Teachers

Sarah Schols: Principal and Primary Drama / Vocal / Singing Teacher

Sarah Schols started singing at 6 and acting when she was just 8. All her music teachers loved to teach her because of her true ear, range and ability and from a very early age, her school report cards inevitably noted “Sarah LOVES Drama”. At age 16, she was recommended for Scholarship to the Australian Theatre For Young People (ATYP) where Sarah successfully gained one of just 15 places from 300 other candidates auditioning.

Sarah also joined Picton Theatre Group (PTG), while undertaking workshops with both ATYP and NIDA later touring Australia with ATYP to perform in “The Caucasian Chalk Circle”. Her successful interpretation led to a scholarship and an invitation to return to ATYP to tour Japan the following year.

At age 22 and with numerous lead roles already under her belt, Sarah auditioned for the Melbourne Theatre Production of  “Sunset Boulevard” and though selected, the Director asked her to pass this over to audition for a main role in the professional Sydney production of “Les Miserables”. When the audition time arrived Sarah was in for another surprise, she found she was pregnant with her first child Jasmyn!

Later Sarah was sought for and played the lead role of “Jane Eyre” Jane Austins ‘s famous character created in her novel, in the world premiere as a Musical. Sarah continued performing and after the birth of her second child Harrisen re-aligned with PTG. Writing and staging a Christmas Pantomime ‘The Spirit of Christmas’, the following year saw her become president of PTG and write her second tongue in cheek PTG Pantomime continuing the popular character of Jack in “Jack’s Back”.

Sarah has also written and developed three films and previews and is a registered Talent Agent having worked on ‘A Place to Call Home’ Series One to Five, LoveChild, The Battle of Balmoral, Pig Iron Bob The Crater, Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge and was a 'Lady in Black' for Bruce Beresford's new film 'Ladies in Black' to be released in 2018.

In 2011 Sarah was recognised for her dedication and commitment to the development of the arts with young people within Wollondilly and received the Agnes Chalker Cultural Award – only the second person to receive this! In 2013, she was offered a position in London at the prestigious Trinity College teaching Performing Arts, a year prior to her completing her LTCL in Performing Arts (the highest degree available). Sarah is also involved in developing performance, singing and drama with in local schools and has worked as an advisor and developer for Wakakirri.

To Date Sarah has had: 30 lead roles in Musical, Comedy & Dramatic productions such as “Annie Get Your Gun”, “Jane Eyre” (Musical World Premiere), “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, “West Side Story”, “Leader Of The Pack”, “The Heartbreak Kid”, “Les Miserables” ( Eponine – 3 times)” The Caucasian Chalk Circle”, “Other Times” (2nd in “The Summer Of The 17th Doll Trilogy”), “Godspell” “Cosi”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, "Phantom of the Opera", "The Sound of Music", “Wicked”, “Mamma Mia” and numerous original productions.

Still found teaching, Sarah now also works full time in film and television as an Extra’s Casting Coordinator as well as continuing to perform.

Sarah has also:

  • Trained with ATYP, NIDA and the Sydney Theatre Company and numerous professional and amateur singing appearances.

  • Was the vocal coach / singing instructor for Season Five of A Place to Call Home.

  • Featured in ‘Beneath Black Skies’ – Winner of the National Heritage Trust award and premiered on the History channel.

  • Written and Directed “Growing up in the Dilly” Documentary which has been featured at the NSW YAC 2013 meeting and used for training Youth services.

  • Sings in the acclaimed Pink Floyd cover band ‘Shine on’.

  • Is the lead role of ‘Angel Ruby’ in the values series ‘Earthic us – We care’

  • Studied at the Australian Institute of Music specialising in classical / contemporary vocal technique.

IMG_1451.JPG

Rebekah: Drama Teacher

Rebekah Dove is currently enrolled as a Masters student at the University of Sydney to teach Drama and English to High School students.

She has been teaching drama sporadically with STADS from the age of 18 as she continues to find her own way in the industry. Rebekah completed an ARTS degree majoring in English literature and minored in Theatre and in 2016.

She was offered a place in Actors Centre Australia where she completed a four year degree and graduated with a Bachelor of Performance in Stage and Screen.

She has taught at various schools in Sydney and continued to fuel her passion in acting at various companies in both Sydney and London. In 2022, Rebekah worked in Theatre in Education and spent the year travelling to schools in Australia and educating young people on social issues, history and Shakespeare.

