s Iris), Movin’ Out (west end), The Snowman (Ice Princess), Love Shack (uk tour) , Grease (dance captain west end and tour), Cats (Jemima, Demeter, Rumpleteaser), Phantom of the Opera ( Meg Giry). Rachael has also appeared in two major feature films namely Finding Neverland and Phantom of the Opera. She filmed Victoria for ITV, Devils in Disguise for the Discovery Channel and for BBC radio 5 the radio play Smith of Wooton Major. She also completed the RAD professional dancers’ teaching diploma in 2014 graduating with Distinction and is a CPD tutor for them. She has taught at Vocational Colleges across London and is currently on the faculty at Performers College Essex and teaches on the London Junior and Senior Ballet Associate programme. Rachael has taught the scholarship classes for the IDTA and RAD on numerous occasions along with being a judge for their Miss Dance and Dance Master grand finals. Rachael is also a judge for the Dance World Cup.
Teal Darkenwald
Lecturer – Contemporary
Teal has been awarded the Distinguished Professor award by the Board of Governors for the University of North Carolina system for excellence in teaching in addition to numerous grants for her scholarship and teaching.
As an interdisciplinary artist, her work intersects the arts, technology, and sciences. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, where her scholarship includes creating choreography using emerging technologies, inertial motion capture, and virtual reality and using optical motion capture and electromyography to measure biomechanical outcomes in dancers. Whilst on research leave, Darkenwald served as the Performance Enhancement Tutor for the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) at Trinity Laban where she was responsible for developing a comprehensive dance conditioning, performance optimization, and injury prevention program that was interwoven into the student experience through group and one-on-one training sessions.
As the founder of UltraBarre®, she certifies teachers throughout the world in barre-based dance conditioning and incorporates this work into her teaching for young dancers, professionals, and within the classes for the undergraduate and postgraduate coursework at ECU and Trinity Laban. Darkenwald believes dance science should be used to leverage, not limit, physicality in dance performance. She trains dancers to find a balance of flexibility and stability through dance conditioning and customizes her programs in accordance with the choreographic demands of the form while honoring the boundaries of each individual body.
Jacqueline Denny
Lecturer – Ballet
Jacqueline was born in Canada and trained at the Rock School for Dance Education, Pennsylvania, on a full scholarship. She then went on to dance with the Pennsylvania Ballet performing in numerous productions. She has also worked with Alberta Ballet (Nutcracker), National Ballet Company of Canada (Sleeping Beauty), Danny Grossman Dance Company, Opera Atelier, Coiscéim Dance Theatre, Spirit of the Dance, Crystal Cruises and Thursford Christmas Spectacular. She furthered her studies at Ryerson University, Toronto (Diploma in Theatre – Dance) and at the Royal Academy of Dance, London (Professional Dancer’s Teaching Diploma). She has since taught as a ballet tutor at the Royal Academy of Dance, Laban, Lewisham College, DanceEast and Bird College.
Daisy Farris
Lecturer – Contemporary
Daisy gained a BPA(Hons) from Northern School of Contemporary Dance before joining Transitions Dance Company at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where she graduated with a Distinction Level MA qualification. Whilst with Transitions, Daisy toured internationally with works by Lauri Stallings (US), Tom Dale and Augusto Corrieri. During her training Daisy studied a range of techniques, including Ballet, Graham, Cunningham, Limon and Release-based methodologies. Daisy has also travelled to Ecole De Sables in Senegal to study Acogny Technique, a fusion of traditional Senegalese dance and western contemporary dance. Daisy now works as a freelance dancer, teacher and choreographer. As a dancer she has worked with a number of companies and independent artists such as Loop Dance Company, The Urban Playground Team (Performance Parkour), Clarisse ROUD Works, Brian Solomon (CA), Vicky Hunter, Marie Forbes and Sophie Nuzel.
Daisy is artistic director of Daisy Farris Dance Collective, a contemporary dance company boldly reimagining untold or forgotten stories through dance and physical theatre. Her most recent work The Great Thames Disaster, toured to communities along the Thames performing in exciting site-specific locations including on board a light vessel ship! Daisy is passionate about taking dance out of its traditional theatre settings and presenting work in unexpected locations, challenging how an audience experiences contemporary dance. As well as teaching at Bird College, Daisy is also a dance artist in the Learning and Participation team at Trinity Laban. She teaches across the Adult and Youth programmes as well as working with young people on the Centre for Advanced Training Scheme (CAT Scheme). Through her work at Trinity Laban, Daisy has staged her choreography in the prestigious Laban Theatre and at The Horniman Museum and Gardens.
Tomoko Furuya Hristov
Lecturer – Ballet
Born in Japan, Tomoko started ballet at the age of 7 and studied at Suzuki Classic Ballet Academy. She won the Espoir prize at Prix de Lausanne in 1991 and received a scholarship to Hamburg Ballet School and later to the Royal Ballet School. Tomoko joined the Royal Ballet in 1993 and enjoyed a successful 10 year career with the company. Having qualified with the Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma with distinction from the Royal Academy of Dance, Tomoko achieved her Licentiate and Fellowship qualifications with the ISTD.
Tomoko is currently teaching in London and regularly teaches at the RAD summer schools worldwide. She has taught classes for Phyllis Bedells Bursary and she was the judge of the London and Middlesex Awards Day at the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters. She has also taught at K-Ballet School in Tokyo and many other schools and seminars.
David Greenall
Lecturer – Ballet
David started his formal training for theatre at Lewisham College where he studied dance and acting. He also studied at West Street Ballet School and the London School of Contemporary Dance. David obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of London. He performed with Adventures in Motion Pictures, Rambert Dance Company, DV8, Dance For All, Vienna Ballet Theatre and the Icelandic Dance Company. David has also worked throughout his career as a professional choreographer working in dance, opera and musical theatre. David joined the faculty of the Arts Educational School of Musical Theatre London in 1998 where he worked as a teacher and in various senior roles. He began teaching ballet at Bird College in September 2018. David mentors SOTE foundation course based in Birmingham.
James Kay
Lecturer
James Aiden Kay is a dance artist and educator. James trained at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance gaining a first-class honours degree in Contemporary Dance. He then toured Europe with EDGE, the postgraduate company of London Contemporary Dance School gaining an MA with distinction. James has performed at the Royal Opera House, Hackney Empire, the Royal Albert Hall for BBC Proms, Cohan Collective (Robert Cohan/Yorke Dance Project), Hack Ballet, Let’s All Dance Ballet Company, IJAD, Summit Dance Theatre in Switzerland/Canada/UK, Eldarin Yeong in Taiwan/UK, Slot Machine Theatre, Merlin Entertainment, Purefeo Opera in Malta/UK, The Kosh, The Queen’s Jubilee, Opera North, Trigger, Glastonbury, Netflix, ITV & BBC. James has taught at The Place, Trinity Laban and BalletBoyz. He is currently teaching at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and co-directing Traceworks Dance producing professional, youth and community work.
Jessica van der Koot
Lecturer
Jessica graduated from her BA at London Contemporary Dance School with a first class honours in 2020, and then went on to complete her MA in Dance Performance with Northern School of Contemporary Dance during which she undertook a 10 month apprenticeship with Holstebro Dance Company. She has performed in a variety of works by Sweetshop Revolution, Konstantin Koval, Johnny White, Tim Rushton, Bobbi Lo Produktions, Sita Ostheimer and Richard Alston to name a few. In the last few years she has set up VDK Dance which specialises in creating dance work based on Greek Mythology. With VDK Dance she has performed in various schools, The Hellenic Centre and has been commissioned by the university of Illinois for their Sappho Symposium.
