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Aria holds a Master’s Degree in Musical Theatre from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Beyond her teaching, she has performed twice at the Daegu International Musical Festival (DIMF) in award-winning shows like The Twilight of Springtime, and has been actively involved in co-creating and performing original Fringe productions.
Over the past seven years, Aria has found immense joy in mentoring young performers. Whether working with toddlers (age 3) or teenagers, she focuses on creating a supportive environment where students can find their voice, grow in confidence, and fall in love with the stage.
Greta graduated from the Guildford School of Acting with a BA (Hans) in Musical Theatre. Her professional credits include Top Hat and the UK & International Tour of 42nd Street. Greta has been teaching young people alongside performing for 5 years. Greta is thrilled to be joining the Speak Up teaching team!
“There’s no better way to watch a child develop their confidence and character than in a safe space like Speak Up”
Marketing Manager
Andre is a digital strategist with years of experience helping organisations grow their reach and connect with the right people.
He’s been part of the Speak Up journey and brings that same thinking here, helping more schools, parents, and communities find us.
Funding Manager
Freddie spent decades as a senior enterprise account executive, working with some of the world’s leading technology companies. But when he saw what his daughter Teri was building at Speak Up and the difference it was making to young people, he chose to step away and put his energy here instead.
Now our Funding Manager, he brings everything he’s learned about building relationships and making a compelling case to the work of growing Speak Up’s reach and impact.
And if anyone knows first-hand what drama can do for a child, it’s Freddie, who had a front-row seat watching Teri grow up.
Yelizaveta or Liza for short has been teaching for over five years in various London schools. Coming from a Musical Theatre background she enjoys incorporating all three disciplines in her classes. Striving on making the little humans feel more confident as well as providing them with a space to build their friendships. Liza believes try discipline comes from a mutual understanding and respect between the teacher and the students.
Katie has an MA in Theatre and is originally from Newcastle Upon Tyne. Since graduating she has gained a variety of credits, most recently Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington, and has a wealth of experience in immersive theatre.
Between acting contracts Katie works as a Teaching Assistant, where she discovered her love for teaching young people. She shares Teri’s passion for drama and belief that it teaches invaluable transferable skills, allowing children to build confidence and express themselves.
Demera is a driven actor who trained at the Identity School of Acting and the National Youth Theatre. She has been teaching and facilitating for over six years, working with children of all ages.
Demera is passionate about delivering high-quality workshops that build confidence and help young people express themselves freely.
Marta is a Portuguese actor and facilitator based in London. She trained in Acting and holds a Master’s degree in Communication, Art and Culture, alongside a degree in Speech and Language Therapy, having previously worked within the NHS.
Her work spans film, theatre and community practice, with a strong focus on voice, movement, communication and confidence-building. Marta has taught Movement and Voice at actor-training institutions, worked on community theatre projects, and facilitated creative sessions with groups from early years to seniors, both in the UK and internationally.
Marta is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can explore, express themselves and grow.
Matt trained at ArtsEd drama school and received a BA Honours in Acting. He developed a passion for acting in primary school, and that love has grown ever since. Matt has been teaching and working with young people in performing arts for seven years now, and has always taken great enjoyment in seeing young, developing performers hone their skills and express themselves in creative and diverse ways. Matt is a strong believer that, even if someone doesn’t wish to pursue a career in performing arts, the skills, confidence and life lessons that can be attained from acting are valuable to anyone.
Ra’eesah is a performer and facilitator who works across theatre, film, music, and spoken word to share stories, bring people together, and inspire positive change. She has been running workshops for children and young people for several years with organisations such as The Old Vic Theatre, as well as in youth clubs and summer programmes, helping to build confidence and encourage self-expression in a fun and engaging way. As a Speak Up drama teacher, Ra’eesah continues to create safe, creative spaces for young people to grow. Alongside her teaching, she has served as a Trustee at the Roundhouse and founded The Self-Expression Sessions—a series of spoken word poetry workshops open to all ages and abilities—demonstrating her commitment to making the arts accessible and building community through creativity and culture.
Sadie-Jean graduated from the Brit School of Performing Arts and has since worked as a professional actress, dancer, and singer worldwide. In 2014 she discovered her love for teaching whilst working at a school, which specialised in working with SEN students. She has since taught at universities, colleges, schools, and amateur dramatic groups. Sadie is passionate about directing and getting involved in the more creative side of the arts. More recently working as an associate choreographer/director on professional projects. She’s excited to start her teaching journey with Speak Up Drama.
Greta graduated from the Guildford School of Acting with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. Her professional credits include Top Hat and The UK & International Tour of 42nd Street. Greta has been teaching young people alongside performing for 5 years. Greta is thrilled to be joining the Speak Up teaching team!
“There’s no better way to watch a child develop their confidence and character, than in a safe space like Speak Up Drama”
Lexi studied Drama in London, but I’m originally from Wales! Lexi has worked on regional tours and has travelled with shows around Europe! Lexi has a real passion for working with children, she runs mother-and-baby classes and was once a teaching assistant. The thing that really drew Lexi to Speak Up was how it’s all about implementing drama and confidence into everyday life.
