Meet the Team
our teachers!

dance teacher/OWNER
liv Riseley
Olivia is a fully qualified IDTA teacher and has been teaching and training students at Art House Theatre and Dance from ages 2 - 18 years old for many years. She has had students go on to train at professional conservatoire’s whilst also training students to succeed in auditions and take on principle and leading roles. Olivia says “teaching is my passion and to love what you do is honestly a privilege”. She recently landed herself a job teaching for Hope Mill Theatre School in Manchester, getting to work with professionals and being able to create and train within a theatre setting.
Olivia has choreographed multiple productions such as the musical Spamalot, Pantomimes and award winning Variety Concerts. She took on the lead role of Mimi in RENT and as lead dancer in West Side Story, both performed at the Buxton Opera House with professional director Paul Kerryson. Olivia has also played the role of Rusty in Footloose, Serena in Legally Blonde and multiple principle roles in Panotmime. Olivia has also been featured in music videos and as a demonstrator in a video for an international dance company.
She is a loving, fun, yet professional teacher and only strives to succeed the very best for her students to ensure they enjoy all lessons whilst achieving levels to be the very best that they can be.
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Olivia is fully DBS checked and insured.​

singing & acting coach/OWNER
Sara Hawley
Sara has been in the industry for over 20 years, with her training starting in Classical and Opera, aged 11, later moving into rock and pop, writing and recording her own material. After working with a variety of session musicians, Sara felt it was time to form her own Band. They toured the UK, playing at some iconic venues. When she was just 16, Sara worked with Producer Gordon Raphael, who has produced bands including 'the Strokes' and 'Skin' (lead singer of Skunk Anansie). Gordon produced and played on Saras EP’s and appeared in an early music video. Sara has toured all over the UK, including festivals, with write ups in NME, made TV appearances and has performed live on radio including the BBC. Sara decided to take a different path in her 20's and joined the world of Musical Theatre, where she has since played the roles of Deloris in Sister Act, Crystal in little shop of horrors, Regina in Rock of Ages and many more. Sara has most recently won various Noda Awards including 'best leading female in a Musical' for her role as Lady of lake in Spamalot, ‘best supporting female in a Musical’ for her role as Paulette in Legally Blonde, ‘Best Concert / Revue’ and best Pantomime for her position as Director. Sara has been teaching privately for the last 5 years, building confidence, preparing students for exams, holding private auditions for ‘the Voice Kids UK’ and teaching vocal technique and stamina. Many students have since had successes in Musical Theatre and other ventures. “I love what I do, being an integral part of someone’s personal growth is incredible. I wouldn’t change it for the world”.
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Sara achieved a higher diploma with merit in contemporary singing teaching and is fully dbs checked and insured

MUSICAL THEATRE TEACHER
maddi riseley
Maddi has been working at be for a few years now. she is currently completing her level 3 diploma in childcare and early years. Maddi has also taken to the stage performing in shows such as 'little shop of horrors' as Audrey and 'we will rock you' as killer queen and many others. she is warm, caring and loads of fun! the students at be love working with Maddi. she will soon be undertaking qualifications in teaching acting and singing.
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maddi is fully dbs checked and insured.

SINGING TEACHER
EMILY STEWART
Emily is a talented soprano from Altrincham who recently graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal Northern College of Music. During her time at RNCM, she distinguished herself by winning the Elsie Thurston Song Prize and the Alexander Young Prize. She also secured coveted places with the RNCM Songsters and Chamber Choir, showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities.
Emily’s stage experience is extensive, having performed numerous principal roles in operas and musicals including Le nozze di Figaro, Les Misérables, and Sister Act. She recently took to the stage as La Cugina at the Dorset Opera Festival and as Gretel for the 50th Anniversary Gala.
Alongside her performance career, Emily is an enthusiastic teacher, dedicated to helping students of all ages and abilities develop their vocal skills and confidence. Her warm and engaging teaching style, combined with her deep knowledge of technique and repertoire, makes her a wonderful addition to our team.
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EMILY IS FULLY INSURED AND DBS CHECKED.

Dance Teacher
Ruby Wood
Ruby has been dancing since the age of four and is currently preparing for her Intermediate ballet exam. She has trained in a wide range of styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, theatre craft, tap, and lyrical. Over the years, Ruby has taken part in many stage productions, with her most recent performance in The Hunger Games.
Before becoming a dance teacher just over a year ago, Ruby spent three years as a teaching assistant, gaining valuable experience working with children. She has a real passion for choreography and loves creating dances that celebrate each student’s unique personality and style. Her nurturing approach and creative energy make her a much-loved member of the teaching team.