Julian Lewis
Lecturer
Julian Lewis graduated from Trinity Laban in 2013 and has since performed with EDGE Dance Company, Bowie Live and Ffin Dance across the UK, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Israel, Belgium and The Netherlands. Julian has also performed for BBC TV (Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light), Marvel Studios (Secret Invasion), Pinot! The Musical, Cascade Dance Theatre, Saturday Night Fever (immersive) at The Old Vic Tunnels and the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, as well as projects at venues including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall for BBC Proms, Manchester Art Gallery, Southbank Centre, Hackney Empire and The Place. In 2019, Julian completed his master’s degree at London Contemporary Dance School, fulfilling the role of rehearsal director on Celebration Event – a project commemorating Merce Cunningham’s Centennial performed by final-year undergraduate students. As the co-director of Traceworks Dance, Julian has performed, choreographed and produced a range of projects for the company including JACK DEFROST Pop Up Show, which has extensively toured outdoor venues across London and was booked for Glastonbury Festival 2024.
Julian is passionate about sharing his professional practice with the wider community and the next generation of dancers. Currently, he regularly tutors recreational and pre-vocational groups at The Place, Trinity Laban and DanceEast, as well as undergraduate students at Trinity Laban and Bird College. From 2016-2021, he was the director of B40 Youth Dance Company on behalf of Greenwich Leisure Limited, and he is also a guest teacher for West End on Demand, Springs Dance Company and the Central School of Ballet Associate Programme. In 2023, Julian was a dance captain for Manchester Pride Parade, supporting choreographer Ruth Jones and 100 community members for their performance alongside Conchita Wurst.
Bafana Matea
Lecturer – Contemporary
Bafana Solomon Matea was born in the township of Mamelodi Pretoria, South Africa and started his dancing career at Pro Arte Alphen Park High School in Pretoria where he studied Voganova and the Checcetti technique. After his studies he moved to NYC on a scholarship by Miss Judith Jamison to study at the Alvin Ailey school for 2 years. At Ailey, under Miss Denise Jeffreson, Bafana got to work with wonderful choreographers including Mathew Rushing, Colin Connor and Igal Perry. Bafana later joined Ballet Hispanico for 2 years, where he travelled extensively within the US. He later joined Elisa Monte dance for 3 years and toured Europe, visiting Germany, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Brazil.
Bafana then joined Battery Dance Company under artistic director Jonathan Hollander. With Battery Dance he got a chance to see 5 continents in a span of 6 years including Australia, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. The company also spent time in Germany working with high school kids on a project called DANCING TO CONNECT under Battery Dance Company.
Bafana help found Juxtapower (South African song and dance) where he was rehearsal director and choreographer and continued to work with Alpha Omega, Delerious Dance, Thomas Ortiz and Mathew Westerby Dance. Bafana has been living in the UK for the past 6 years. He holds tutoring positions at Bird College, Wilkes Academy and White Lodge. Since being in the UK, he has worked with Tavaziva, BOP Theater and State of Emergency as a choreographer on a project Where is Home. Bafana has just joined N’da Dance Company as Co- director.
Arethajay McEwen
Lecturer – Commercial Jazz
Arethajay is a dancer, choreographer and tutor who started her journey at Glenlyn Academy and obtained her BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre at Bird College. Upon graduating, Arethajay dived straight into commercial dance, tv and film, performing or choreographing for artists including Stormzy, Steff London, Ayra Starr, Raye, Tems, Rema, Lous and the Yakuza, BGT, National Social Media Awards, The Best FIFA Awards and more. Alongside that, Arethajay also launched into the Musical Theatre world, performing in the original cast of SoundClash: Death In The Arena The Musical and Little Shop of Horrors.
Arethajay’s passion for being creative began whilst she was training at Bird College, and she assisted creatives such as Simeon Qsyea and Thomas Ashton on performances for MOVE IT. With these experiences, Arethajay knew she would transition into choreography and has worked for Bird College on MOVE IT, the Annual Year 2 Summer Showcase and “I AM”; a short episode which was a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and community. She is also a resident creative on the syllabus at Bird College.
Arethajay has always had a desire to educate future artists on more than the traditional techniques, to provide them with industry knowledge and training and give them the best tools to start a career with success and longevity.
Louise Mitchell-Fripp
Lecturer – Jazz & Tap
Louise began her training at The Gay Holdsforth School of Dance and continued her studies at The Centre of Performing Arts College where she gained her teaching qualifications in Modern, Tap and Imperial Ballet. Her early career in teaching and choreographing took her to the USA where she has regularly returned to choreograph and teach for events, competitions and Spring and Summer courses. Louise has worked as a freelance teacher and choreographer at various vocational schools, colleges and dance schools in and around London as well as choreographing at Union Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Royal Festival Halls, Bloomsbury Theatre, Bob Hope Theatre, Stag Theatre and EM Forster Theatre. She has also taught teacher training courses and ran her own teacher training courses in Modern and Tap after becoming an approved ISTD tutor in 2012.
Anna Morgan
Lecturer – Ballet
Anna is a teacher, creative, adjudicator and researcher. Her choreography has been seen all over the world, including creating original work for Bailar Al Sol in the US and enjoying choreographic residencies at Moulin Belle in France and Andanza in Puerto Rico. Most recently she has co-choreographed the critically acclaimed Black Beauty for United We Dance International at Sadler’s Wells. Anna directs her own teacher training programme, Anna Morgan Dance, and has taught for institutions such as the Royal Ballet School and Performers College, and has been on the Ballet Faculty at Bird College since 2016. She is an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals and All England Dance, and is on the Advisory Board for the TIRED Movement. She is currently studying for her Masters at Rambert School, with gender equity in Ballet as her research specialism.
Amy Petts
Lecturer – Contemporary
Amy trained in contemporary dance at the London Studio Centre, supplemented with multiple stints in New York and Los Angeles where she refined her choreographic style. As a dancer Amy has worked for Channel 4, Burberry, London Fashion Week, Tate Modern and Sonia Friedman Productions to name a few. As a choreographer, her work has been performed at Breakin’ Convention, Breakout Kent, London Studio Centre, Bird College, MPAA, and abroad. Amy has won many awards for choreography at regional dance competitions and is proud to have worked closely with choreographer Lynne Page for the London runs of Olivier award-winning musical Standing At The Sky’s Edge. Amy is also the founder and director of Moments in Dance company based in North London.