“Seeing how much they’ve grown in the class is a very rewarding experience. Speak Up classes make me motivated, and I enjoy sharing that with all the wonderful children I teach. One thing for sure is Speak Up has been a wonderful highlight of my week!”
Elizabeth trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2021. Before that she was part of the first cohort of Open Door. She enjoys encouraging young people to discover acting and creating. She has worked with Open Door and Hackney Empire to do this over the last year. Elizabeth’s work as an actor includes Small Island (National Theatre), Steel Magnolias (UK Tour) and Playboy of the West Indies (Birmingham Rep). Working as an actor is Elizabeth’s first passion and helping young people comes in close second!
Niamh trained at Leeds Conservatoire with a BA (Hons) degree in Musical Theatre, and upon graduation, was the winner of the ‘Principal’s Award for Contribution to the Conservatoire’. Niamh has many years of experience teaching young people in drama, acting, dance and musical theatre in academies all across Yorkshire. She has recently moved to London and cannot wait to bring her wealth of experience to Speak Up Drama.
Alongside her performing career, Niamh has a real passion for teaching. She loves working with young people, helping to progress their skills, whilst emphasising the importance of ensemble, teamwork and respect.
Hannah Zoé recently trained with National Youth Theatre’s REP Company and is an actress across tv, film and theatre. Her academic background in psychology and passion for wellbeing in the arts is a key part of her practice. She has led numerous workshops combining theatre and mental health for young people. When teaching drama, she aims to create a positive and inclusive environment.
“Her practice is playful, and imaginative and helps your young person to develop in confidence and find their voice.”
Nia Powell trained as an actor at ALRA South, working with directors Emily Aboud (Evening Standard Future Theatre Award Winner, Bush Theatre, Theatre 503) & Paloma Oakenfold (Lyric Hammersmith, Channel 4). She has collaborated in association with Clean Break & The National Portrait Gallery. Nia also has an MA in playwriting & dramaturgy from Goldsmiths where she worked with practitioners from Hesitate and Demonstrate, Hijinx and Unicorn Theatre. Her debut play Parma Violets was performed at the VAULT festival and her most recent play Tears of Joy was performed at SOHO Theatre and Landmark Theatres.
“Nia loves working with young people and being inspired by their imagination and creativity. She loves how Speak Up encourages us to find a voice and grow confidence!”
Lydia trained with Identity School of Acting and the Oxford School of Drama and works across TV, film, and theatre. Recent credits include BBC Doctors and a play at the Park Theatre. Alongside acting, she is a facilitator, songwriter, and spoken word artist, with a passion for community work and inclusive practice. She is also Level 3 BSL trained and brings all her creative skills into her workshops with young people—something she loves most about her work.
“Her sessions are creative, inclusive, and inspiring, helping young people to grow in confidence and express themselves fully.”
Jimmy first entered the profession as an actor in 2007, playing the Young Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He trained as an actor at Drama Studio London after completing a BA in Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds.
He now runs theatre company Proud Haddock who regularly performs at theatres such as Southwark Playhouse, Jermyn Street Theatre, and Finborough Theatre. In 2017 he was selected as a potential nominee in the Arts Category for Forbes 30 under 30. As well as working for Speak Up, Jimmy runs school workshops at Shakespeare’s Globe and shares Teri’s passion for restoring drama back onto the school curriculum.
Since graduating with a BA in Music Theatre, Francesca has been active in the performing arts industry professionally. Having had a number of on screen roles including Short films, and Tv and appearing in commercials, Having recently returned from an international tour of Matilda, in Turkey. Francesca is excited to have the opportunity to share her knowledge with the children.
“Watching children perform in drama is pure magic, as their vibrant talents and boundless creativity light up the stage”
Frankie is a creative who trained at The Poor School. Her credits include Olivia in Twelfth Night and Alice in Dick Whittington to name a few. Frankie also writes and produces; her most recent script is currently in pre-production and she is also preparing a show for the Vaults Festival!
Frankie’s love of the arts is why she loves teaching.
“It is so wonderful to see what creating does for children! It’s lovely to pass on knowledge of one’s passion, all whilst having the best fun. I’m so glad I met Teri and I get to be a part of the Speak Up team!”
Ed trained and graduated at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and received a BA Honours in Acting. He has performed in many plays aimed at younger audiences (Pegasus Theatre Oxford, and Theatre Centre to name a few)
Ed’s love for acting and performance is fuelled by his passion to have fun and the exploration of imagination.
“It is so great to see what creating does for the children. Watching them realise their potential and that they can use skills they learn in Drama anywhere is so rewarding!”
Nesah trained at The Royal Academy of Music graduating with a Masters Degree in Musical Theatre Nesah has been Awarded a Disney Theatrical Scholarship to attend the Academy and during her time there was honoured with a Toni V Fell Prize winning overall 1st place.
Nesah has been teaching and directing young people for the last 5 years and enjoys seeing them grow in confidence and skill while having fun. She believes in encouraging them to be their best self not just in the classroom but for life.