Staff

Aideen McAuliffe - Artistic Director

Aideen, originally from Tallow in Co. Waterford, is the founder and Director of Centre Stage School. After completing a degree in Media and Comunications, Aideen studied Drama and Musical Theatre at Maryland University, Washington, USA. She then returned to NUI Galway where she completed a Masters in Drama and Theatre Studies.

Aideen holds a teaching diploma from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and is a qualified Primary School Teacher.  Aideen has directed and produced all of the schools productions to date and is forever compelled by the capabilities of the students and staff of Centre Stage School.

 

 

Eimear has been a part of Centre Stage since she was 6 years old, when she started as a pupil.  She joined the classes later as a class assistant, then as a teacher, and now proudly serves as the Operations Manager.  While a student, she received Distinction in both Acting and MT with LAMDA.  Hailing from Mallow, Eimear qualified as a Mental Health Nurse from UCC in 2020.  She loves all things about CSS, from rehearsing performances to building lifelong friendships and being part of a heartwarming community.  Eimear is looking forward to meeting both new and old students, and hopes to assist students and parents with any questions or help they may need throughout the year.                                 

Laura's creative and energetic love for drama and working with children gives her the exciting drive to work with Centre Stage and the Theatre Tot and Musical Theatre Programme. Laura studied Speech and Drama for four years in the Cork College of Commerce, where she achieved four different Diplomas including her highest to date, her Fellowship Diploma certified by the Victoria College of London.  Since then Laura has taught Drama & exercise classes for children from 4 years upwards in Passage West, and Theatre Tots/Musical Theatre classes in Centre Stage (and surrounding preschools in the North Cork area). She has also worked with Cope Foundation in bringing their "Growing Imaginations" projects to life. Laura is very excited to be involved with Centre Stage School, and looks forward to the year ahead!

Lesley-Anne Radcliffe is a qualified dance teacher with the internationally renowned Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (I.S.T.D) and Acrobatic Arts. She trained at Laine Theatre Arts in London, Joan Denise Moriarty in Cork and Hammond School in Chester. Not only is she qualified in Ballet, Modern, Tap, National and Acro dance, giving students the option to take internationally recognised exams, but she was also a professional dancer with Thomson Gold International, P&O Cruises and Carnival Cruises. Performances in Ireland also include dancing with Cork Ballet Company, Cork City Ballet, Cork city pantomimes as well as shows working with choreographer Donna Daly Blyth.  She has regularly been a guest performer with SYB Eastbourne. More recently Lesley-Anne became a qualified teacher of Acro dance through the highly acclaimed organisation Acrobatic Arts, who offer a professional curriculum for acrobatic dance reaching throughout Canada, UK, Europe and Australia.  Lesley-Anne has been with Centre Stage since 2014 during which time students have excelled in Ballet, Tap and Modern, all of which are of tremendous value to many performers who continue their studies to a professional level abroad.

Katie Holly is from Charleville and studied Drama, Theatre Studies and Music in UCC before completing an MA in Irish Literature.  She has written, directed and produced her own work for Cork Midsummer Festival and has toured her productions nationally. Her 2019 production 'Crossword' starred Mallow's own Danny Buckley, was commissioned by Cork County Council and toured Co. Cork for Bealtaine Festival in May 2019, before being recorded and broadcast as an audio play as part of Cork County Culture Night in September 2020.  She wrote and directed the Transition Year All Ireland Drama Final winner 2017 with St. Mary's Secondary School, Charleville and worked with Graffitti Theatre Company on their Young Playwright programme in 2018 up to the present, mentoring playwrights aged 15 to 19.  She loves working in administration, sometimes helps out with scripts for the talented drama students at Centre Stage School and is looking forward to the year ahead!

 

 

Louise Luddy is a qualified Music and Maths teacher from Mallow. As a past pupil of Centre Stage School, her love of music and drama was fostered from a young age. She later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2013, followed by a Bachelor of Music from UCC in 2014, and went on to acquire a Professional Masters in Education in 2016. During her time in UCC, she was a member and regular accompanist of the UCC Choral Society and the UCC Singers. A founding member of the UCC Musical Society, Louise was Assistant Musical Director and Choral Mistress for several productions such as Songs for a New World, Avenue Q and Seussical the Musical during her tenure.  She is delighted to be returning to the Centre Stage team again this year, and excited to get started with the year ahead!