Charise Renouf
Lecturer – Ballet & Jazz
Charise was born in Jersey CI and went onto train at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, graduating with a Distinction for her National Diploma in Dance. After graduating her first job was joining the Corps De Ballet in ‘The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Concert’ at the Royal Albert Hall, which then led her straight into the London company in the West End. With the show she has also performed at ‘The Olivier Awards’, and ‘30th Anniversary Gala’. Other performing credits include; Featured Dancer ‘42nd Street’ Gala’ (London Palladium), Dance Captain ‘Cinderella‘ ,’Dick Whittington’ (The Hexagon), Featured Dancer ‘Thursford Christmas Spectacular’ (Thursford), Dancer ‘Dick Whittington’ (Milton Keynes), Dancer ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (Churchill Theatre, Bromley). Since then her career has taken many different paths; from working closely with Justin Fletcher on CBeebies. She now has moved into the creative side of things, recently co-choreographer on ‘Gypsy’ at the Palace Opera House Manchester. Previously her choreographic credits include; Rogers and Hammerstein – Cinderella’ (The Hope Mill Theatre), ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ (Southport Theatre, Imagine Theatre),‘West End Eurovision’ (Dominion Theatre), Assistant Choreographer; ‘Gigglebiz’ (CBeebies), ‘Just Sing and Dance’ (Butlins Resorts), ‘Laine Theatre Arts Summer Show’ (Epsom Playhouse), ‘Dancing Kidd’ (PPA). She also teachers Ballet and Jazz and choreographs at top Musical Theatre colleges. She has a weekly Ballet and Jazz class at BASE Dance Studios in London.
Chris Sparkes
Lecturer – Tap
Chris graduated from Bird College with a First-Class BA (Honors) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. Upon graduating, Chris was presented with the Most Professional Gentleman Award and the Acting Achievement Award.
In 2014 he competed at the IDO Tap World Championships and won gold with the Tap Attack England Team. In 2019, Chris joined Avalon Rathgeb’s professional tap company, Old Kent Road, and has toured with the company in performances across the UK, Caribbean, and China. Chris was 1 of 24 dancers worldwide chosen to participate in the 2023 esteemed tap program at Jacob’s Pillow, Massachusetts, USA. His Professional Performance Credits include, Theatre: Bobby C in Saturday Night Fever (International Tour), Oscillate (UK and China Tour), Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Newcastle Theatre Royal), Cinderella (Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage), Television: Teen Patrick Swayze in The Real Patrick Swayze, In His Own Words (Biopic), and Feature Film: Young Dave in Brighton (Director Stephen Cookson).
Chris has a passion for teaching and choreography and teaches for the Tap Attack company and co-runs the Tap Attack South East Associates program. He is currently on the dance faculty at Bird College and Performers College and has experience teaching at a variety of schools and institutions including Masters Performing Arts, the Centre PAC and Professional classes at Pineapple Dance Studios.
Sam Stanley
Lecturer – Commercial Jazz
Sam started his journey at Bird College of Dance, Music and Theatre Performance in 2007. Since graduating Sam then went on to perform all over the world in Theatre, TV, Film and Cruise Entertainment including artists and productions such as Little Mix, Take That, Craig David, Robbie Williams, Louisa Johnson, BGT, X Factor, Royal Variety Performance, Brit Awards, Jingle Bell Ball, Rocket Man Movie, Death on the Nile Movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, Judy Garland Original Cast, Royal Caribbean and many more.
Sam always enjoyed the creative side of the industry and decided to transition into being a choreographer. Now an established international award winning choreographer working in Theatre, Film, TV, Ceremony’s and Corporate events, Sam has worked for clients such as, FIFA World Cup Ceremony, The Christmas Spectacular UK Tour, Cinderella, PON National Games Opening and Closing Ceremony, A Chorus Line The Musical , Fire Feathers and Fantasies Cabaret, Fame The Musical, Grease The Musical, Cirque Enchantment UK Tour, Bad Girls The Musical, Cryptic Monkey, Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Pritchard, Evolution Pantomimes and many more.
Sam has always had a passion to educate and train the next generation of artists to help give students the best possible chance of a successful career in the arts. Sam holds a crucial role in the Bird College dance department as the Commercial Jazz and Jazz Pas De Deux specialist.
Megan Westpfel
Lecturer – Commercial Jazz
Megan professionally trained at the Place London Contemporary and Bird College of Performing Arts. As a dancer, she has ticked off some dream jobs in the TV and Film industry for artists such as Demi Lovato, Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman and FKA Twigs. Megan has been blessed to work with creatives like Brian Friedman, Parris Goebel, Ashley Wallen and Dani Vitale. Choreographically, she has worked closely on many creative projects and has choreographed for artists such as Becky Hill and Sonia Stein.
Tom Bond BA (Hons), EFP (Estill Figure Proficiency)
Deputy Programme Leader – Musical Theatre
Tom trained at Leeds College of Music, and graduated in 2015 with a BA (Hons) in Music (Jazz). Since graduating, he has worked across the UK and Internationally as a Performer, Musical Director and Teacher, performing in venues such as BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Liverpool Echo Arena, Stade Français Paris as well as many regional theatres, clubs and wedding venues.
Tom has been a member of the singing department at Bird College since 2021.
Tom is the co-founder of Kristian Thomas Company (KTCo), an East Midlands based performance training establishment and production company. During his 7 years as Managing Director and Head of Music at KTCo, Tom acted as Musical Director for over 30 musicals and concerts as well as co-creating the ‘Accelerate Training Programme’, a one-year course aimed at equipping young people for higher education.
Alongside his work in education, Tom is a regular member of Fat Cat Brass Band, who engage in over 120 performances across the UK and Europe each year.
Tom is currently on the Estill Master Trainer Certification Pathway, under the mentorship of Charlotte Xerri EMT/EMCI-ATP SD.
Notable professional engagements include: SAGA Ocean Cruises, BBC 2, Evolution Pantomimes, Kristian Thomas Company, Little Wolf Entertainment, Derby LIVE, Sinfonia Viva, The Magic of Motown and England Rugby.
Jackee Stockwell EMT (Estill Master Teacher), Prof Cert Ed LLS (DTLLS)
Principal Lecturer – Singing & Voice
Jackee’s vocal training started at The Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff where she was awarded a scholarship.
In 1996 she understudied the Principal female role in the 10th anniversary National and European tour of Chess. Jackee went on to perform in the cabaret room The Talk of London in London’s West End. She also performed as lead female vocalist in production shows and as a solo cabaret artist on many cruise ships: The Zenith (Celebrity Cruises), Silver Cloud (Silver Seas), Black Watch (Fred Olsen) etc. Her singing career included performing in Cabaret venues across Wales, England, Jersey, and the Middle East. Being a fluent Welsh speaker, she sang on numerous Welsh Television and Radio programmes. In 2010 Jackee gained her Professional Certificate in Education from University of Greenwich, London. And in 2015 she qualified as an EMT (Estill Master Trainer) in The Estill Model, mentored by Anne-Marie Speed.
Victoria Basten
Lecturer – Singing
Victoria received a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has enjoyed a performing career spanning over 10 years. Stage credits include: Chess: In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Crazy For You (London Palladium), The Last Five Years (workshop), Raindogs (Trafalgar Studios) and Divas International (International tour). She also performed around the world as a lead vocalist and vocal captain for Royal Caribbean and P&O cruises, and has recorded demos as both a lead and backing vocalist for various popular music songwriters.
Now Victoria teaches Singing and Acting Through Song at a number of top London colleges including Bird College and Mountview Academy. Additionally, she provides private vocal coaching to amateur singers and West End professionals. Victoria is also currently working in the development and as an examiner for Mountview exams, accessible graded qualifications in Musical Theatre. Victoria is passionate about guiding individual performers, helping them harness and develop their unique voices and talents.
