At Stageworks Academy we have a fantastic team of highly qualified and dedicated coaches. We ensure that all staff members have an enhanced DBS certificate and are trained in First aid, Safeguarding and mental health first aid to fully support your child in their journey with us.
Please see our amazing team below.
Emma Hobbis
Founder/Director
'Get professional training from the Professionals!'
Emma starting dancing from a young age and went on to train in musical theatre. When she was 17 Emma began her professional dancing career and she was dancing around the world from Italy to Oman and was a dancer in the UK tour of '80's Mania'.
The Stageworks journey began back in 2008 after performing for many years and teaching in education Emma launched Danceworks in 2008 which expanded to Aldridge and Burntwood in the following 4 years. opened The Saturday Academy in Aldridge specialising in Performing Arts. Emma's vision was for children to have a safe place they can come to learn, have fun and enjoy performing.
Most recently in April 2017 we opened our doors to our Great Barr Academy.
Over the last 17 years we have taught so many children and had the pleasure in performing in competitions, performances , community events, charity evenings and festivals. However, the best part has been to see all the children grow in confidence, make wonderful friendships and become the best they can be. We have been very lucky teachers!
In the last few years our team of coaches has grown and we are grateful for the team we have and that we can offer the fabulous classes in Great Barr, Burntwood & Aldridge and continue to make a difference.
Most recently we were honoured to be nominated for Corporate live wire Prestige Awards for Birminghams Best Children's Theatre School 2019. We can very proudly tell you that we won the category and are now officially the Best in Birmingham!
Emma is qualified with ABD and holds her Associate in dance and musical theatre, Performance arts awards, CTAA yoga, Acrobatic arts acro dance (including pre-school) aerial arts hoop and silk qualification, mental health first aid level 3 and is one of the companies safeguarding officers.
I think what makes us different is that we value every child and everything we do we do it for the children and by doing this we now have an amazing Stageworks family where every child matters and we pride ourselves on this.
Sarah Challoner
Assistant Manager
Sarah started dancing at an early age in her home town of Wolverhampton. She started her professional career at the age of 16 after completing her exams in IDTA, RAD & LAMDA. She has performed globally at many high profile events and taught at various performing arts academy's, colleges and dance schools, adjudicating many high ranking Dance festivals.
Sarah graduated from her professional training at Phil Winston's Theatreworks in Blackpool developing her skills in all forms of dance and Musical Theatre over 3 years.. Sarah also holds her ABD Associate in Musical Theatre, mental health first aid level 3 and is one of the companies safeguarding officers as-well as a registered chaperone.
Some of her credits include:Featured Singer/Dancer 'The Works' (Blackpool); Featured Dancer in CBBC's 'The Slammer' (BBC); Dancer ‘Tour’ (Western Asia); The Hustle, (BBC); Dancer 'National Tour; (UK & European tour); Dancer ‘Tour’ Doctors (BBC); A Chorus Line (Lowry Theatre, Manchester); Dancer/Singer 'Headliners Theatre Company' (P&O Cruise Ship); Dance Captain 'Sleeping Beauty' (Tyne Theatre, Newcastle); Dancer ‘Geri Halliwell’ (London); Dance Captain/specialist circus performer' (UK Tour);Featured Artist ‘Peaky Blinders (BBC); Actor ‘The Girl With All The Gifts’ (Film) Dancer ‘EuroMillions’ (ITV); Featured/Specialist performer ‘Floyd Mayweather’ (Birmingham)’; Dancer (NEC, London O2); Dancer ‘Remembering Brendan Healy Concert’ (Tyne Theatre); Singer ‘80’s Reunion’ (UK); Aladdin ‘Aladdin’ (Gateshead Stadium, Newcastle).
Sarah continues to work professionally, at the moment being lead singer in 2 major touring theatre shows.
To pass professional knowledge, guide pupils and to watch them grow and shine is the best feeling. It helps the children be self-motivated, disciplined and focused in their everyday lives. Expressive in their communication of emotions, thoughts and feelings. Creative and imaginative. Who wouldn’t want to have this enjoyable and rewarding lifestyle. You don’t work a day in your life if you truly love what you do!
Sophie Boehmer
Dance Coach
Sophie was born in Birmingham, England and has recently graduated from Addict Dance Academy. Before jointing Addict Dance Academy Sophie also trained at West End Kids. Throughout Sophie’s training she’s been able to gain skills in many different styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical and Commerical. Sophie’s performance experience varies between performing as a dancer, performing in song and dance troupes and being a member of the ensemble in college musicals. Sophie also gained the opportunity to perform a curtain raiser for Matthew Bournes Swan Lake at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Sophie is a passionate and highly skilled performer who takes pride in her consistent and resilient work ethic.
