SOPHIE

MA Drama, PGCE Drama, BSc Psychology

Sophie has been preparing students for Acting and Musical Theatre LAMDA exams for over 10 years in prestigious schools including Cheltenham Ladies College and Bristol Grammar School. Sophie prides herself on the achievements of her students and her involvement in the development of the new LAMDA Musical Theatre syllabi (2021). As a LAMDA examiner Sophie is able to apply her excellent understanding of the assessment criteria to ensure her students achieve their very best!

Sophie specialises in teaching Musical Theatre using the Estill vocal technique. Sophie completed the Estill Vocal Training Levels 1 & 2 at the Royal Academy of Music in 2014 and has completed additional Estill training on Belt & Mixed Voice, Contemporary Legit and Estill for Singing Teachers with Anne Marie Speed at The Voice Explained. Sophie also completed Figures For Voice Control with Charlotte Xerri.

Sophie has completed her PGCE in Secondary Drama and, as Head of Drama at Bloxham School, taught GCSE and A-level Drama & Theatre Studies. In this role Sophie was also responsible for extra-curricular drama including productions for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, National Theatre Connections, Shakespeare for Schools Festival and National Student Drama Festival. 

Sophie has been teaching Musical Theatre lessons at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) since 2011 and has enjoyed offering so many exciting performance opportunities to her students, including performing at the RWCMD, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, Millennium Stadium, Sherman Theatre, Motorpoint Arena and St. David’s Hall. 

Sophie has directed productions in theatres across the UK but her favourite is still the well-loved 2013 production of Oliver in the Richard Burton Theatre, RWCMD. Other credits include Musical Director of the children’s choir in the 2019 Collabro tour and Assistant Director with National Theatre Wales. 

As a performer Sophie has enjoyed a range of roles from dancing in the Paralympic Opening Games to supporting Ruthie Henshall on tour (where she first met Elena), singing at the Royal Albert Hall and performing as Sarah Brown in the Everyman Open Air production of Guys and Dolls. Sophie also has experience on screen in television and adverts, including voice-over work. 

Other relevant training and experience includes Delivering Arts Awards (Trinity College London), Protecting Children in Entertainment (NSPCC), Wales and Ireland Regional Counsellor for the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), Drama teacher at Chapter Theatre, Paediatric First Aid, Equality and Diversity (The Skills Network), Working with Mental Health (The Skills Network), Certificate in Fitness Instruction: Exercise to Music (CYQ), Zumba Instructor Training (Zumba). 

ELENA

Elena has been teaching at Ascendance Theatre Arts for the past 10 years and continues to be amazed and inspired by the upcoming talent as we continue to be amazed by her passion and enthusiasm!

Elena works as a director, actor and dancer in theatre, film and even as a voice over artist for companies such as National Theatre Wales, Welsh National Opera, BBC Wales, Mercury Theatre, Sherman Theatre and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Elena’s most recent work includes and open air production of Shakespeares “A Midsummer Night’s Dream“ and “Wars of the Roses“ at Warwick Castle.

REBECCA

Rebecca joined Ascendance Theatre Arts as a student in 2012 and performed as Dodger in our first ever production of Oliver! Rebecca’s other notable roles include flying as the Caterpillar/Butterfly in Alice in Wonderland and performing as Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat! Rebecca was also selected to record a music video for CBBC.

Rebecca has completed a Level 4 Diploma in Acting and will be in her second year studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama this year.

SASCHA

Sascha has a degree in drama and theatre. She is also a qualified primary school teacher based in Cardiff and she is always involved in the drama club and the choir!

Sascha grew up playing the trumpet for the National Orchestra for Wales and although she love acting, dancing and all things musical, her passion has always been singing. After entering the Welsh Factor, a local singing competition, she was scouted to audition for BBC’s ‘The Voice’.

Sascha loves the West End and her favourite musical is Dear Evan Hansen. Sascha has played roles such as Nancy in Oliver and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

NICK

Nick was born in Cardiff and joined the Sherman Youth Theatre when he was sixteen, progressing to the Sherman Theatre Company for his first professional job two years later.  He went on to train at the National Youth Theatre of Wales and Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. 

Nick has been a professional actor for over twenty years, including work for Sherman Theatre; Theatr Iolo; Welsh National Opera; Ffilm Cymru; BBC; ITV and S4C. 

Without the help, support and advice from his tutors when he was at a young age, Nick wouldn’t have the career he has today. Nick is passionate about passing on the knowledge and experience he has built up to the next generation. 

STEVE

Steve starred in our production of Oliver nearly 15 years ago! Since then he has helped to run our Arts Award and tutored in our RWCMD classes. Steve has lived in Cardiff for 15 years, coming here to study Drama, Theatre and Media at USW.

Since graduating Steve started Clock Tower Theatre Company and the Cardiff Fringe Theatre Festival, being involved with various aspects of both, including producing, directing, marketing, administration and treasury.

Steve has worked in education, facilitation and currently as an administrator for Hijinx Theatre. Steve lives in Barry with his twin sons, wife Jana and dog Bonnie.

CHLOE

Chloe joined Ascendance Theatre Arts as a student in 2012 and performed in our first productions of Oliver and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Chloe was also a memorable Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland which is when Chloe started assisting in classes with the younger students.

Chloe graduated from Edge Hill University with a First Class Honours Degree in BA Musical Theatre, and has recently completed a PGCE in Secondary Drama, alongside working as a Musical Theatre Teacher. Chloe enjoys directing and stage managing as well as performing and teaching, and has recently choreographed productions of High School Musical and Matilda Jr. 

Chloe has participated in Musical Theatre and Dance classes from a young age and has performed in musicals such as Legally Blonde, Fame, Rent and many more. Chloe is excited to return to teach at Ascendance Theatre Arts; she is eager to develop the performance skills of many young people in a passionate, nurturing and welcoming environment.

FREYA

Freya has been performing since she was little, singing in shows and concerts. She competed in Llangollen Eisteddford Competition from 2014-2016 (Children’s Choir Competition, Vocal Ensemble and Open Dance). Freya has experience of Musical Theatre exams having completed LCM Musical Theatre Exams throughout secondary school and gaining a distinction in Grade 8 Musical Theatre Singing!

Freya has both a BA and Masters in Musical Theatre! She has performed in university shows such Crazy for You, Xanadu and Miss Littlewood. Freya loves teaching and would love to pass on the many vocal techniques she has learnt throughout training; to be able to help all ages be able to sing with confidence! She is trained in Estill Vocal Technique and Acting Through Song.

Mia

Mia has just graduated from Chichester Conservatoire studying Musical Theatre Performance. In her time at the University, Mia played multiple main roles in various shows including Judy in '9 to 5', Extraordinary Girl in 'American Idiot' and played Gisella in the World premiere of the new musical ‘Scholl’.

Mia has sung in various choirs since she was a child, competing in the Llangollen international Eisteddfod, Choir of the year competitions and more. Mia has experience in LAMDA and ABRSM musical theatre exams, achieving Distinctions!

Gareth

Gareth Tidball (she/her) is a Welsh-American performer & educator based in Cardiff. She holds a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and has also trained at Circomedia in Bristol. She has taught performing arts to students all over the world, from California to New York, the UK and Europe, and is passionate about inspiring young performers! As an actress, Gareth has an array of theatre credits, including Shakespeare, children's theatre and newly devised work. One of her favourite productions was performing in the National UK tour of 'Oh No, George!' based on the award-winning children's book by Chris Haughton.