Luka Bjelis
Lecturer – Singing
Originally from Newcastle upon Tyne, Luka studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with a Masters degree with honours in History, specialising in the History of Musical Theatre. Following his studies in Edinburgh he was accepted onto the prestigious Musical Theatre program at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Mary Hammond and Anne Marie-Speed, where he was the winner of the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation scholarship award 2013/14 awarded by renowned casting director David Grindrod and Sir Lloyd Webber.
Since 2014 Luka has worked as a freelance vocal coach, composer, songwriter and musical director across many areas of the theatre and music industries alongside performing in the cabaret circuit. He has worked with many West End and International performers on various musicals including Les Miserable, Kinky Boots, SIX, Matilda and Mamma Mia! and has also played as an audition pianist for various casting teams in the UK. One of the main goals Luka has is to unlock the unique confidence and individuality of each performer he works with and for this to translate from the rehearsal room to the stage.
Luka has worked as a musical director for various projects over the years including musical improv troupe ‘Notflix’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and touring concerts. As a songwriter he has written songs for commercials, emerging jazz/pop artists represented by Song BMG and has reached the finals of the UK Cabaret Awards for his own musical-comedy compositions. Luka is extremely passionate about composing new British musicals and acts as a musical dramaturg for new writing teams.
Sophie Burke
Lecturer – Singing
Sophie works extensively as a multi instrumentalist, vocalist and musical director having trained at The Urdang Academy, Covent Garden. As a Singing Teacher, Sophie has taught at Arts Educational, The Urdang Academy and Reynold’s Performing Arts as well as providing private vocal coaching to West End professionals and amateur singers.
Musical Direction credits include: Footloose (Polish Theatre); The Great. Gatsby on Air (Theatre Royal Windsor); Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, & Aladdin (Theatre Royal Windsor); Ukraine Aid (Lafayette London); Legally Blonde Jr & The Little Mermaid Jr (Theatre Royal Windsor); Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon (Theatre Royal Plymouth, Oval House Theatre); Our House the Musical (BWA); Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (Leeds City Varieties, Choreographer & Assistant MD).
Sophie is the proud creator of The Daisy Chains – The all girl rock ‘n’ roll band.
Theatre credits include; Daisy in Original Cast Dreamboats & Petticoats (West End & UK Tour); Helene in Sweet Charity (New Wolsey Theatre); Jerry’s Girls (Jermyn Street Theatre); Threepenny Opera (UK Tour); Our House (UK Tour); Some Like It Hotter (UK Tour); Radio Times (UK Tour & Watermill Theatre); Mimi in Guys & Dolls (UK Tour); Gotta Sing Gotta Dance (UK Tour); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (International Tour); Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show (European Tour).
Judith Colman
Lecturer – Singing
Judith trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Birmingham Conservatoire, and postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music. Judith has enjoyed a career of over 30 years performing across Europe and the UK as a soloist and ensemble member for British Youth Opera, English Touring Opera, English Brass Ensemble and Opera Interactive. She has sung many Oratorios and performed in a variety of Cabaret, Opera and Jazz venues.
Alongside performing, Judith has always enjoyed teaching, coaching, and conducting choral groups. Judith has a private teaching practice, working with many professional West End singers, coaching for auditions, or keeping them vocally healthy. She has worked with the Glyndebourne Education Department and run courses for them. Judith is the co-director of a series of International cross-genre singing courses, running during the academic holidays, working with young singers up to those working in the profession now.
As a singing teacher/voice coach, Judith has worked in many schools and colleges, building up departments and encouraging actors and dancers to really extend their vocal ability.
Other work includes teaching at Millennium Performing Arts, coaching actors for the BBC, Directing at the Round House Theatre (London) and coaching performance techniques to MA Business Students at Cranfield University.
Joe Cummings
Lecturer – Singing
Joe is a musical director, vocal coach, composer, pianist and animateur. He trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music as a pianist and is a qualified Higher Education Teacher. As a pianist and director he has worked at Matilda The Musical, Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company and Wigmore Hall. His most recent compositions have been performed on stage at the Royal Academy of Music, Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
Joe is passionate about access to participatory music and theatre and positive impact this can have on peoples’ lives whether that be learning to play an instrument, experiencing and discussing live performances or creating new work about topics which entice and relate to creators, performers and audiences.
Joe devises and runs projects for companies including the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, Voices Across Time and Hold The Drama.
Patrick D’Arcy
Lecturer – Singing
Patrick D’Arcy graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2023 with a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre and the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) in Vocal Teaching. In his time at RAM, Patrick had the pleasure to work with the likes of Claude-Michel Schonberg, Hadley Fraser, Imelda Staunton and Adam Guettel, leaving with a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring into the industry, presented to him by these titans of theatre.
Patrick’s credits whilst training include ‘Jigger’ in Carousel, ‘Hyde’ in Jekyll and Hyde and Assistant Director on the devised RAM Cabaret ‘Places!’.
Alongside his experience at RAM, Patrick also holds the DipLCM, LLCM and ALCM from the London College of Music in Music Theatre Performance as well as a BA(Hons) Degree in History and Politics from Queen’s University Belfast.
Hywel Dowsell
Lecturer – Singing
Hywel trained at The Guildford School of Acting and has enjoyed a varied career as an actor both in the West End and abroad.
He is currently appearing in The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty’s Theatre in the West End.
His theatre credits include: The Phantom of the Opera (West End and UK Tour), Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk (Capitol Horsham), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House), The Hound of the Baskervilles – A New Comedy (Barn Theatre), Mack and Mabel (Hackney Empire), Candide and State Fair (Cadogan Hall), Honeymoon in Vegas (London Palladium), Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan (Parkwood Theatres), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UK and International Tour), Willy Wonka The Musical (Centrepoint Theatre, Dubai), Aladdin (Middle Eastern Tour), and Macbeth (UK and International Tour).
Hywel is passionate about singing, and alongside his performing, he enjoys teaching students and helping them achieve their goals.
James Hall
Lecturer – Singing, Accompanist
James Hall is a musical director and singing teacher based in Surrey. He trained at Kingston University, The Institute of Education and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. He is the resident musical director/supervisor for Blue Fire Theatre Company and Jazzish, London.
Credits as Musical Director: A Very Merry Vinny Coyle & Friends with Carrie Hope Fletcher (Crazy Coqs), Cre8 Project: Look Right! (Bird College), A Night At Home With Vinny Coyle (Whitty Theatre, Wokingham) To Wong Foo (Hope Mill) [Associate MD] Chopped Liver & Unions (Edinburgh & Brighton Fringe, Tour & Brits off Broadway 59E59, New York), The One About The Nineties (Associated Studios), Carrie The Musical (London College of Music), Edges (The Arden School of Theatre), Cinderella (The Swan Theatre, Worcester), Fabulett 1933 (Edinburgh & Brighton Fringe, Drayton Arms & The Other Palace), Legally Blonde for Sharpe Academy (Harrow Arts Centre), Jack and the Beanstalk (Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead), Kinky Boots (Churchill, Bromley) NewsRevue: My Time To Lie (Canal Café Theatre), Unmasked and Unmuted (GSA, Guildford), Garden @ Centre Point/Duality Lives (Centre Point, Tottenham Court Road & Online), Marie Lloyd Stole My Life (Edinburgh Fringe & UK Tour), Kiss Me Kate (John McIntosh Arts Centre), Oh What A Lovely War! (Catford Broadway Studio), Pinot! The Musical Tour (Palace Theatre, Southend & Wimbledon Studio) [& Orchestrator], The Garden Dragon & The Lovely Lily (Cecil Hepworth Playhouse), Words Come To Life for Italia Conti Arts Centre (G Live, Guildford), CinderElla (Cecil Hepworth Playhouse), Side By Side By Sondheim (Hampton Hill Theatre) and the UK premiere of The Pirate Queen.
