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.
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​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.
CASSIE UPSTILL
STUDIO & DIGITAL MANAGER
Cassie’s extensive experience and diverse skill set make her an invaluable asset to Stage Door Academy. With over 20 years of training across all dance styles and more than seven years as the owner and director of her own successful dance school, she brings a deep understanding of both high-quality dance education and effective studio leadership.
Beyond the studio floor, Cassie has a strong background in marketing, communications, and digital media, allowing her to strategically guide the academy’s growth, brand presence, and community engagement. Her expertise extends to managing day-to-day studio operations, overseeing staff and programs, streamlining systems, and ensuring a positive, professional experience for students and families alike.
Drawing on her multifaceted perspective as a passionate teacher, experienced studio owner, and mother of two talented young dancers, Cassie offers thoughtful, practical guidance across all areas of the academy. As the overseer of operations at Stage Door Academy, she is dedicated to maintaining a supportive, well-run environment where creativity, excellence, and student wellbeing thrive.
OLIVIA WEST
DANCE TEACHER
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
Natalie Bray is a classically trained dancer and Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) registered teacher with a strong foundation in both performance and pedagogy. Trained under Jane Moore, Natalie completed all RAD ballet examinations up to Advanced 2 and went on to study at the prestigious Australian Ballet School in 2010.
Following her professional training, she became an RAD registered teacher in 2018 and later graduated in London in 2019, further deepening her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers.
With a passion for technical excellence and expressive movement, Natalie combines classical training with a contemporary approach to teaching and choreography. She continues to inspire students across various levels through thoughtful instruction and performance-driven mentorship.
CHARLOTTE LEWS-WILLIAMS
DANCE TEACHER
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
DARIO ZANINI-SASSANI
DANCE TEACHER
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
BELLA ORCHARD
DANCE TEACHER
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!
PAIGE HASKINS
DANCE TEACHER
Paige brings over 20 years of dance experience across multiple styles including Classical Ballet (SFD), Jazz, Contemporary, and Lyrical. She began her training at Beau-Rock Ballet School, where she performed extensively in solos, duos, trios, and troupe routines at competitions throughout Melbourne, ultimately progressing to Nationals.
In 2022, Paige achieved her Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) Teacher’s
Certificate, majoring in Classical Ballet. She later completed a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management (2025) at Transit Dance, where she was honoured with the Dance Teacher’s Award for her cohort.
Paige’s extensive training and performance background have shaped her into the dedicated teacher she is today. She is passionate about developing strong technique in her students while prioritising their wellbeing and fostering a positive, supportive learning environment.
GARRY STOCKS
DANCE TEACHER
Garry Stocks is a Melbourne-based tap dance artist. Whether it be teaching, performing, or creating new work, he welcomes them equally with passion, dedication, and artistic freedom. His dance journey began in the little country town of Bathurst in New South Wales, and since then he has spent his life surrounded by dance. Initially, he was drawn to the fascinating world of tap dance and began his training as a 7-year-old with the Les Griffiths Tap Dancing Syllabus. As the years went on, he began exploring any style of dance he could participate in, and ballet became a new challenge and artistic expression he wanted to explore to its fullest. He decided to move to Melbourne at the age of 15 to study at The Australian Ballet School and after graduating, in 2005 he joined The Australian Ballet, under the direction of David McAllister AC. Garry has performed on iconic stages all around the world, including New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo, Shanghai and Auckland, as well as home stages such as the Sydney Opera House and Melbourne's State Theatre. After 10 years performing with The Australian Ballet, he has returned to his first dance style in which he now finds himself focused on bringing deep and impactful percussive dance work to the stage and educating the next generation of passionate artists.
​His career with The Australian Ballet allowed him to dance both modern and classical works by some of the world’s leading choreographers such as Graeme Murphy AO, Jiri Kylian, Alexei Ratmansky, Krzysztof Pastor, Rudolf Nureyev, Stanton Welch, John Cranko and Kenneth Macmillan.
He has seen firsthand how the movement of the human body can convey powerful emotions to an audience. By combining his technical proficiency in tap, classical and contemporary dance, he is exploring how this primarily auditory art form can also be an aesthetically powerful and moving storytelling medium.
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He is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what we know as tap dance today and challenging the preconceptions of this art form by collaborating and exploring the unlimited possibilities of music and movement. This African American art has been passed down through the generations and he feels honoured to be able to share in this transformative percussive art.
MAYA CORBETT
DANCE TEACHER
Maya has trained extensively in classical ballet (RAD), tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop at Sharon Lawrence Academy of Dance. She served as Dance Captain in 2025 and has spent the past two years working and assisting as a dance and musical theatre teacher, while
training under industry professionals Lisa Herbert, Gill D’Monte, and Jack Egan.
Maya made her professional musical theatre debut as Sophie in School of Rock the Musical (GWB Entertainment), touring Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland. Other stage credits include Annie, Matilda Wormwood (Matilda), Gabriella Montez (High School Musical Jr), and Peggy
Sawyer (42nd Street).
She has appeared in national campaigns for Coles and Spotlight, as well as for dance and fashion labels. Additional highlights include concert and eisteddfod performances, lead vocalist for PAC/Found Home, solo performance of the Australian National Anthem for RSL Anzac
Day Commemorations, and appearances on Australia’s Got Talent and Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight.
In 2026, Maya will commence full-time tertiary musical theatre studies at Patrick School of
the Arts.
KATE AYRES
DANCE TEACHER
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.
MATT HETHERINGTON
VOCAL TEACHER
Matt Hetherington is a multi-award-winning actor / singer. Matt has won two Australian Green Room Awards and a Helpmann Award (Australia's Tony Award) as lead actor in a Musical. He was also a live finalist in season one of The Voice – Australia.
Matt has starred in over 15 major theatre productions in Australia: The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, North by Northwest, Next to Normal, South Pacific, Hair, Rocky Horror, The Last 5 Years, Sweet Charity, Damn Yankees, Sugar. TV; City Homicide, The Dr. Blake Murder
Mysteries, Stingers, Marshall Law and Sea Change.
Matt lived and worked for 7 years in Los Angeles and New York. He guest starred on The Detour (TBS) and originated the role of Eddie Starr in Jerry Mitchell’s ‘Becoming Nancy’ at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Featured performances AFL Grand Final, the Cox Plate, Alan Border Medal, the 2012 National Rugby League State of Origin and the John Newcombe Medal.
His teaching / coaching experience is extensive having worked for 4 years at Anthony Meindl’s Actors Workshop in LA and New York City. He works with the Theatre and Drama departments at various secondary schools around Victoria and does private coaching for actors from all over the world. His commitment to create a challenging but nurturing environment for people to reach their potential has made him an extremely successful coach.
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.
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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.