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
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.
Administration
Olivia spent four years working at the Royal Shakespeare Company whilst attending their Masterclass Workshops in directing, writing, acting and stage management and performing across the UK. Highlights include Singin’ in the Rain (NODA Award Winner for Excellence 2017), Supersnout: The Triple Bill (NODA Best Drama Award 2019), Lilies on the Land (2018), The Forgotten Army (2019) at the RSC’s Swan Theatre, and directing for Bear Pit Theatre Company (2018). Olivia’s recent Adelaide productions have been as director of the Australian premiere of Tiny Beautiful Things for the AUTG (2022), the adaptation of All About Eve (based on the film script) for St. Jude’s Players (2023), portraying Inspector Bertozzo in Accidental Death of an Anarchist (2023), Stirling Players, Harriet in The Actress (2024), Therry Theatre, and Selene in The Penelopiad (2025) The University of Adelaide Theatre Guild. Most recently she has been appointed as the Secretary for the Theatre Association of South Australia (T.A.S.A).
Teacher
Abbey is a singer, songwriter, and music producer who holds First Class Honours in Popular Music & Creative Technologies from the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide. Her musical journey began at the age of five, learning piano and taking singing and dance lessons. She later performed with the SAPPS choir throughout primary school and went on to study music at Marryatville High School.
Passionate about vocal performance and songwriting, Abbey created her solo project ARIES, through which she performed original music at venues across Adelaide with a six-piece band. In recent years, she has focused on developing her skills in music and vocal production, collaborating with artists both locally and interstate as a co-producer and songwriter.
Abbey is known for her warm and friendly nature, and she is passionate about encouraging young people to pursue their creative goals with confidence.
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
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.
Amelia is an autistic composer and writer working across theatre and film in Adelaide. Their practice blends ambient and neoclassical soundscapes with strong narrative sensitivity. With a background in classical composition, Amelia now focuses on collaborative projects that centre accessibility and inclusivity.
They are passionate about improving disability accommodations within the South Australian arts sector, drawing from personal experience to advocate for structural change.
Currently studying Creative Writing and Sonic Arts at the University of Adelaide, Amelia brings both craft and care to every project, creating emotionally resonant work across disciplines while pushing for systemic equity in creative spaces.
Course Co-ordinator, Administration, (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
Cassandra is a passionate performing arts educator and coordinator who absolutely loves bringing theatre to life for young performers. Working across teaching, productions, and program coordination for Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy, she enjoys every part of the creative process; from writing new shows and reimagining existing productions to coordinating with teachers and using her extensive performing arts knowledge to create exciting and memorable experiences for students.
Cass is passionate about helping children build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and a genuine love for performing arts in a supportive and inclusive environment. She thrives on seeing students grow both on and off the stage and loves being part of the magic that theatre can create for families and young performers alike.
When she’s not at rehearsals or organising performances, you’ll usually find her involved in community sport, planning the next big show, or chasing after her daughter, Esmae, who currently attends Fairy Ballet and absolutely loves it!
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
Emma has been at Theatre Bugs for 10 years now. Emma discovered her love for theatre here and has grown a passion for teaching. Emma has completed two years in Musical Theatre Pre-Pro Course at GWB Studios. She has trained in tap, ballet, jazz, jazz technique, singing and acting through this course and also studied a Cert 3 in dance with them last year. Emma has partaken in many Fringe shows with Adelaide Theatre Academy over the last few years including Oliver!, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, Boris in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Willy Wonka. She has also participated in the Performance Academy shows as Ursula in The Little Mermaid, SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical and Anna in Frozen which she was nominated for Most Outstanding Performer in a Youth Production by A Thousand Words.
Emma has also been fortunate enough to represent the company twice as the annual TASA awards after being nominated as Most Outstanding Performer in SpongeBob and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She has become a regular attendee of the Australian Music Theatre Festival in Tasmania with Lia Cox’s group, Lia Loves. In October 2024, Emma was also fortunate enough to play the role of Snow White in a pilot production of Once Upon a One More Time Jr at Junior Theatre Festival in Newcastle.
She is very excited to move into teaching at Theatre Bugs after being a passionate student for so long!
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 a Bachelor of Performance (Honours) at Flinders University in Directing. 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), First Love Is the Revolution (2025), FROZEN Jr (2025) and Spongebob Jr (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), Kimberly Akimbo Dir. Mitchell Butel and 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.
Teacher
Hayley Binnekamp is a recent graduate from Sydney Conservatorium, majoring in Classical Voice Performance. Her many interests include musical theatre, opera, piano, dancing and reading. She
has lived in the Middle East for most of her life and returned back to Australia when she was 15. Hayley is passionate about working with children and the performing arts. She previously taught
ballet at Seymour College, assisted with vocal coaching for school musicals, and was the vocal leader at Wesley College.