Other Credits: Pinocchio (Watermill, Newbury) [Dep MD], Broadway Diva (Edinburgh Fringe & Stage Door Theatre) [Accompanist], Almost Austen (Edinburgh Fringe) [Accompanist & Performer], Blodwen’s In Town, Paris & Business (Edinburgh Fringe & Tour) [Accompanist & Composer], Richard III (The Roman Theatre Verulamium, St Albans) [Keys 2], Russell & Denise Scott in Concert (Pizza Express Live, Holborn) [Keys 2] Luna Rossa Productions for Silversea Cruise Line [Assistant Vocal Director], West End Proms (Old Royal Naval College) [Rehearsal Pianist], Once On This Island (Southwark Playhouse) [Rehearsal Pianist], Collabro: Road To The Royal Albert Hall Tour (G Live, Guildford) [Choir Director for 8218 Youth Theatre], The Vera Lynn Story (UK Tour) [Accompanist & Performer]
Education & Teaching Credits include: LAMDA, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, ArtsEd, Guildford School of Acting, Laine Theatre Arts, Italia Conti, Urdang, Emil Dale, Brighton Academy, Academy of Performance Training, PQA Studios, London Theatre Runway, Goldsmiths, READ College, University of Chichester, Spirit Young Performer’s Company, Starling Arts, Theatre Box, Richmond Theatre Creative Learning Dept and British Theatre Academy.
Toby Hunt
Lecturer – Singing
Toby trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. West End credits include The Mikado, Iolanthe and The Pirates of Penzance with the Carl Rosa Company at the Gielgud theatre. Toby has toured the UK & US extensively with the Carl Rosa Company playing the Carpenter in HMS Pinafore, Frosch in Die Fledermaus and understudying the roles of Private Willis in Iolanthe and the Boatswain in HMS Pinafore. Other theatre credits include Colline in La Boheme with Opera Bohemia, 2nd Yeoman in Yeoman of the Guard at the Tower of London and as a singer with the Mark Morris Dance Group for their UK tour. Toby has worked as a principal cover for Scottish Opera, recently covering the roles of Mars/John Styx in Orpheus in the Underworld and Dr. Grenvil in La Traviata. Other recent opera credits include Tosca and L’amour des Trois Oranges for Grange Park Opera. Toby sings regularly at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival having performed in The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Trial by Jury, Ruddigore & Yeomen of the Guard at the Buxton Opera House and has also played the Carpenter in HMS Pinafore on tour with Tarantara Productions.
Outside the theatre world Toby has worked as a session singer for TV & Radio and as a backing vocalist for many pop singers and on the X Factor. He has performed in recitals across the UK and Germany, in concert in Japan and Georgia and even for the British Prime Minister at Downing Street! As a cabaret artiste, Toby performs as the taller half of the duo The Opera Gents with tenor David Furnell. They have completed a nine month residency at the VIP Lounge in Cardiff and have taken their act ‘A Talent to Amuse’ across the UK and southern France. As a composer Toby has had works broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and his work Letters of Clara & Johannes received its world premiere at the International Art Music Festival, Berlin in 2016.
Laura Pirret
Lecturer – Spoken Voice
Laura is a spoken voice coach with a specialist focus in Lessac Kinesensics Body Voice Training as a Lessac Practitioner. Originally, she trained as an actor at East 15 Acting School. She then went on to specialise in voice and completed her undergraduate degree in Vocal & Choral studies at The University of Winchester. Whilst completing her degree, she had the opportunity to study at the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts (SADA) and train in Musical Theatre in the USA at Shenandoah Conservatory, Virginia. Laura completed her MA in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and her Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Education in Theatre Arts (PGCLTHE) from Rose Bruford College. Laura is currently in the process of becoming a Lessac Certified Trainer, and starting her PhD research in the area of somatic practices in education to support neurodiversity in students and educators. Her hobbies include learning languages such as Korean and Mandarin.
Jennifer Rhodes
Lecturer – Singing
Jennifer gained her Masters in Musical Theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland having previously gained a BA hons in Drama and Theatre Studies (minor in French Lit.) from Royal Holloway College, University of London. Further vocal training includes the Opera Works program at the English National Opera as well as coaching from Amanda Roocroft at Royal College of Music. Jennifer performed in a variety of plays, musicals and operas before focusing on Singing coaching and, more recently, voice research. She maintains an avid interest in vocal pedagogy and has taken many courses with Estill Voiceworks and Knight Thompson Speechworks. Jennifer divides her time between teaching at Bird and Mountview as well as managing a busy private teaching studio.
Performance credits include: Masterclass (English Theatre Frankfurt); Twelfth Night (Attic Theatre/Sixteen Feet Productions); Dandy Dick (ATG/Theatre Royal Brighton and UK No.1 Tour); repertory seasons at Stephen Joseph Theatre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre; Honk! (Royal and Derngate); Don Giovanni, Carmen and Oliver! (New Vic); The Sundowe (Eden Court/Tour); Goethe’s Faust Parts One and Two; Man of La Mancha (Royal Lyceum); Semele and The Marriage of Figaro (ENO Opera Works). Recordings include: This is It (AEG Live/Metro Voices) and all female vocals for Successful Singing Auditions Audio Guide (by Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher).
Jennifer’s research was recently published in Voice and Speech Review (VSR); ‘Singing in Regional Accents: The Cause for a Teaching Strategy‘.
Rosie Secker
Lecturer – Singing
Rosie trained with the vocal and operatic department at The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with a First Class BMus (Hons). She went on to pursue a Master of Arts at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and since graduating has led a successful portfolio career as a singing teacher and performer. The majority of Rosie’s current performance work is as a session vocalist, jazz singer and cabaret artist.
Recent Solo Gigs/Slots include: The Shaw Theatre London, Neverworld Festival, Hoxton Hall, Dingwalls Camden, Bush Hall, Sandhurst Military Academy, Shelsley Walsh Nostalgia, Oslo Cosmopolite, Berlin Ballhaus, Espace K Strasbourg, Q77 Turin, Prague Theatre Royal and Assembly Festival, Edinburgh Fringe. Other notable work includes: The World Premier of ‘Scoring a Century’ (Keith Warner, Birmingham Crescent Theatre), Soloist for the Archbishop of Canterbury (Wells Cathedral), Ensemble at The Laurence Olivier Awards (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and London 2012 Closing Ceremony (Olympic Stadium). Rosie often works with new composers, workshopping and recording material, and also released her own Christmas Album in 2016, raising £2000 for charity Brake.
As a vocal coach, Rosie has worked in a variety of contexts with different colleges, groups, ensembles and choirs. Rosie previously held the post of Leader for Singing Projects with West Sussex Music and now continues this as a freelance practitioner. Rosie has completed Estill Levels 1&2, is a Certified Vocal Health First Aider and is hoping to become a Vocal Rehabilitation Professional. Rosie is also a Certified 500hr Yoga Teacher, Vocal Yoga Teacher and runs workshops for organisations and individuals exploring the body, breath, mind, voice connection.
