Excellence in Performing Arts Education
MEET OUR TEACHERS
NICOLE EVERETT
DIRECTOR - BACHELOR ARTS (DANCE)/BACHELOR EDUCATION
For over 30 years, Nicole has been a leader and innovator in Performing Arts education making a significant impact in both primary and secondary schools, private studios and the wider community. As a Learning Leader of Dance/Drama, she has crafted engaging curricula and programs that inspire creativity, confidence, and self-expression in students of all abilities.
With extensive experience teaching dance from 18 months old to VCE Dance and directing/choreographing around 32 musical theatre productions, Nicole is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of directors, choreographers, and actors. Her strong academic background, complements her passion for delivering exceptional performances.
Her focus in tertiary dance was the Contemporary style as well as anatomy, choreography and history of dance and she completed her Cechetti ballet exams with the renowned Cheriil Rowston. Later in her career, jazz and tap became her focus as she developed these technical skills through performing in and choreographing Musical Theatre.
First and foremost she is dedicated to enriching the lives and minds of young people through the transformative power of arts and culture. Attention to student well-being is at the forefront of her teaching philosophy and the reason she opened Stage Door Academy. Excellence and well-being can absolutely co-exist.
DYLAN DICKSON
DANCE TEACHER - TAP
Dylan has had a successful career travelling to over 70 countries as a professional dancer for various cruise lines. After graduating from his dance studies under Robert Sturrock, Dylan signed his first professional contract with Princess Cruises. He danced for three years with Princess Cruises before signing with ESC Management UK, for whom he danced with Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines.
With a wish to continue developing his skills, Dylan trained in the UK between contracts and was accepted into the renowned Broadway Dance Centre Course in New York. Dylan’s credits in Australia include working with Jessica Mauboy, Rhonda Burchmore, Channel Seven’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, Network Ten’s ‘Everybody Dance Now’, at the Regent Theatre Melbourne, Crown Casino, Crown Palladium, Grand Hyatt, Eureka Sky Tower, Marvel Stadium, FX Entertainment, HD Entertainment, Brooks and Baker Entertainment, Fresh Creative Entertainment, Dana Jolly, Robert Sturrock, Todd Patrick, and many more.
Dylan is a passionate dance educator with over fifteen years of experience, specialising in Theatrical Tap dance. His teaching has included working at some of Melbourne’s most prominent full-time performing arts institutions including, Patrick School of the Arts, Robert Sturrock’s Industry Dance Company, Show Fit, Associated Studios Australia and The Space Dance and Arts Centre. In addition to teaching, Dylan is an experienced dance adjudicator, most recently judging the Titans of Tap competition in New Zealand.
Dylan holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance/Drama/English) from Deakin University and is currently completing a Master of Teaching to further his expertise as a performing arts educator.
OLIVIA WEST
DANCE TEACHER - BALLET / JAZZ / LYRICAL
Olivia has been training in dance for over 15 years and is classically trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She has completed all Royal Academy of Dance syllabus exams, as well as many vocational exams.
Olivia has completed seasons with Scimm Dance Company, which grew her passion for dance.
Completing VCE Dance at Kilbreda College, Olivia was also the Choreography Intern for Matilda the Musical in 2021, which was nominated for its choreography by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria.
Her extensive experience across various styles has shaped her into both a skilled performer and a passionate instructor, dedicated to helping her students master their technique and find joy in movement.
We can't wait for you to take class with Olivia.
NATALIE BRAY
DANCE TEACHER - RAD BALLET
ÁINE MORONEY
DANCE TEACHER - JAZZ / TDP
Áine is a full-time dance graduate from Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance with a Diploma in Elite Performance (Dance) and a Cert IV Dance Teaching & Management, graduating as DUX of her cohort, as well as, recently completing the postgraduate course, THREE. Her academic achievements include VCE Dance, Cert II and Cert III in Business.
