Meet The Team - The Actors Training Academy

Grace is an award-winning PGCE-qualified actor, educator, and theatre director based in Suffolk. Trained at Masters Performing Arts CDMT and the Guildford School of Acting (BA), she has built a diverse career across stage and screen. As a strong advocate for drama education, Grace has collaborated with leading East of England theatres as both a practitioner and director, and she has extensive teaching experience across all education levels, including course leadership on a BA (Hons) programme. Currently serving as a Mercury Creative Director (26/27), she is dedicated to empowering performers and ensuring that young voices are central to her work, fostering the growth of future theatre professionals through her initiatives.

Katie is a GTP QTS-qualified drama teacher with over a decade of experience inspiring young performers at her actors training academy in Suffolk. A graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University in Contemporary Theatre and Performance, she has toured her original work across Europe and directed over twenty school productions, ranging from musicals to plays. Katie has extensive experience in drama education, working with young people in various settings, including inclusive theatre at Chickenshed MK, where she supports children and young people with SEND. By creating a creative and encouraging environment, she ensures that every young actor’s voice is valued and nurtured, fostering their growth into theatre professionals.

Chloe holds a BA in Drama from the University of Essex and completed practitioner training at the actors training academy with the Pauline Quirke Academy Colchester and Mercury Theatre Colchester. Over the past eight years, she has worked across East Anglia, leading Youth Theatre initiatives with the New Wolsey Theatre and launching Little Stompers with Stomping Ground. Additionally, she participated in the Mercury Theatre's Creatives development programme (25/26), further enhancing her drama education. A career highlight includes directing two youth productions performed at His Majesty’s Theatre in London. Chloe is passionate about empowering young people and adults with SEND while contributing to the growth of theatre professionals.

Jess trained at East 15 Acting School and is an actor, director, and facilitator with extensive experience in theatre and education. She has collaborated with regional organisations such as Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and the New Wolsey Theatre, while also delivering alternative education programmes for young people. As a passionate advocate for drama education, Jess is dedicated to helping young people build confidence and creativity. Her diverse range of skills allows her to create bespoke workshops and tailored tutoring, especially aimed at supporting young actors at an actors training academy, guiding them on their journey to drama school.

Alice is a BA QTS-qualified Drama and English teacher with over 20 years’ experience inspiring young people through storytelling and performance at the actors training academy level. A University of Leeds graduate in English Literature and Theatre Studies, she leads TATA’s Home Education classes, creating inclusive and supportive environments that nurture creativity, confidence, and curiosity in drama education. With additional training in child development, she provides thoughtful, tailored support for neurodivergent learners, helping every student thrive as future theatre professionals through drama.

Eva is a talented actor and facilitator who has undergone extensive training at an actors training academy, with rich performance experience across theatre, festivals, and youth theatre, including award-winning roles and membership in the National Youth Theatre. She possesses 19 LAMDA qualifications alongside training in dance, singing, and music. Eva has collaborated with leading theatre professionals to deliver workshops for young people, passionately advocating for drama education as a means to build confidence, creativity, and communication skills in a supportive environment.

Mary studied Events Management at Huddersfield University and has a background in marketing, travel, and performance. As an energetic events manager in Suffolk, she creates a variety of events that cater to the interests of aspiring actors from an actors training academy and theatre professionals. Infusing her love for Disney and Musical Theatre into all her work, Mary brings a deep passion for storytelling. She delivers optimism, magic, and commitment to each project. At TATA, she is the woman behind the scenes, supporting and facilitating our events while enhancing communication with our community, including those in drama education.