Tara-Leanne J
Dance Coach
Tara-Lea J is a passionate and dynamic dance artist with expertise in Hip-Hop and Krump and Exercise to Music, she is dedicated to inspiring and empowering dancers of all levels through movement.
Her impressive credits include performances at Breaking Convention’s 10th and 20th Anniversaries, Move It!, and collaborations with Les Mills UK. She has also worked as a supporting artist for BBC Doctors, BBC Comic Sport Relief, and artists such as Mz Bratt, N-Dubz, M.O., and Misunderstood. Beyond dance, she brings her energy and versatility to live entertainment, performing as a stilt-walker and fire entertainer.
Tara-Lea is passionate about making movement accessible to all. She champions inclusive fitness, ensuring that people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds can experience the joy of dance. She strongly believes in the power of chair exercise classes, fostering a welcoming environment where individuals—including seniors and those with mobility challenges—can stay active and connected.
Her mission is to motivate, uplift, and build confidence in others, whether through high-energy performances, community-driven classes, or adaptive movement programs. She believes that dance, music, and fitness create lasting engagement and empowerment, making movement an experience that is not just beneficial but truly transformative.
Tia Matthews
Dance Coach
Tia Matthews is a Birmingham based professional dancer specialising in hip hop & commercial. Tia was apart of Nathan Sinclair - Marsh and Melody Sinclair - Marsh’s company ‘Marshon’ from around age 16. Her professional career started at 18 years old as one of ‘Six’ the musicals promotional dancers, whilst heading off to university for extensive training. Tia trained at Shockout arts in Manchester and graduated with a BA & MA in professional & commercial dance. Tia has maintained her professional training whilst gaining experience internationally at various dance camps and has adapted her teaching style to fit any and everyone. She has experience teaching / choreographing for crews, company’s, privates, duos, competitions and performances.
Her credits include:
‘Three little birds’- Dancer / Extra – ITV, Commonwealth Games – Performer | Closing ceremony, ‘Shake That Weight’ Tv Advert – Dancer, Flawless Show (Belgrade Theatre) – Closing Act, ‘SIX’ Birmingham Gala (Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre) - Promotional dancer , ‘SIX’ NCL Gala (Lyceum Theatre) –Marketing dancer , ‘SIX’ Ticket Master Event (London) – Entourage dancer.
Lucy-Mae Dodd
Vocal Coach
Lucy-Mae is an accomplished singer, performer, and vocal coach based in the Walsall Borough. Her musical journey began at the young age of twelve, when she started singing professionally and studying privately under Annette Barrett—renowned West End vocal coach—completing Grades 3 to 7 in Music Theatre through the London College of Music.
As her career developed, Lucy-Mae recorded her own rock album with Abbey Road producer Matt Ball, an experience that led her to the iconic Abbey Road Studios, famously known as the birthplace of The Beatles’ first album. Continuing her creative path, she wrote and recorded original material at Chameleon Studios in Walsall, with two of her songs later featured on BBC Introducing and BBC Sounds.
Lucy-Mae has also built a strong performance portfolio, covering a wide range of classics from the 1970s to the 2000s. Her live appearances include performances at the King’s Coronation celebrations in Wolverhampton, the Willenhall Christmas Festival, and the Wednesbury Canal Festival, among other regional events and venues.
Her songwriting continues to flourish through collaborations with L’s and Rosie Iris, with her music available across all major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.
Lucy-Mae’s professional credentials include:
● ABRSM Music Teaching Certification
● Vocal Mixing Course (Studio 95)
● Health and Safety at Work Certification
● First Aid Certification
● Accredited Work Assessor Qualification
● Enhanced DBS Clearance
Currently, Lucy-Mae serves as a Vocal Coach for Stageworks and operates her own business, Lucy-Mae Vocal Coaching, where she guides students through their RSL vocal examinations. Her students consistently achieve Distinction-level results, with many also completing components of the Duke of Edinburgh Award through her coaching programme.
In addition to teaching, Lucy-Mae continues to perform for private and public events. She is deeply passionate about vocal health, artistic growth, and maintaining a strong professional work ethic in all aspects of her career.
Summa Jones
Dance Coach
Summa has been training in a variety of styles from the age of 6 from Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop and various street styles. At the age of 16-18 she studied at Birmingham Orminston academy (BOA) which then helped her to further her training on to a BA Hons course at 'Shockout Arts' in Manchester which will be completed by 2026.
Alongside her academic training she trains part of ‘Marshon Dance company” directed by Nathan Sinclair-Marsh and Melody Sinclar-Marsh which she has been receiving training in Hip Hop with them from the age of 17, expanding her training alongside doing regular performances with them. Over summer she travelled over to Demark to expand her knowledge in dance and training varies styles iincluding, contemporary, locking, popping, house and commercial.
