Kelly began performing at a young age, appearing in musical theatre productions including Me and My Girl, and Annie. She trained at Laine Theatre Arts in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern, before completing a degree in Dance and Performing Arts at the University of Chichester. Kelly went on to undertake Masters level training in Contemporary Dance and Dance Science at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

Alongside her performance and training background, Kelly is a qualified secondary school dance teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), specialising in mental health, pastoral support, and safeguarding. She also holds an Exercise to Music qualification.

With over 15 years’ experience teaching Dance, Drama, and Musical Theatre to all age groups, Kelly is passionate about nurturing confident, expressive, and resilient performers. Her teaching combines strong technical foundations with a deep commitment to student wellbeing, inclusivity, and personal development.

As Principal, Kelly is dedicated to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where students are encouraged to grow developing not only performance skills but confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of the arts. As a family run academy, we are proud to combine professional knowledge with a caring and personal approach, where young performers can grow in confidence and ambition.

Her favourite musicals include Chicago, Matilda, The Greatest Showman, and Hamilton.

New Malden Theatre Academy is proudly co-owned by Matt Rees, who brings valuable industry experience and a genuine passion for the performing arts to the heart of the school. Matt began his professional journey as a dancer, performing with the internationally recognised contemporary dance company BalletBoyz. Working within a professional touring environment gave him first hand insight into the discipline, creativity and teamwork required within the industry.

During his performing career, Matt appeared on some of the world’s most respected stages, including Sadler's Wells, Southbank Centre, Royal Opera House and the Sydney Opera House. He also took part in a Channel 4 documentary which involved travelling to Ethiopia, performed in the dance film Young Men, appeared in commercial work and featured in Random Acts for Channel 4. Matt additionally performed as part of BalletBoyz in a guest appearance on the UK television show Born to Shine.

Today, Matt works behind the scenes at New Malden Theatre Academy, supporting the academy’s growth and overall direction. While he is not involved in day to day teaching or the public-facing side of the school, his experience, guidance and steady support help ensure the academy remains professionally grounded while keeping its warm, family atmosphere.

His favourite musicals include Rock of Ages, Back to the Future and The Rocky Horror Show.

Emma trained at Italia Conti London, The Royal Ballet School Associates, and Hammond Associates. She is an experienced performer whose career spans musical theatre, pantomime, cruise ship entertainment, and television.

Her professional credits include Babes in the Wood (Chesterfield), The Little Mermaid (Hereford), Dick Whittington(Cardiff), Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (TIE), and Cassie in A Chorus Line (Fringe). Television work includes The Basil Brush Show (BBC), a Nintendo Wii commercial, and FM (Channel 4).

Emma’s choreography credits include productions for Italia Conti at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Wimbledon Theatre, and Fairfield Halls, as well as The Legacy (Leicester Square Theatre), Hotel Saligia (Bloomsbury), and Secrets (RADA).

Alongside her professional work, Emma teaches and manages for the New Malden Theatre Academy and Action Theatre Club in Bookham, teaches at Stagecoach Coulsdon, and runs her own after-school clubs specialising in Drama and Street Dance.

She holds a Diploma in Performing Arts (Trinity London), an ISTD Ballet Teaching Qualification, and an Exercise to Music qualification, and is currently training to become a Soft Tissue Therapist.

Her favourite musical is Cabaret, and her most memorable performing moment was dancing at the London Palladium.

Kate began dancing at 2 years of age. In her latter years she trained at Italia Conti Academy focusing on ISTD Ballet, Tap, Modern, Singing, Acting & Musical Theatre.

Kate has performed in many festivals, pantomimes and musical theatre productions and has enjoyed performing in theatres across London and touring. Kate is a fully qualified ISTD tap and modern teacher and has over 20 years teaching experience. As well as teaching syllabus work and preparing students for their examinations, Kate enjoys choreographing free work for shows.

Kate’s favourite musicals: Rent, Chicago, Caberet, Six.

Ashlie has been performing since an early age and has performed in many dance, circus, musical and vocal shows over the years in shows such as Cats, Fame, Jekyll & Hyde, Grease and many more. She has also worked in Holiday Parks as a Production Vocalist and on cruises too.

She is a Musical Theatre teacher and has also teaches gymnastics and at Nurseries. She loves teaching and passing her knowledge & passion on to the next generation of performers!

Ashlie’s favourite musical is all of them but if she has to pick it’s between Wicked, Bat Out Of Hell, We Will Rock You and The Pirate Queen.

Maia is a professional singer, actor, and vocal coach from Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She began performing at the age of four at her local dance school, before being accepted into Stagebox. At sixteen, she continued her training at CAPA College, where she gained A Levels in Dance, Drama, and Musical Theatre, graduating with the Musical Theatre Award. Maia then progressed to the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts, graduating with a Diploma in Musical Theatre and receiving the Hillary O’Neil Award for Comedy.

Maia’s professional experience spans stage, screen, and live concerts. Her performance credits include Made in Dagenham (directed by Matt Cole), Annie Get Your Gun (Sheffield Crucible, directed by Paul Foster), His Dark Materials, Magic of the Musicals (UK tour), Dance Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, Live in London, and ITV’s Emmerdale. Concert credits include performances with Collabro and Rachel Tucker, as well as Santa’s Christmas Rescue(Imagine Theatre).

Maia’s favourite musical is Operation Mincemeat.

Kedren is an Irish professional Musical theatre performer and teacher. She graduated with a Degree in Musical Theatre from Laine Theatre Arts. She has previously worked in many performing arts schools teaching multiple disciplines including Singing, Dance, and Musical Theatre. Her credits include ‘Nine the Musical: In concert’ at the Lowry Theatre; Manchester and ‘Robin Hood’ at the Yvonne Arnold Theatre. 
She is committed to supplying children with the reassurance and support to step into the world of performance with confidence and courage. She prides herself on being an approachable teacher that creates a safe and fun atmosphere for children to be their silliness and most authentic self.

From an early age I have loved performing. I am never happier than when I’m on a stage. Musical theatre is something I feel passionately about, both as an audience member and part of the cast. Having been a student at NMTA for many years, I am so pleased to have the opportunity to pass my knowledge and enthusiasm on to younger students. My favourite musical is definitely Mamma Mia!