Áine has performed in front of live audiences, on camera and has worked with highly regarded Australian choreographers. Some of her credits include, ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Final in front of an MCG crowd of 85,000, Monash Children’s Hospital Gala, Queensberry Cup, Melbourne Fringe Parade, Master Builders Awards, My Room Charity Ball & Auction, Crown Melbourne and many more.
Áine has been sharing her love of teaching for over 7 years, ranging in ages 2-20yrs and loves the opportunity to teach the next generation of dancers. Áine is skilled in dance styles including Jazz, Commercial, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre as well as Ballet (Cechetti), Contemporary, Tap and Acrobatic training.
Áine cannot wait to be a part of Stage Door Academy and is looking forward to meeting and teaching her students the art of dance!
DARIO ZANINI-SASSANI
DANCE TEACHER - BALLET / CONTEMPORARY / TDP
Dario is a highly skilled dancer with a strong classical background and experience in both classical and contemporary styles. He danced with the Queensland Ballet under the Direction on Li Cunxin.
Dario graduated from the Queensland Ballet Academy Pre-Professional Program, and was mentored by Wim Broeckx, Christian Tátchev, and former Queensland Ballet Principal Camilo Ramos. He spent six years at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and was a finalist and scholarship recipient at the Cecchetti International Ballet Competition in Florence, Italy.
His performance credits include roles in Queensland Ballet’s Manon, Peter and the Wolf, the Bespoke Season 2021, the 60th Anniversary Gala, Matador Suite, Intimate Dialogues , Motif , 100s & 1000s , Prashanti, and The Four Seasons. Dario has been teaching Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre Strength/Conditioning. Dario found his love and passion for dance when we was young and would love the opportunity to help others find their love for Performing Arts at Stage Door Academy
KATE AYRES
DANCE TEACHER - COMMERCIAL
Kate Ayres is a Melbourne based dancer with a strong passion for dance and teaching. She joined the Dance Prescription family at just 8 years old and participated in the program until 2020. Kate danced at the Sharon Lawrence Academy of Dance from 2018 to 2023 and performed in the Boss Dance Company Youth Program from 2019 to 2024. She has recently commenced a full-time tertiary dance course at Patrick School of the Arts.
Her work experience includes assisting Lisa Ellis with jazz technique workshops across Australia and the UK, modelling for Couture Costume Dance-wear, and performing with Katy Perry at the AFL Grand Final pre-game. Notable achievements include representing the Victorian Calisthenics Club in 2015, winning a scholarship for the Boss Dance Company Youth Program, earning a VCE VET Dance study score of 50, and performing two solos at Top Class 2024.
BELLA ORCHARD
DANCE TEACHER - TAP
Bella has 15 years of dance experience, with classical training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre and hip hop. Bella danced for 12 years at Jane Moore Academy of Ballet, where she completed all RAD syllabus exams. Additionally, with a love for theatrical styles, she competed solos, duos and troupe routines at several competitions across Melbourne.
Bella’s teaching journey begun with an assistant choreographer position for Mentone Grammar’s impressive production, Grease in 2024. Additionally, she continues to uplift and inspire students, assisting with Mentone’s Grammar’s co-curricular dance program.
Bella’s creative passion drives her love for teaching dance. She is dedicated to develop technique, musicality and performance skills with her students.
Bella is thrilled to be teaching the superstars of Stage Door Academy!
CHARLOTTE LEWS-WILLIAMS
DANCE TEACHER - HIP-HOP / ACRO
Charlotte is a passionate and dedicated dance teacher with over 15 years of experience across multiple disciplines, including Ballet (Cechetti), Jazz, Tap, Acro, and HipHop, as well as 12 years in cheerleading.
With an impressive track record of both national and state championship titles in cheerleading and HipHop, Charlotte knows first-hand the commitment, precision, and energy it takes to excel in dance and competition. As a coach, she led her team to the 2024 State Championship and has been inspiring and guiding dancers and cheerleaders for 7 years.