Aside from performances in countless musical productions, the highlights of her career so far have been performing solo with the Qatar Phillharmonic Orchestra, supporting Hugh Jackman in
his road tour, chorus member in the Nutcracker ballet and NIDA’S production of Orpheus in the Underworld. One of her strengths as a teacher is breaking down complex vocal and musical concepts into simple, practical steps. Whether it’s breath control, resonance, language diction, or performance technique, she can translate advanced ideas into language that children can truly understand and apply. This helps students progress in their vocal abilities and feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
Hayley is dedicated to helping young singers find their voice, not just technically, but confidently and authentically. With a strong foundation in vocal pedagogy, she can guide students in building healthy techniques while making learning clear, supportive, and enjoyable.
Teacher
Izzy’s ongoing love of theatre began with a Theatre Bugs holiday program when she was six years old and realised that there were other kids just like her who also couldn’t sit still and were full of energy! The rest is history… ever since, Izzy has been heavily involved with theatre! She can always be found rehearsing for something new and is more than happy to tell you all about it.
Izzy has trained heavily in all three disciplines of musical theatre. She has completed up to Grade 7 of AMEB Musical Theatre examinations with high distinction, has trained in a variety of dance styles and has taken on a number of roles which have allowed her to expand her acting repertoire. Some of her favourite roles have included Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Wendy in Peter Pan(both with Theatre Bugs!), and Sophie in Mamma Mia.
Izzy’s teaching is underpinned with patience, kindness and the understanding that each child’s learning needs are unique! Growing up as part of the Theatre Bugs family, she is committed to nurturing the inclusive, accepting and fun spirit of the company!
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.
Teacher
Karma is an actor and writer whose early years of youth musical theatre have left him with a penchant for larger-than-life characters. As a neurodivergent artist, he has a passion for complex language, unexpected narratives, and the breaking of form.
Karma has appeared in stage productions such as Tiny Beautiful Things (dir. Olivia Jane Parker), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (dir. Meghan Dansie), Cyrano (dir. Daniella Chiarolli), [BLANK] (dir. Tiffany Lyndall-Knight), the world premiere of Medea in Exile (dir. Hannah Smith, Renato Musolino & Kiara Skene) and repeat seasons of Dance Nation (dir. Hannah Smith), the latter for the Adelaide Fringe. As part of his training he has gotten the opportunity to work on creative developments for With Urinals (dir. Kiara Skene) and Five Trials on the Queen’s Stage (dir. Christopher Hurrell) and devised the short climate play Mother Nature for the Adelaide Festival’s Floods of Fire (dir. Airan Berg).
Screen credits include short films Bien Boa (dir. Cameron Nelson & Tiffany Lyndall-Knight), Squeezy & Jiggles (dir. Kiara Skene), and Artful Escape (dir. Kiara Skene). He has also appeared as a guest improv performer on the Role to Cast podcast and in two seasons of their live shows at the Adelaide Fringe.
Teacher
Lauren Paolini is a South Australia–based performer, actor, dancer, and educator with extensive experience across dance, theatre and film. A graduate of Adelaide College of the Arts (Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts – Acting), Lauren has trained, performed and competed across multiple disciplines including acting, tap, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre.
Lauren started dancing at the age of 3 at Innis Dance Studios, where her love of dance was nurtured and her skills developed and she completed their teacher training program. She teaches dance to students aged 3–18, including syllabus and exam classes, specialty tap, and performance ensembles. Lauren also has experience delivering dance curriculum within schools and supporting performances, concerts, special events and she can run a mean disco!
Lauren has appeared in a wide range of stage productions including Chicago, The Sound of Music, Macbeth, Spring Awakening and Three Sisters.
With other graduates from her Acting Course, they have formed a collaborative ‘The Curious Roach Collective’ to develop and present new independent theatre works most recently “Savages’ at the 2024 and 2025 Fringe with more works in development.
Lauren has also appeared in a number of short films and commercials.
Whether teaching in studios and schools, devising new work, or collaborating on stage and screen, she is driven by a love of artistic expression and the creation of meaningful, resonant experiences.
Lauren is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging and nurturing learning environments that help students develop both artistically and personally, encouraging self-expression, confidence, discipline, and teamwork through creative learning.
Maddie has been passionate about performing from a young age, training and competing in a wide range of dance styles as well as musical theatre. She has been a part of Theatre Bugs for over six years now, first as a student and now as a teacher.
As a teacher, Maddie loves sharing her creativity with her students. She especially enjoys watching them grow in confidence, build new skills, and discover the joy of performing.
Maddie is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching, and she is excited to combine her love of education with her passion for the performing arts.
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
Taylor is a professional Theatre-maker, Actor and Singer based in Adelaide. Taylor has worked and collaborated with companies such as BRINK Productions, FRANK Theatre, ACT Now Theatre No Strings Attached Theatre for Disability and Toured Australia with Windmill Theatre. Taylor was the recipient of The Mill Adelaide’s “Free Range Residency” in 2023 to develop her new project. Taylor creates multi-disciplined work that stems from vulnerability with the aim to connect and resonate with audiences often focusing on subjects to do with social justice to insight change. Taylor has created multiple award winning shows so far in her career, including as part of the Adelaide Fringe. She is most recently the co-founder of a film company whose films have been awarded the Audience Choice Award two for two consecutive years. Taylor is currently being mentored by the Artistic Director of State Theatre Company South Australia, Petra K alive, as part of ACT Now’s cultural leader program.