Credits
Shockout performance Manchester opera house 2025, Shockout performance at Aviva studios 2024, netball super league performance 2024, Birmingham Hippodrome Breaking convention opening performance (2025), Birmingham Weekender Flashmob performances (2025)
Originally from Glasgow, Richard trained at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (formerly Birmingham School of Acting) and graduated in 2015 with a BA (Hons) Applied Performance
(Community & Education) degree. Throughout his degree, Richard gained opportunities devise and create workshops within various community groups. Some of these groups were:
Age Concern, Headway (The Brain Injury Association), Walsall College and Sandwell & Dudley College. Richard also established connections within the arts throughout the West
Midlands having worked/performed at MAC (Birmingham), The Birmingham REP, The ArtrixCentre (Bromsgrove) and The Birmingham Hippodrome.
In 2017, Richard gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities from the University of Birmingham and tailored his studies specifically around the
Performing Arts. Richard was placed at Queen Alexander College in the Performing Arts department as part of his studies. Richard is extremely passionate about “Inclusion” within
the arts and has a wide variety of experience of teaching Drama to young people and always delivers his classes towards the needs of the children.
Richard always wanted to be a “singer” until he discovered “Musical Theatre” and was able to combine all three disciplines of Acting, Singing and Dancing.
From the age of 18, Richard worked professionally as an actor, singer and presenter on holiday parks in the UK for companies such as Haven, Butlins and Parkdean Resorts.
As a Drama and Singing teacher, Richard has worked internationally having worked in the USA in 2015 and most recently Shanghai (China) from 2018 to 2020. Whilst working in
China, Richard worked for The Walt Disney Company and used Disney as a learning medium to teach the children English and Drama. Richard was recognised for his achievements at
Disney whilst part of the Disney VoluntEARS committee. Richard wrote and directed live, interactive production shows that went to migrant schools in Shanghai with an educational
focus incorporating the Disney English curriculum.
Outside of teaching, Richard works for the Civil Service with the Performing Arts still an integral part of his life. “I love teaching Drama and providing children with a platform to
express themselves to gain confidence on stage. I always look for new creative and innovative ways that will provide learners with an opportunity to share their ideas and bring
these to life either through devising or improvisation. I never get tired teaching and thrive on the energy of the learners in the classroom. My highlight of teaching is noticing each
individuals develop and seeing the end product on stage celebrating their achievements”
Richard can often be found performing in a variety of theatre shows around the West Midlands having most recently performed in the leading role of Jesus in Godspell at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock (May 2023). In June 2024, Richard will be making his directorial debut with Shrek: The Musical at Sutton Town Hall.
Richard has worked for Stageworks since 2017 and has recently introduced new styles of acting and communication skills that challenge learners on a more theoretical and practical level like never before.
“I have always felt that the Stageworks team are more like a family and pride themselves in coaching the children to release their potential and gain more confidence on and off stage. I really want to challenge the learners whilst ensuring that the element of fun is an integral part of our sessions”
Richard McNally-Reilly
Acting Coach
Grace Butler
Acro Coach
Grace started her dance journey a very long time ago however she was a competitive gymnast for most of her life.
She has had so many wonderful opportunities such as performing in pantomimes and musicals.
Stageworks has given her such a confidence boost helping her learn and grow into becoming a qualified teacher!
Stageworks has also given her opportunities to perform at events such as the NREA.
Working and dancing at Stageworks is like being apart of a massive family and I just love watching and helping all of the children to learn and dance their hearts out week in and out!
Aeryn Oliver-Thompson
Dance Coach
Aeryn began dancing at the age of five, starting with tap and ballet before developing a love for a wide range of dance styles to later participating in dance competitions across the West Midlands. From 2015 to 2025, she was a Stageworks student, where she also gained valuable experience assisting in tap, ballet, and musical theatre classes.
Beyond her dance training, Aeryn was a member of the CBSO Youth and Children’s Chorus, performing regularly with world-class composers and musicians at the Symphony hall. This unique combination of musical and dance experience has given Aeryn a deep understanding of expression, rhythm, and storytelling through movement.
Now having her lyrical classes she encourages confidence, individuality, artistry and hopes for the family to grow
Samuel Amouri
Musical Theatre Coach
Samuel Amouri discovered his love for singing at the age of nine, beginning in his primary school choir before joining his church choir, where he developed his voice and passion for music. His dedication to performance led him to study Music at GCSE, A-Level, and now at university level at BIMM Birmingham, where he continues to refine his craft and explore different styles and techniques.
Alongside his vocal journey, Samuel has a strong background in acting, having performed since Year 7 and achieving a BTEC in Performing Arts. These experiences have given him a well-rounded understanding of expression, stage presence, and storytelling—qualities he brings into his vocal coaching.
Now as a vocal coach, Samuel encourages his students to find confidence, authenticity, and freedom in their voices. He believes that singing isn’t just a physical skill but a mental and emotional experience, and he strives to help each student connect deeply with their music and express themselves with individuality and passion.