Meet Our Team
Managing Director
Michael has a life long passion for the performing arts. As a child, many of his happiest memories were attending drama and theatre classes. He believes that the professional skills he learned and the friends he made back then formed the foundations for his future career and life.
After graduating with a B.A. in Educational Theatre (Adelaide) and a M.A. in Drama & Theatre Studies (London) he pursued a career in corporate management and leadership.
Most recently he was the Managing Director for the performance management consultancy Smart Chameleon, and prior to that was the Group Manager for Allianz Australia’s national sales and service centres. He also worked in senior leadership roles with Westpac and Halifax Bank of Scotland.
Over a period of more than 20 years, Michael developed expertise in financial management, business development, customer service, learning and development, and team building. He has worked across a diverse range of industries including banking, insurance, pay TV, telecommunications, pharmaceutical and the performing arts in Australia, the UK, Europe, Singapore and the Philippines.
Michael is incredibly excited by the opportunity to come full circle and join Theatre Bugs where he can directly contribute to the personal and creative development of a new generation of young people.
In his spare time, Michael is the Artistic Director of Red Phoenix Theatre company and enjoys travel adventures, digital photography, billiards, fishing, and cooking.
Office Manager
Terese has been working at Theatre Bugs since 2005 as part of the Admin team.
Looking for a challenge and change from working in the medical environment, Terese was excited to join Theatre Bugs. Over the years she has been privileged to be a part of the amazing growth at Theatre Bugs. The variety within her job keeps her passionate about her position as Admin Manager.
She especially loves seeing the confidence, excitement and development children gain at Theatre Bugs. Her son Thom attended Theatre Bugs for 10yrs. She was proud to see his passion for performing arts develop to such a high level while the confidence he gained has been invaluable.
Terese enjoys working with the wonderful staff at Theatre Bugs and with the ongoing support of her family, she looks forward with excitement to what Theatre Bugs continues to offer.
Production Manager (Monday, Tuesday & Friday)
From the age of 13 Sharon was performing with an Auckland Youth Theatre and United Theatresports in New Zealand. She has worked in film and television in New Zealand, England, South Africa, Zimbabwe and continues to perform at Adelaide’s Holden Street Theatres with the award winning Red Phoenix Theatre Company.
She has a Licentiate Teacher Diploma of Speech and Drama and continues to perform in theatre/tv/film. She currently trains at the Actors Studio, Adelaide.
Teacher
Abby has been part of the Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy family for 13 years as of 2025. Having partaken in the combo classes Adelaide Theatre Academy’s Performance Academy, and the Teacher Development Program, Abby gained a passion for the theatre which grew each time she returned to Theatre Bugs.
Over the years Abby has developed her skills through participating in jazz, contemporary, tap, violin, martial arts, private singing classes and the performance opportunities that Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy have to offer. Some of her highlights include Baroness Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and Patrick Star in the South Australian Premier of the SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition which marked her final performance with the Performance Academy before becoming a teacher.
However, her performance chops aren’t limited to Theatre Bugs. Abby recently made her debut with Now Productions as Helen Walsingham in Kipps: Half a Sixpence, another statewide premier, and chose to return to Now to play Miss Honey (Matilda) and Maria (the Sound of music) in Light Up the Stage, a cabaret style production. Additionally, she has appeared in seasons 1 and 2 of Mikki Vs the World and was the 2020 recipient of the Arch D Radio: Female Junior ‘On the Mic’ Award; a success that she attributes to her confidence gained through Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy. Additionally, Abby has a passion for learning both on and off the stage and was appointed as the Gleeson College Vice President in 2023 and has moved on to study a Bachelor of Media at the University of Adelaide.
Abby is looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for her at Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy and can’t wait to help others further their skills in the theatre environment.
