Meet the Team
our teachers!

dance teacher/OWNER
liv Riseley
Olivia is a fully qualified IDTA teacher and has been teaching and training students 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 has previously worked 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 8 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.

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.

musical theatre & singing teacher
MAE HARDY
Mae teaches our Minis, Tinys, Beginners, Stage 1 and Stage 2 students at BE Performing Arts. Currently studying at Fallibroome Sixth Form, she has completed her GCSE in Music, achieved Grade 5 Contemporary Singing with Distinction, and has performed in shows at Fallibroome, BE, and Prestbury Youth Panto for many years.
Mae has trained with Liv in ballet, jazz, tap and pointe since childhood, alongside private vocal lessons with Sara, giving her a strong foundation in both music and dance. With her warm, engaging approach, Mae inspires younger students to grow in confidence and discover their love of performing.

musical theatre teacher
Lolly Pettigrew
Lolly brings energy and creativity to her teaching at BE Performing Arts, working with our Minis, Tinys, Beginners, Stage 1 and Stage 2 students. She is currently studying at Fallibroome Sixth Form and has been part of the performing arts world from a young age, appearing in countless productions with Fallibroome, BE and Prestbury Youth Panto.
With many years of training with Liv in ballet, jazz, tap and pointe, alongside her vocal coaching with Sara, Lolly has developed a well-rounded skill set that shines through in her teaching. She has a wonderful way of encouraging younger children, making every class fun while helping them grow in confidence, performance skills and stage presence.

RECEPTIONIST / ALL ROUND STAR
KATE RISELEY
At BE Performing Arts, we’re incredibly lucky to have Kate as our receptionist and all-round superstar helper. From welcoming families with a smile to supporting our teachers and keeping the studios running smoothly, Kate does it all with kindness, efficiency, and care. Quite simply, we’d be lost without her!

dance & musical theatre assistant
Sophie houghton
Sophie is a valued teaching assistant at BE Performing Arts, supporting our Minis, Tinys, Beginners, Stage 1 and Stage 2 students in musical theatre, dance and production classes. She has trained with Liv across all genres of dance, giving her a strong foundation in performance and technique.
Sophie’s warm and approachable nature makes her a fantastic role model for our younger students. Always ready to encourage and guide, she helps children feel confident and supported as they develop their skills across singing, dancing, acting and stagecraft

musical theatre assistant
Florence lomas
Florence supports our Minis, Tinys, Beginners, Stage 1 and Stage 2 students in musical theatre, dance and production classes at BE Performing Arts. She has been training in singing with Sara for many years and recently completed her Grade 4 vocal exam with Merit, giving her strong skills to share with younger performers.
Florence’s enthusiasm and supportive nature make her a brilliant assistant in class. She encourages every child to grow in confidence and enjoy their performing journey, whether they’re singing, dancing or acting on stage.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR
IAN JONES
We are proud to have Ian as the Musical Director for many of our productions at BE Performing Arts. With a wealth of experience MD’ing countless shows across the North West, Ian brings exceptional musical talent and expertise to every performance. A highly skilled pianist and dedicated collaborator, he lifts our productions to the next level. We’re very lucky to have him on our team.

stage managers
Chris Oldman & Liam bunkA
Chris and Liam are an essential part of the BE Performing Arts family, working behind the scenes as our stage managers and set builders. Based in their own space at our studios, they design, build and manage the sets for our productions, always bringing creativity and care to their work.
Much loved by the students, Chris and Liam treat every child with kindness and encouragement, making them feel at home both on stage and behind the scenes.