Phillip Shades
Vocal Care Co-ordinator
Phillip is a performer, vocal coach and singing teacher with twenty years’ experience. He studied classical singing as an undergraduate and later musical theatre and singing teaching at the esteemed Royal Academy of Music under the instruction of west-end vocal coach Mary Hammond.
As well as a classical background Phillip has achieved ‘EMT’ (Estill Master Trainer, formerly CMT) status in the Estill Voice model under the mentorship of Licensed Estill Voice Craft Practitioner (Vanguard) Anne-Marie Speed. Phillip works closely with performers in the West End and leads a singing clinic in London for professional voice users where he specialises in vocal technique and vocal health. He is also regularly asked to deliver lectures on vocal care, vocal technique, functional anatomy and the advantages of therapeutic techniques to teachers and students at many of the major training institutions across the country. Phillip is one of very few singing teachers who has attained the UK’s highest-level qualification available in soft tissue therapy with the prestigious London School of Sports and Remedial Massage at Regents Park University and is able to incorporate manual therapy with his teaching, drawing upon a wide range of therapeutic techniques. Phillip regularly attends conferences and CPD courses nationally and internationally in order to keep up to date with the latest findings in voice science and therapeutic techniques. Developing and encouraging the singing voice for anyone who wants to learn is important to Phillip and he takes time to run courses in London throughout the year.
Aizaac Sidhu
Lecturer – Singing
Aizaac trained at the Urdang Academy with a full scholarship, graduating with a National Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Since then he has worked extensively as an actor and singer across TV, Film, Musical Theatre, Theatre, Cruises, Cabarets, Voiceover and Commercials in the UK and internationally.
During his career Aizaac started to further his knowledge on the voice and vocal health, now specialising in pop, rock, belt and legit technique, as well as vocal rehabilitation. He believes in training the voice much like an athlete, and understanding the voice thoroughly, to allow performers to remain consistent, sustainable and artistically free during their careers.
Danni Taylor
Lecturer – Spoken Voice
Danni is a voice and acting coach, actor and singer who specialises in accent work and acting through song. Having studied and trained at Guildford School of Acting, Surrey University and Leeds Beckett University, Danni’s qualifications include an MA in The Practice of Voice & Singing (Distinction), 1st Class BA (Hons) in Theatre Practice and a PGCE teaching qualification specialising in Further and Higher Eduction. Danni has taught extensively at an array of vocational colleges including Guildford School of Acting, Rose Bruford and Laine Theatre Arts where she was the Head of Acting and Voice for five of her eight years teaching there. Whilst there she expanded the Acting and Voice provision, introduced the specialist Acting pathway on the Musical Theatre Diploma and directed eight plays including, Peter and The StarCatcher, A Christmas Carol and the verbatim play, London Road which was produced and streamed during lockdown in 2020.
As well as directing, Danni has also turned her hand to musical directing, highlights of which include Urinetown (Simply Theatre), Sister Act (Rhoda McGaw Theatre) and Songs fro a New World (Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Her performing experience includes Theatre, Musical Theatre, film and VoiceOver work.
Howard Thompson
Lecturer – Singing
Howard trained at the Royal Academy of Music and prior to this studied for a BA in Music from the University of York. He recently completed the PGCert in Performance Teaching at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is now a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Howard has performed in a variety of opera, oratorio and recital engagements, with opera credits including Vater Hänsel und Gretel; Guglielmo Cosi Fan Tutte; Schanuard La Boheme; Mr Peachum The Threepenny Opera; Argante Rinaldo; Demetrius & Starveling A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Howard has also worked as a producer in regional theatre and ran education projects with The Theatre Chipping Norton.
Mike Turnbull
Lecturer – Singing
Mike trained as a musician, on the BMus programme, at Newcastle college. and then a MA in Acting at East15 Acting school. He combined his passion for music, acting, theatre and teaching to focus on musical direction and vocal coaching. He’s participated in a variety of Estill courses with Anne-Marie Speed and Charlotte Xerri, gaining his EFP earlier this year.
As musical director he’s worked on a mixture of professional and off-West End productions – most notably the UK tour of Saturday Night Fever and pantomimes for UK Productions. Pre-pandemic he was assistant MD for BKL’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
As vocal coach, many of his students have gained principal roles in the West End, feature films and television (one of whom won BBC’s The Voice in 2014), of which he’s immensely proud. He’s worked in many colleges, such as: London Studio Centre, Masters Performing Arts, Urdang, Drama Studio London, ALRA, Brit, CPA Studios, and Sylvia Young, as well as regularly leading West End Workshops at Pineapple, Danceworks and Base Studios.
Credits include: Saturday Night Fever (UK Tour), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour), Geordie – The Musical (Newcastle Tyne Theatre), Sleeping Beauty (Sunderland Empire), NewsRevue (Arts Theatre, Underbelly and Canal Café Theatre), Henry V (UK Tour), Robin Hood and his Merry Mam (York Theatre Royal), Death Takes A Holiday (Charing Cross Theatre), Rebel Song (The Other Palace), Katie and The Mona Lisa (Pleasance Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (UK Tour), Society of Wonders (Latitude Festival).
Jeremy Unwin BA (Hons)
Lecturer – Singing
West End credits include: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Amelie (The Other Palace), Once (Dublin and Phoenix Theatre), Ghost The Musical (Manchester and Piccadilly Theatre), Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate factory and Theatre Royal Haymarket), Michael Gandage’s Evita (Adelphi Theatre), The Far Pavilions (Shaftesbury Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (New London Theatre).
Other theatre credits include: Groundhog Day (The Old Vic), Oliver (Curve), Little Shop of Horrors (Salisbury playhouse), The Magistrate (Royal National Theatre),The Light in The Piazza (Curve), Don Giovanni (New Vic Theatre), Martin Guerre (Watermill Theatre), The Wizard Of Oz (Leicester Haymarket), Woody Allen’s Murder Mysteries (Croydon Warehouse), Pacific Overtures (Leicester Haymarket), I love you, You’re perfect, Now change (Kings head Islington), Peter Pan (Oxford Playhouse), Legends of Swing (tour), The World Goes Round (Canal Cafe). Original workshops include: Local Hero, Top Hat.
Jez is also an accomplished Jazz and Swing singer and is a regular guest vocalist for some of the UK’s finest big bands. He recently appeared on BBC1’s Pitch Battle with modern swing group The Flyboys and is soon to launch his own album of lesser known Jazz songs entitled Music For A While.