Teacher
Alexia is a singer songwriter from Adelaide, Australia who performs and releases music under the moniker, “aleksiah”. She is an award winning performer, winning 4 SA Music Awards for best solo act, best pop act, best new artists and the coveted Emily Burrows award in 2024. She is a 2023 Robert Stigwood fellow and has had numerous write ups in Vogue Australia, is one of The Advertiser’s South Australian’s to watch in 2025 and one of Rolling Stone Australia’s “10 Women in Music to Watch”.
She has been singing from the age of 6, and grew up with a deep passion and connection to music, learning various instruments like piano and guitar from a young age as well. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Adelaide University’s Conservatorium of Music and has been teaching since 2021, while also touring all throughout Australia playing her music with renowned acts such as Cavetown, Lime Cordiale, Ball Park Music and more. She currently holds over 40k monthly listeners on Spotify with a total of 3 million streams. Alexia believes that music is a special gift that we share with each other, it’s about community and a way to understand each other. She believes that with her extensive academic and real-world knowledge she can foster love, passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and fun with music for her students. She hopes that under her supervision, her students can find their creative expression and their own voice
Teacher
Amber’s love of performance started when she began dance classes in 2006, continuing her love of dance and performance throughout her younger years, Amber joined the Theatre Bugs family in 2013. 2025 marks Amber’s 12th year at Theatre Bugs. Over her years, Amber has been a part of various combo classes engaging in mid-year, and end of year shows. Her favourite performance over the years being Kristoff in Advanced Senior Musicals Chilled Jr.
Amber has been assisting at Theatre Bugs Junior Holiday Programs for many years, she has worked towards becoming a Theatre Bugs Combo class teacher. Amber’s most recent achievement at Theatre Bugs is her completion of the Teacher Development Program at the start of 2024, having wanted to be a drama teacher since she was young, this is a great accomplishment for her.
As well as teaching at Theatre Bugs, Amber is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education specialising in Arts, she hopes to become a primary school drama teacher in the future and work within both schools and Theatre Bugs.
Amber is extremely excited to continue bringing an enjoyment and passion for the performing arts to another generation of students at Theatre Bugs.
Course Co-ordinator, Administration, (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
Cassandra has always been passionate about the performing arts. Singing in the Catholic School’s Music Festival in primary school she fell in love with singing and performing. She has also been dancing since she was 4 years old. She has a background in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop.
Cassandra has recently had a baby girl at the end of 2022, which meant she was unable to teach regular classes however, she now edits and writes the programs each term for the combo classes. She also puts together the midyear shows for combo 1 (also end of year shows), 2, 3, Senior Musical Theatre & Advanced Combo 3 and Advanced Senior Musical Theatre and assists with the production of the end of year shows. She does some private singing lessons on a Friday afternoon.
Cass loves hearing about all the activities that the students do in classes and loves hearing about their progress in between working in the office on the front desk.
Her toddler now does Busy Bees classes as well!
Teacher
Meet Cassidy! Cassidy has been at Theatre Bugs for over 15 years. She loves working with kids and often says she has the best job in the world, not just because it allows her to wear bright colours, glitter, and funky earrings. She’s always dreamed of working in children’s theatre, and Theatre Bugs allows her to do exactly that.
Outside of working, Cassidy always finds time for her other aspirations. She recently completed her Bachelor of Psychology and is exploring her options for further education in 2026. She also makes time for fun, and is teaching herself acoustic guitar in her spare time, one day she would love to write her own songs. Cassidy also loves spending time with her friends and family, live music, musicals, nerdy TV shows, and pretending to be a mermaid when she goes swimming. And of course, being involved in musicals and productions EVERY chance she gets.
Teacher
Emma has a rich background in competitive dance and musical theatre and uses these skills to inspire young performers. She began her journey in the performing arts at a young age, competing in a variety of dance styles and performing in many musical theatre productions.
Passionate about teaching, Emma thrives on nurturing confidence, creativity, and a love for the arts in her students. She is dedicated to creating a positive and encouraging environment where young performers can explore their potential, refine their skills, and discover their unique artistic voice.
