Meet the team

Melissa Mckeigue

Principal

Rachael Owens

Consultant

Melissa trained at KSA Academy of Performing Arts graduating with the ATCL diploma in Musical Theatre. As a youth, she was a competitive dancer with major successes including ISTD National Set Dance Champion and ISTD Rock and Roll Champion. As a performer, Melissa's credits include the tour of S4K's A Midsummer Night's Dream (UK and International tour) Willy Wonka The Musical (Centrepoint Theatre, Dubai) The Sixties Show (UK tour) Festival Voices- The Ecstasy's Within (Southbank Centre and Latitude Festival) West Side Story (The Savoy Hotel, Prince's Trust Gala Night). Her choreography has featured on many platforms including Sadler's Wells, Disneyland Paris, Shaftesbury, Adelphi and Her Majesty's Theatre. Teaching allows Melissa to pass on her enthusiasm for performing and with her positive attitude hopes she can help every student achieve their goals. When not teaching Melissa works behind the scenes Stage Managing for shows and often fronts London's top Ceilidh band A Licence To Ceilidh both Internationally and at home in the UK.

Rachael studied Drama at Royal Holloway University of London and trained in Musical Theatre at The Kent Stage Academy of Performing Arts. She has performed on stage in musicals, plays and live music events in the West End, UK tours and internationally. She has choreographed and directed movement for theatre, and was also the Associate Artistic Director at Encompass Productions for many years, where she co-directed several stage productions and co-run the Company.

Rachael has taught Performing Arts for over 12 years in schools, nurseries, workshops and performing arts schools including Stagecoach, Little Voices and Gems Performing Arts. She is delighted to be sharing her experience and expertise with schools around London. Rachael believes that every child (and adult!) should have access to the Performing Arts, as it allows them to grow in confidence, take risks, develop important life skills, and have fun!

Anya is an actor and singer and has taught both for over five years, leading vocal projects, children's choirs and theatrical workshops in schools around London. She has a BA in Drama from The University of Exeter and believes the Performing Arts plays an essential role in helping children to develop creative and communicative minds.

Anya williams

Assistant Manager

Emma Drysdale

Emma graduated from the prestigious Central School of Speech & Drama famous for

producing the likes of Dame Judi Dench! She has performed in the West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Phoenix Theatre, Criterion Theatre, Fortune Theatre and the Royal Albert Hall, most recently in the stage adaptation of Goodnight Mr Tom.

Emma understands the importance and the positive effect that Theatre and the Performing Arts can have on a young person. Not just the opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills, but also to learn about yourself and to come out of your shell in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to Gems Performing Arts her teaching credits include Yew Tree Theatre School in Kent, Nurseries, Primary, Secondary and SEN Schools, PRU's and Youth Centres.

Principal and Director

Gems Performing Arts