Ed Goggin BA (Hons), MA
Principal Lecturer – Acting & Acting Through Song
Ed has been teaching at Bird College since 2009. He has taught and directed at many performing arts schools and colleges including The Poor School, Rose Bruford, Mountview, GSA, The Royal College of Music and Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Productions include: 42nd Street, Baby, Betrayal, Oklahoma!, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Absolute Hell, A View from the Bridge, The Beggar’s Opera, Blues in the Night, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and 9 To 5. He worked as a singer, actor, musical director and director in theatre for over 25 years. Directing credits include: The Threepenny Opera (Birmingham Summer Festival); Pipe Dream (Barber Institute); Grand Hotel (Edinburgh Festival); Alfie (Drayton Court Theatre); How He Lied to Her Husband and Overruled (King’s Head, Islington); Royal Variety (The Man in the Moon); Stig of the Dump (Tabard, Chiswick); Tin Pan Pals (Drayton Court Theatre); Charlie Sexboots (The Man in the Moon, Chelsea; The Circus, Stratford; The Boxer Rebellion Theater, Chicago); Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? and Lonely Heart (Workhouse Theatre); The Other Woman (Tricycle, Bath and Edinburgh Festivals); Phantasmagoria (East Midlands Youth Theatre), and Carousel (Opera North and UK tour). As Associate Director opera credits include productions of The Cunning Little Vixen and La Vie Parisienne (Royal College of Music), Kiss Me Kate (Welsh National Opera) and The Marriage of Figaro (Opera North). Ed was the Resident Director for the West End musicals: Whistle Down the Wind, The Woman in White, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Billy Elliot – the Musical. Ed directed Kiss Me Kate (London Coliseum and UK & International Tour) and was the Associate Director for The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.
Tom Gordon
Lecturer – Acting
After training at LAMDA, and then specialising in The Meisner Technique with the Impulse Company Tom co-founded the award-winning production company GOOD SHOUT. He now works both sides of the camera as a film maker and actor. Behind the camera Tom has made 12 short films (one of which was long-listed for a BAFTA) and 2 features. As an actor Tom has worked on Features, TV, Shorts, Stage, Commercials, Radio, and Immersive. He has taught at a variety of UK Drama schools including: LAMDA, GSA, ISSA, & The Impulse Company.
Nick Lashbrook
Lecturer – Acting
Nick trained at Rose Bruford College as an actor musician. He is an established actor trainer and coach with 25 years industry experience as a performer. His career includes over 40 Theatre, TV, and Film credits, including contracts with Disney, 20th Century Fox, BBC, and Sky. Nick graduated with an MA in Actor Training and Coaching from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and his research interests lie in Interdisciplinary Practice. He has worked as an actor tutor at Colchester University and Mountview, and his pedagogical approach is one of inclusivity, working in dialogue with students, to bring out their unique voice, and establish a creative and supportive atmosphere to encourage their confidence.
Nicks West End credits include, Sunset Boulevard, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Buddy, Fame, Happy End, and Murderous Instincts. Shakespeare credits include Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Nights Dream. Other theatre credits include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Private Lives, The Importance of Being Earnest, To Kill A Mockingbird, Dracula, and Room at the Top. Nick has worked extensively within Actor-musicianship and these credits include Song of Singapore, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Up on the Roof, Curses! Keep on Running, The Good Intent, Oh What A Lovely War, Face, Blitz! and Sweet Charity.
Claire Lindsay
Lecturer – Acting
Claire’s interests are in new writing, physical theatre and improvisation, and upon graduating with a BA(Hons) degree in Directing she worked with various companies developing devised and script based performances. During this time she continued to study performance making and performer training, including spending extensive periods in India and Japan studying classical dance and drama forms.
After completing a Masters Degree in Physical Performance at Exeter University, Claire continued to work as a director and performer, but shifted her focus to performer training, teaching in a variety of universities and colleges across the UK before taking a full time position at Bird College. Performance credits during this time include the Singapore premier of Martin Crimps Attempts on her Life; Die Nacht and Blood Memory (Dust Physical Theatre), and Njangalude Antigone for the Abhinaya Acting Company in India. Professional directing credits include, classical, new writing and physical theatre productions at Riverside Studios, The Roundhouse, The Pleasance Theatre, and the Etc. Theatre. For Bird College Claire has directed in excess of 40 productions of physical theatre, devised theatre, verbatim theatre, forum theatre, reminiscence theatre, and the odd piece of realism.
Jennifer Scott-Malden
Lecturer – Acting
Jennifer originally trained as a dancer at Laine Theatre Arts and Bush Davies. She has performed in opera ballet (Opera North and Covent Garden) and the West End musicals Me and My Girl, Charlie Girl, Cabaret and Follies. She then went on to train as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and has worked in TV, commercials, film and theatre – including seasons at the National Theatre with directors Phyllida Lloyd, Trevor Nunn, Nicholas Hytner, Marianne Elliott and Howard Davies. She has also performed at Sadlers Wells for the RSC in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and in theatres throughout the UK. She has toured with companies including Paines Plough and English Touring Theatre – favourite roles include Nora in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Gwendolen in The Importance of Being Earnest and Diane in Wild Things. In 2008 she gained a 1st class BA (Hons) in Performance Studies at Arts Educational and graduated from Central School of Speech and Drama in 2016 with an MA (Distinction) in Actor Training and Coaching. She joined the Acting faculty at Bird College in 2017 and has also been teaching at Arts Educational, Mountview and PPA.
Dr. Jane Carr PhD, ARAD, FHEA
Academic Practice Lead
Jane worked as a ballet dancer before studying dance in higher education. She was later a founding member of quiet, an artists’ group that collaborated on multidisciplinary performance works during the 1990’s. She received a BA and MA in Dance Studies from Laban and a PhD from Roehampton University in 2008.
Jane worked Morley College in Southeast London to develop opportunities for adults and young people to participate in dance before teaching in Higher Education at Trinity Laban, Central School of Ballet and the Universities of Lincoln and Bedfordshire where she led the School of Media and Performance.
Dr Carr has remained research active, developing upon her doctoral research into embodiment to publish in the field of dance and performance and to lead projects – most recently an Arts Council of England funded development of choreographic practices. She currently serves as a member of the executive committee of The Society for Dance Research and is finalising the co-editing of a book on Safeguarding of Creole Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Reena Bhattacharjee BA (Hons), MFA
Academic Tutor
Reena trained at the Royal Academy of Dance, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education, as well as achieving further qualifications with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing. After qualifying, she began working as a freelance teacher and sometimes performer – including dancing in the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. As a ballet teacher, Reena is currently on the regular faculty of many organisations – the Junior School of ballet company Ballet Black, the Sylvia Young Theatre School, and the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) programme at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance. Additionally, she also runs her own school in London (En Pointe). Reena completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance Science (with Distinction) at Trinity Laban in Greenwich in 2022, part of which included a year-long research project looking at the sleep of professional ballet dancers and how this related to their workload and mood states. Since her Masters, she has lectured in Dance Science, ballet teaching & pedagogy, and other academic subjects at Trinity Laban, the Royal Academy of Dance, Bird College and Momentum Performing Arts Academy (MPAA). She also holds the role of Academic Lead at MPAA.
Simon Gray
Academic Tutor
Simon Gray is a musical director, pianist and composer with over twenty years of experience. Simon’s musicals include Daisy In Disguise (Vital Theatre, New York) and The Scarlet Letter (Edinburgh Fringe and Theatre Harrisburg, PA). He has written music for TADA! Youth Theatre and Theatre 167 both in New York City and his songs have been heard at 54 Below, The Zipper Factory and Birdland. With Raymond Bokhour he wrote The Glorious Death of Comrade What’s-His-Name. He is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop in New York where he won the 2007 Harrington Award for musical theatre songwriting.