At Theatre Bugs/Adelaide Theatre Academy, Emma is proud to share her knowledge and enthusiasm, helping students grow not only as performers but also as confident, expressive individuals. She finds immense joy in guiding the next generation of artists to achieve their dreams and embrace the magic of performing.
Teacher
Living and breathing drama, dance and music from a young age, Georgia has undertaken specialist music, drama and dance classes for over 20 years. She has generated extensive dance experience in multiple genres including: jazz, hip hop, contemporary and Bollywood, and performed in a number of variety shows and musicals as a singer, dancer and actor, with her most recent work being performing as Kim in the award-winning show Fountain Lakes: A Very Foxy Parody Musical which she also co-wrote.
Georgia has worked at the State Theatre Company of SA as an Education Intern, Assistant Development Coordinator and Education Assistant. This role enabled her to develop a strong understanding of the inner workings of a major professional theatre company.
Georgia graduated with a Bachelor of Education and Arts (Drama specialisation) from Flinders University in 2016. She has experience teaching middle school Dance, Music and Musical Theatre, as well as Drama from Years 8-12. She has coordinated many plays and performances, and also directed and choreographed musicals including Grease, Seussical and Mamma Mia across many schools, including Seaford Secondary College, Henley High School, Sacred Heart College, St Peter’s College and currently Loreto College Marryatville.
Georgia has been a creative for many productions with Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy as a director and/or choreographer: credits include 13 The Musical, Moana Jnr, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Wizard of Oz, and in 2024, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.
Georgia is extremely excited to be working with Theatre Bugs and is keen to pass on her passion for the performing arts to the next generation of Theatre Bugs.
Teacher
Giulia-Giorgina started Theatre Bugs at age two. She attended for thirteen years, performing with the senior ‘Show Bugs’ class and with Peter Combe. Highlights included the Credit Union Christmas Pageant and The Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Adelaide Fringe.
Outside of Theatre Bugs, Giulia-Giorgina has taken lessons in acting, dancing and singing and has performed with Pelican Productions. Professionally, she performed as part of the children’s ensemble in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML Enterprises) and The Nutcracker (Imperial Russian Ballet) at the Festival Theatre. At Saint Ignatius’ College Giulia-Giorgina played ‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast, ‘Meg’ in Away, ‘Maria’ in The Small Poppies, was part of the ensemble in Singin’ in the Rain and choreographed ‘Beauty School Dropout’ in Grease. She participated in music ensembles as a vocalist, violinist and percussionist and performed in America as part of the school’s Music Tour. Giulia-Giorgina was elected Music Vice-Captain for her senior year and completed her SACE Drama and Solo Performance (Voice) with high grades. She also achieved her SACE Ensemble Performance with the College’s Senior Vocal Ensemble, which won first place in Division 2 at Generations in Jazz. Throughout her time at the College, Giulia-Giorgina won three gold and two silver medals with her Theatrical Dance Team at the Schoolaerobics Nationals in Sydney/Gold Coast. Giulia-Giorgina recently played ‘Kim MacAfee’ in Bye Bye Birdie with The Met, worked with Adelaide Fringe’s ‘Honey Pot’ and attended a university arts trip in Indonesia on the ‘New Colombo Plan’ scholarship.
Giulia-Giorgina is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Theatre with the Elder Conservatorium at The University of Adelaide.
Gracie’s love for the performing arts started at 5 years old with the Theatre Bugs Junior Holiday programs in Glenelg, and she is incredibly excited to return as a teacher and foster the next generation of performers.
She was recently honoured to be listed as a South Australian to Watch in 2025 by The Advertiser and as a young person making an impact by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, alongside her fellow theatre co-producer, for their work on establishing theatre company Funk Soul Productions. Their company aims to create theatre for young people by young people, and their productions have been met with rave reviews and sell-out sessions at Goodwood Theatre & Studios. Gracie has simultaneously produced and performed in their Adelaide Fringe Festival productions, including as Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2023) and as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (2024). In their first musical staging, she rounded out the ensemble of the South Australian premiere production of Team StarKid’s The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (2025).