Beyond competition, Charlotte’s creative vision and leadership shine through in her choreographic work. She served as Dance Captain and choreographer for productions of Legally Blonde in 2023 and High School Musical Junior in 2022 and previously led as Dance Captain for the 2021 production of Matilda. With experience performing both nationally and internationally, Charlotte brings a global perspective and unyielding drive to each class, aiming to inspire students to reach their fullest potential, whether on stage or in the studio
WILL CONYERS
VOCAL TEACHER - SENIOR / SOLOISTS
Will Conyers is one of the most sought-after Elite Level Vocal Coaches in Australia. Will works with singers across all styles from Pop to Opera, from Cabaret to Musical Theatre. Will's success in the field has meant that virtually every professional musical in the last 30 years has boasted at least one of his students, past or present, in it.
In addition, Will has massive success in the preparation of VCE students for both the Voice Classical and Voice Contemporary Popular Syllabi. Well-versed in all aspects of Vocal Health and Technique. he has established lasting relationships with the Melbourne Voice Analysis Centre and the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS).
Will is a graduate of the National Theatre Drama School and Founding Director of the Musical Theatre Course. He was Head of Acting at CQU (2000–03) and along with Nancye Hayes was chosen to take up an Artist Residence at WAAPA.
Select theatre credits as a performer include Jesus Christ Superstar, Torch Song Trilogy, Mame, Gypsy, Sweet Charity, Man of La Mancha, Footrot Flats The Musical, Half a Sixpence, The Magic Wishing Chair, All the Lives of Me, The Magic Pudding, The Prodigal Son, Possum Magic, The Magic Faraway Tree, Fiddler on the Roof, Is There Life After High School?, Closer Than Ever, Dutch Courage, McCubbin, The White Mouse, STATUS – The Play.
Will has directed Lorna Luft, Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Rocky, and Anastasia) and Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked, and Pippin). TV credits include Neighbours, The Flying Doctors, Skirts, and Lift Off. Will hosted Broadway at Bedtime (JOY 94.9) for six years and was Artistic Director of Cabaret venue, Downstairs at Alma's
Stage Door Academy is so honoured to be working with one of the most accomplished singing teachers and performers in Australia.
GEORGIA MCALEER
VOCAL TEACHER
Georgia is an up-and-coming performing artist and creative based in Melbourne. Growing up surrounded by good entertainment (and good wine) in the Yarra Valley, Georgia found her passion for all things performing arts at a young age. While studying a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Federation University, she has had the opportunity to work on productions such as Into The Woods (dir. Alister Smith), Jane Eyre (dir. Dr Ross Hall) and Tribe (dir. Anthony Crowley).
Georgia has performed as a Resident Artist with Broadway Unplugged in 2023 and performed as “Lenny” in Melbourne Fringe Festival’s season of Searching For Betty. Currently, Georgia is following her love of vocal teaching at Freedom Music Studios
ROHAN KHANNA
VOCAL TEACHER - MUSICAL THEATRE
Rohan Khanna is a graduate from the ‘Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts’ completing his Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre (2023) and previously completing the Diploma in Musical Theatre (2020).
In Rohan’s younger years he had been part of YABC’s production of Les Misérables as Marius U/S & Featured Singing Ensemble, and YABC’s production of Cats as Munkustrap U/S & Ensemble.
Rohan’s previous WAAPA credits include John Hinkley in Assassins ‘2022’, Anthony Hope U/S & Ensemble in Sweeney Todd ‘2023’ and Cowboy Bob in Footloose ‘2023’.
Rohan made his professional stage debut in the most recent Australian tour of Wicked from
2023-2025.
Rohan is a big supporter for seeing more POC and diverse representation within Australian theatre and screen.
GRACE ALSTON
VOCAL TEACHER - MUSICAL THEATRE
Grace graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Musical Theatre) from WAPPA, a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Brent Street as well as a Certificate III in Community Dance, Theatre and Events.