Rebekah was one of the STADS first students and loves coming back to teach and work with Sarah. 


Courtney: Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop & Solo Teacher

Based in Wollongong and Sydney, Courtney is an accomplished dancer currently collaborating with renowned industry leaders such as Legs on The Wall, AUSTI Dance and Physical Theatre Company, Bonnie Curtis Projects, and captivating audiences at The Magicians Cabaret.

Courtney's dance journey commenced at the age of 3 under the tutelage of the Mary Geer Academy of Dance. Her artistic prowess led her to mesmerizing performances at the Crowne Casino in Melbourne and with the esteemed Diane Donovan Dancers in Sydney.

Notably, she was selected to participate in the esteemed Cecchetti Scholars program during her formative training, a testament to her exceptional talent.

Furthering her education, Courtney is about to commence her Masters of Secondary Teaching in dance at Excelsia College practice after completing a Bachelor of Dance at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) in Sydney, where she refined her skills under the mentorship of industry stalwarts such as Darren Disney, Anca Frankenhaeuser, Alyssia Jarvis, Maya Gavish, Sam Parkes, Charlotte Dand, Tiana Canterbury, and other prominent professionals.

Beyond traditional dance boundaries, Courtney is intrigued by the synergy between visual arts and dance. Her performances reflect a profound fascination with aesthetic imagery, as she skillfully crafts surreal and interactive environments that captivate audiences.

In her choreographic endeavors, Courtney draws inspiration from her transformative life experiences, infusing authenticity and depth into her creations. Collaborative by nature, she thrives on working with fellow dancers, reveling in their unique interpretations of her choreography.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance and visual arts, Courtney continues to make a mark in the industry, seamlessly blending innovation, creativity, and a passion for collaboration.


Lukas: Junior Drama Teacher

Lukas begun his S.T.A.D.S journey back in 2015 as a singing and drama student. Now 24 years old he has been teaching for the past 5 years.

Lukas is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Music majoring in contemporary performance at the Australian Institute of Music and he is on track to graduate later in 2024.

Lukas has gained experience performing with S.T.A.D.S, Woftam Productions, Wollondilly Shire Council and AIM as well as film and TV work in various productions over the years.

Lukas eventually plans to pursue a career in the performing arts and entertainment industries while also contributing to the artistic growth of the students he teaches.

Lukas strives to create a safe space for students of all ages to feel free to express themselves and create fun memories with their peers.


Ava: Dance Teacher

Bio to come


Chloe: Junior Drama Teacher & Assistant Musical Theatre/ Jnr Singing

Bio to come


Kadi: Junior Drama Teacher

Kadi has been a member of the S.T.A.D.S family since 2016 when she was 10 years old, pursuing both drama classes and group singing classes.

Since she was 5, she has fuelled her passions for performance throughout her years of schooling, starting off with talent quests in the early years of primary school and finishing off with a group performance for her drama HSC.

She graduated from Picton High School in 2023 with first in course in drama, as well as receiving recognition awards for her participation in community mentoring.

Throughout her years at S.T.A.D.S, Kadi has performed several times onstage in group singing acts, plays and drama performances, and solo-based singing acts. Kadi has also had experience filming for TV and will be appearing on the TV series Critical Incident later this year.

Her favourite aspect about onstage performance is exploring the emotions that can be expressed while acting, whether it’s through dramatic stageplays or singing her heart out onstage.

She hopes that the students she works with will have the same passion she did when she was just a student as she leads them onstage to perform alongside her.


Darcy: Junior Drama Teacher

Meet Darcy, a dedicated student of S.T.A.D.S since age 11 and a dynamic, creative and helpful leader.

He embarked on his S.T.A.D.S adventure during 2017, joining the S.T.A.D.S family in group stage acting. And now, with seven years of passion and dedication, shares his love for drama every Thursday as he teaches his students.

Darcy is an experience and seasoned student leader, serving as a Prefect and Peer Support Leader throughout his high school career. With his HSC conquered, Darcy has also been involved in many TV project under the STADS Agency banner.

Darcy is eager to kick off the next chapter of his educational journey in the years to come.


 

Assistant Teachers

Eve
Musical Theatre Assistant Dance Teacher

 


STADSgroups16.jpg