Since performing as Summer in Westminster School’s School Of Rock (2021) while in school, she has since returned to work as a performing arts assistant at Westminster. This has greatly contributed to her love of teaching theatre to younger students. From working on both plays and musicals with middle to high school students, she has developed a range of acting styles and aptly covers production roles backstage as needed. Aside from her theatrical pursuits, Gracie is also studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications at Flinders University and thoroughly enjoys relaxing with a good cup of tea. She is thrilled to work in the industry she loves and be so involved with the thriving, aspiring arts community of Adelaide.
Teacher
Hannah Smith is an emerging director and producer based in Adelaide. Growing up in Murray Bridge, she was driven to create opportunities within the local theatre community, founding her own production company at fourteen and producing multiple independent productions.
Her passion for theatre led her to pursue further studies in Technical Production at the Adelaide College of the Arts, and she is currently completing a Bachelor of Performance (Honours) at Flinders University. Alongside her studies, Hannah teaches Performance Academy at Adelaide Theatre Academy and is the Youth Theatre Coordinator at Murray Bridge Players and Singers Inc.
Hannah has contributed to major arts festivals, including the Adelaide Fringe and the Festival of Ideas. Her directing credits include Bumming with Jane (2020/2021), The Book of Everything (2023), Jumpers for Goalposts (2023), Dance Nation (2024/2025), and First Love Is the Revolution (2025). Additionally, she has directed short films, including King. (2022), CRUSH (2023), SYNERGY (2023), and SUPERORDINARY (2024). She has undertaken a secondment with State Theatre Company of South Australia on Eureka Day, Dir. Rosalba Clemente (2021) has assisted on Flinders University productions, including Sweet Road, Dir. Christopher Hurrell (2022), Coming of Age in Australia, Dir. Wayne Harrison (2022), and Love and Information, Dir. Tiffany Lyndall-Knight (2022).
In 2023, her production company won the Adelaide Fringe Holden Street Theatres Award for its devised work BIMBO. Hannah is currently working on the State Theatre Company of South Australia’s production of Kimberly Akimbo.
Teacher
Jas is a singer-songwriter, musician, and recording artist who completed her Bachelor of Popular Music and Creative Technologies at The Elder Conservatorium (The University of Adelaide). A multi-instrumentalist, Jas developed a love for music at a young age when she began taking piano lessons before expanding her repertoire by adding vocals and guitar.
Her diverse skill set has led Jas to take up several unique opportunities – tutoring students at St. Ann’s College, working as an audio technician at The Adelaide Convention Centre, and recording/engineering/producing music for various artists, as well as herself.
A multiple-time nominee in the pop category at the SA Music Awards, her highlights so far include being shortlisted to support Budjerah (Warner Music) on the ‘Therapy Sessions Tour’ and performing as a featured artist at Oz Asia Festival’s Lucky Dumpling Market in Elder Park, playing in front of opening weekend crowds of over 85,000 people.
Jas is extremely passionate about the entertainment industry and prides herself on her warm and friendly nature. Her enthusiastic and constructive approach to teaching reflects her continued desire to learn and grow as a musician (and person!). Jas is motivated to build a supportive environment where students can freely express themselves, increase their confidence, and discover their unique creative voice
Teacher
Jordan graduated from Adelaide College of the Arts, with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts (Acting) in 2023. Since the age of 6, she has been involved in the performing arts whether it was dancing, singing or musical theatre. Jordan’s earliest experience in theatre was through combo classes at Theatre Bugs. Some of Jordans recent performance highlights include: playing Claire in RAAs Street Smart High in 2023 and 2024, the 2023 award winning Fringe show, BIMBO presented by Hannah Smith, Wendla in Spring Awakening directed by David Mealor and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins for her final year of school. Jordan has been teaching at Theatre Bugs for almost 2 years and is finding it incredibly rewarding. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with young performers and encourages students to embrace their creativity.