Originally from Newcastle, NSW, Grace started dancing at the age of five. Many years on, Grace's love of performing as only grown, so much so, that it has taken her both nationally and internationally for training. She has been teaching since she was sixteen, both in WA and NSW and has represented Australia MTI International Musical Theatre Festival in the US in 2019.
From her years of being a student, she has experience all manners of vocal and dance education, and from this knows the importance of approaching performance education form a holistic and understanding standpoint, not just an isolated short practice or class. Grace aims to provide students with skills that ensure the longevity of their voice and body as well as skills learnt within their training that they can apply to external areas of their life, such as confidence, persistence and critical thinking. Most importantly she hopes to share the joy of dance, music, acting and signing, and vehemently believes that the involvement of the arts within our daily lives expands our happiness, mindfulness and empathy for others.
AMANDA HARGREAVES
VOCAL TEACHER
Amanda graduated with Master of Music (Opera Performance) from the University of Melbourne in 2023. During her time at the university, she was fortunate to have worked with the Victorian Opera company on several occasions, understudying the principal role of “Olivia” in Schubert’s “The Friends of Salamanca” (2021) and performing as the “Squirrel Monkey” in Joe Twists “The Grumpiest Boy in the World” (2023) at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Other credits include ‘Fortuna/Damigella’ in Monterverdi’s L'incoronazione di Poppea (2021), ‘Titania’ in Purcell’s The Fairy Queen (2022) and ‘Papagena’ in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (2023) for the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Other roles studied include Despina in Mozart’s Cosí Fan Tutte (2023).
She has been a finalist and prize winner in several esteemed vocal competitions,
most recently winning third prize in the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic (RMP) Aria Competition (2024) at Federation Square.
Amanda strives to create a positive and nurturing environment, with an emphasis on building a safe and reliable vocal technique, developing stage presence/performance skill and expanding repertoire through the exploration of various musical styles. She is confident in preparing students for auditions, competitions and exams.
CASSIE UPSTILL
STUDIO MANAGER & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Cassie's extensive experience and diverse skill set make her an invaluable asset to Stage Door Academy. As a dancer with over 20 years of training in all styles, and as the owner of her own dance school for 7 years, she brings a wealth of teaching expertise.
Additionally, Cassie's strong background in marketing, communications, and digital media further enhances her capabilities. Drawing on her multifaceted perspective as a teacher, studio owner, and mother of two talented young dancers, Cassie is the go-to expert for all dance-related questions and advice and will oversee operations at the academy.
RACHEL JONES
ADMIN ASSISTANT
Rachel is a well rounded performer and has trained in all dance styles at Charlesworth Walsh Dance centre. She is currently singing under the guidance and training of Belinda Jenkin and performs in choirs and as a soloist.
Rachel is a gifted and passionate musical theatre performer having featured in MLOCs West Side Story, as ‘Glinda the Good Witch’ in Wizard of Oz, Paulette in ‘Legally Blonde’ (for which she received a Victorian Guild nomination ) and Jane Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’.
She is so excited to share her knowledge with her students, building and fostering a positive and encouraging environment where performing can grow
AMELIE EVERETT
STUDENT TEACHER - DANCE
Amelie has been passionately immersed in the world of dance since the tender age of three, cultivating her skills across a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. Currently, she is enrolled full time at the prestigious Transit High-School Dance Academy.
In addition to her dance studies, Amelie has honed her vocal abilities under the guidance of Will Conyers, further enriching her artistic repertoire. Her dedication and talent have led to remarkable opportunities, including her role as Mary in the Australian tour of "The Secret Garden."
Amelie's impressive performance history includes notable roles in acclaimed musicals such as "Les Misérables," (Little Cosette) as Molly in "Annie", Shonelle in "School of Rock," and Ariel in "The Little Mermaid." Each of these performances has contributed to her growth as a versatile performer.
With a strong passion for musical theatre, she aspires not only to perform on stage but also to inspire the next generation of dancers and performers through teaching.