Before moving into teaching, Simon was a freelance music director and pianist. He was assistant MD on the original West End production of Pageant (Vaudeville Theatre) and on Bless The Bride (King’s Head). Other music direction includes the Asian premiere of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Kuala Lumpur), Mapp and Lucia (Greenwich Theatre), Newsrevue (Canal Café Theatre), George’s Marvellous Medicine (Birmingham Stage), Lucky Nurse (Finborough). Simon played keyboards on the UK tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, and was rehearsal pianist for Wonderful Town (Grange Park Opera), Hello Again (Bridewell), Killing Rasputin (Bridewell) and Candide (National Theatre). He has accompanied Cassidy Janson, Poppy Tierney and Samantha Mercer in cabaret. He has played on Silversea Cruises and was once an audition pianist for Cats in London. Simon read music at Cambridge University. He is a former student of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama junior department and an alumnus of the National Youth Music Theatre. He studied conducting with George Hurst at Canford and the Estill Model with Anne-Marie Speed in London. He has held teaching positions at Italia Conti and Havering College. Simon joined Bird College in 2016.
Tina Krasevec BA (Hons), MSc
Academic Tutor
Tina Krasevec decided to pursue her passion for contemporary dance after reading Sociology and Philosophy at the University in Slovenia. Tina has a BA Honours from The London Contemporary Dance School and MSc in Dance Science. She has performed nationally and internationally with a variety of companies. Tina is currently a dance technique tutor at Trinity Laban and a lecturer on the BA Dance Education Program at the Canterbury Christ Church University and Bird College.
Vivienne Saxton
ISTD Co-ordinator & DDE Tutor
Since graduating from the Royal Ballet School Teachers’ Training Course, Vivienne has run her own school and has worked at the Bush Davies Schools, the Royal Ballet School, Stella Mann College and Bird College. She has an MA in Ballet Studies from the University of Surrey, Roehampton and has taught and lectured worldwide.
Vivienne is currently Director of Dance for the BA(Hons) Musical Theatre Performance course at Momentum Performing Arts Academy and the ISTD Coordinator at Bird College. She is involved in the development of the teacher training qualifications at the ISTD and is on the Panel that devised the Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy.
Vivienne is a Fellow and Lead Examiner for the Imperial Classical Ballet Faculty, responsible for examiner training and standardisation, and an Examiner for the National Dance Faculty. She was Chair of the Imperial Ballet Faculty from 2010 until 2019 and also served as Vice-Chair of the ISTD Theatre Faculty Board and as a member of Council.
Leanne Steel BA (Hons), MSc, FHEA
Academic Tutor
Leanne graduated from the Trinity Laban MSc Dance Science programme in 2018. During her studies she investigated the relationship between hypermobility and proprioception for her thesis project. Before studying her master’s degree, Leanne studied dance vocationally at London Studio Centre and then completed a BA in Dance Performance at Middlesex University where her passion for dance science began. As an active member of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS), Leanne also volunteers as part of their Promotions Committee which involves the creation and sharing of social media content. Since graduating, Leanne has worked as a Graduate Intern in both the Dance Science and Health department at Trinity Laban and now also works as a Module Leader and Lecturer on the BSc Dance Science programme. Leanne currently teaches Dance Science and Fitness Health and Safety to the first-year students studying at Bird College.
Anita Wadsworth MA, PGCE
Academic Tutor
Anita was a founding member of StopGap dance company where she first encountered an inclusive approach to dance and teaching that now underpins her practice. In 2013 she co-established SLiDE dance company, delivering dance projects across a range of community settings. She has an MA in Choreography from TrinityLaban and her current research interest is in the concept of choreography as care, explored through one-to-one performance and public interventions. Anita has previously taught at Urdang Academy and The Royal Academy of Dance and has led dance projects for organisations such as The British Library, Apples and Snakes, DanceWest and the V&A. She is currently on the faculty for bbodance where she leads modules in dance history and career development as well as supporting students with their pedagogic research and practice.
Simon Ashford
Accompanist
Simon has been an accompanist for ballet at Bird College since November 2021. An accomplished improviser & sight reader, his playing encompasses a broad range of repertoire from big bands, functions, examination accompanying to orchestral work.
As well as accompanist at Bird, Simon is also one of the resident pianists at theatre restaurant Joe Allen and The Royal Garden Hotel, both in London, along with Brown’s restaurant in Cambridge. For many years, he was also resident at the exclusive Stoke Park Club west of London.
Tim Roberts
Accompanist
Tim Roberts graduated in music at Cambridge University and was awarded a Certificate in Advanced Musical Performance by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has worked as a pianist at Bird College since 2016, having come to dance accompaniment later in life after an international career playing harpsichord, organ and other keyboard instruments of the 17th and 18th centuries, both solo and in ensembles ranging from Welsh National Opera and the Philharmonia to the BBC Singers and the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. Tim has also worked as a recording engineer and editor, and since the first Covid lockdown has made many reverse paintings on glass, in both abstract and traditional styles. In 2022 Toccata Classics released a CD of his compositions and improvisations.
Erin Sawika
Accompanist
Erin is an accomplished, London based pianist and piano teacher, who joined the staff of Bird College as an accompanist in 2017. Erin obtained a BMus(Hons) in music from Birmingham University in 2006, where she specialised in performance and composition and studied under David Quigley. Alongside her academic studies, Erin performed regularly both as a soloist and accompanist, including accompanying the Birmingham University Chamber Choir and Guild Musical Theatre Society. She continued her music studies at Trinity College of Music in London and was awarded a Masters in piano performance, studying under Hilary Coates. Other accomplishments include an ATCL diploma in piano solo performance at the age of only 17 and winning “Vale of Glamorgan Young Musician of the Year” in 2005. She also has Grade 8 in singing, flute and music theory.
Since moving to London, Erin has performed regularly as a wedding and function pianist, playing at a variety of venues, including The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, Selfridges Department store, the French Ambassador’s Residence, Wilton’s Music Hall, The Landsdowne Club in Mayfair and Eltham Palace. She currently divides her time between performing, accompanying and teaching. Recent work has included regular engagements with the Maidstone Amateur Operatic Society as both rehearsal and show pianist with productions including Witches of Eastwick, Oliver and Sweet Charity. Her collaborative work is focussed primarily, but not exclusively, on accompanying dancers for ballet classes, workshops, summer schools and ISTD exams for which she is often in high demand. Through her work as an accompanist, she has enjoyed opportunities to work with some of the biggest names in ballet, including Edward Watson, Zenaida Yanowsky, Anita Young and Ricardo Cervera.
Jayson Wong
Accompanist
Jayson studied Popular Music and Music Technology at the University of Derby, focusing his time on performance and developing his interest in film scoring. He continued his education at Leeds College of Music, studying a MA in composition and specialising in music for the moving image. After graduating with a distinction, he ventured to London for an internship with a film composer, where he observed the creative process in the studio and assisted on various film and video game projects which took him to the world famous Abbey Road Studios.
Following this, he pursued music composition as a career and started out writing production/stock music – used by the BBC (TV and Radio), Channel 5, SKY and various media worldwide. He has written for commercials in Southeast Asia, arranged and programmed music for TV (BBC, Channel 4 and Netflix) and has scored projects with brands such as Toyota, Jaguar, Vodafone and Neutrogena.
Jayson joined Bird College in 2017 as a ballet accompanist and continues to compose, most recently earning his first film credit on Fighting With My Family (2019) and composing music for the Channel 4 television factual series, The Dog House (2019).