Noah has a long history in the Adelaide arts scene. He took lessons at Theatre Bugs when he was 8 years old and has since gone on to perform in both the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and the Adelaide Festival. He has had experience working with State Opera SA and has completed work experience with State Theatre SA. He is Marryatville Highschool’s current year 12 Music Captain, where he has spent the last 5 years honing his musical craft allowing him to compete for and receive multiple South Australian scholarships for musical excellence. He is an aspiring Musical Theatre performer.
Noah has a passion for teaching students in a safe and encouraging environment that he hopes will foster the artistic excitement of both aspiring performers and anybody who just has fun being creative. He feels immense joy seeing young people explore their individuality and gain confidence within themselves.
He is acclimatized to youth theatre environments having performed with Pelican Productions numerous times, being cast as Davey in their 2024 production of ‘Newsies Jr.’, Kristoff in their 2023 production of ‘Frozen Jr.’, and traveling to Newcastle to compete in the 2023 Junior Theatre Festival where he played Evan Goldman in ‘13 Jr.’, Davey in ‘Newsies Jr.’, and Hiccup in ‘How To Train Your Dragon Jr.’, so he is very comfortable working with and supporting people of all ages.
Teacher
Olivia has been a part of Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy as a student for 13 years. During this time, she has been a part of the performances classes for 6 years and has performed in a number of musicals. Some highlights include Mrs Sowerberry and dance captain in Oliver as a part of the Adelaide fringe, and Lilly in Annie.
As Well as being trained in musical theatre Olivia has competed in a range of dance competitions in jazz, tap, hip hop lyrical and pom, on a national level as well as international. In 2021 her Pom team placed 3th in the dance worlds in Florida.
Olivia was a part of theatre bugs teacher development program for over two years in this time she assisted over 20 classes with 6 different teachers. She has learnt valuable lessons during this time in teaching and choreography. Olivia also has been the Assistant Choreographer for Porridge The Musical, Something on Saturday and Assistant Choreographer for Oliver, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the Adelaide Fringe.
Teacher
Sian has been passionate about the theatre industry from a very young age, starting at Theatre Bugs when she was seven. Since then, she’s loved being part of the performing arts and has participated in many Theatre Bugs productions over the years.
Her professional experience includes playing one of the children in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with TML Enterprises and being a soloist in the 2014 Catholic Schools Music Festival. Sian has also performed with Pelican Productions in shows like Bring It On and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and has been part of their awesome Music Theatre Camp every summer.
At school, she was a member of her college’s Senior Vocal Ensemble and got to perform at events like Generations in Jazz. Sian is also trained in a mix of dance styles, including Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, and Contemporary, and has studied at Unlimited Feet Dance Company, Accent on Dance, and Stepz Dance Academy.
Right now, Sian is studying Media at Flinders University.
Teacher
Tilka has been with theatre bugs for a total of 13 years as of 2025, beginning as a student in 2013, entering the Teacher Development Program in 2023, and becoming a teacher in 2024.
Tilka has always enjoyed theatre and performing as it has built lasting connections with the people around her and is a creative way to express herself. She has always been musically inclined, and the way musical theatre allows story telling through dance and song is a wonderful combination of things that bring her joy.
During her time at Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy, Tilka has starred as Warbucks in Annie Jr, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid Jr, Patrick Star in Spongebob the Musical: youth edition, and will be performing in the 2025 fringe show of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Mrs Bucket.
Tilka’s family is filled with teachers of all kinds, so getting to teach with Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy is not only a way to connect to her family, but it allows her to give back to the company that she grew up with and foster the joy of theatre in the next generation of students. Her goal in teaching at Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy is to encourage students who are passionate about theatre, and provide them with a safe and supportive class where they can build their skills.