Nicole McDonagh is a vocalist and vocal coach from Ballincollig. Nicole’s interest in music and musical theatre was fostered at a very young age, beginning piano lessons at age six and attending musical theatre classes throughout her school life.

In 2013 Nicole graduated from the CIT Cork School of Music with an honours degree in vocal performance under the direction of Mary Mulcahy and Mary Hegarty.

Nicole was one of the founding committee members of the CIT Musical Society, and performed as Jack's Mother in her final year in Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods.

After completing her degree, Nicole trained with Musical Theatre Ireland under the direction of Johnathan Tweedie and Ross Campbell, a singing professor from the Royal Academy of Music, London. This is where Nicole's passion for vocal technique grew as she married her classical technique with Estill voice training. This is the technique she now passes on to her students with a strong emphasis on breathing, support and vocal health.

Since finishing her studies Nicole has been involved in many productions across Cork both as a performer and musical director.

Outside of her musical endeavours Nicole has a Masters in Public Relations and New Media, and works as a public relations, marketing and events executive.

Emily is an American actor and singer who has recently moved to Cork from New York City.  She studied Musical Theatre from Webster University's Conservatory of Fine Arts in St. Louis, Missouri where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.  At her time in university, she received two distinguished awards: The Leigh Gerdine Conservatory of Fine Arts Department Honours, and The Francis Marion Annual Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement. She then spent 12 years in New York working as not only an actor, but a personal acting coach and voice teacher.  She has had the pleasure of working with companies like The Flea Theatre, Theatre Raleigh, Downtown Dance Factory, Songful Artists, Timber Lake Playhouse, and 5 tours with Theatreworks USA.  In addition to performance, she has had the great privilege of working as the Acting Techniques and Musical Theatre instructor for Berridge Programs for Theatre and Film for the last 11 summers in Normandy, France.  This year, as well as Musical Theatre, Emily will teach Drama up to Gold Medal standard (LAMDA exams).

Kerry Nyhan is a Mallow native who completed a BA in Popular Music (majoring in Voice) in Cork School of Music.
Kerry’s interest in music stems from a young age.  She was an enthusiastic student of Centre Stage, taking part in such musicals as Seussical The Musical, Les Miserables and Fame
Kerry is also incredibly passionate about pop music and supported The Saturdays at 19 with her band Roulette.
She is so excited to fuse her pop and musical theatre background together to bring fun classes to Centre Stage this term!

Keith is a Singer/Performer & Vocal Coach. Having studied Popular Music Performance (Vocals) at BIMM London as well as teaching, Keith is excited to share all his knowledge & passion with the up and coming generation. 

Keith is certainly no stranger to the Cork performing scene, having performed principal roles in numerous Pantos at the Everyman Palace Theatre, in Annie at Cork Opera House, and is lead vocalist for 'Cork Pops Orchestra' under the direction of Evelyn Grant (RTÉ Lyric FM) & 'UCC Rocks’. Having won RTÉ’s 'The Voice Of Ireland’, Keith has a wealth of TV experience & is currently recording new music to be released early next year. 

Keith has worked in different Primary Schools and musical settings throughout the Munster Region - holding Vocal Workshops, Stage Directing & Musical Directing. His classes are all about enhancing each students talent through teaching them techniques and tips they need to succeed in their singing and dancing.  He also works towards building each students confidence and helping them find their unique voice. He focuses on teaching them how to sing and dance in a healthy, fun, open, relaxed but controlled way, giving them the tools necessary to push them beyond their boundaries. Nurturing your talent and growing your voice is an on going adventure.  Keith is very excited to be returning to the Centre Stage team this year and looks forward to the new year ahead.  As well as Musical Theatre, Keith will teach newly added class Hip Hop Dance.

 

Originally from the Boston area in the United States, Lily has been living in Mallow for the last 10 years.  She has been a Music, Dance, and Drama educator (both in Ireland and in America) for the last 16 years, teaching in schools, camps and with Community Outreach programs.  With a degree in Sociology, she is especially interested in the community aspect of performing arts, and enjoys bringing people together through these art forms as well as realising the importance they have on the individual.  She has taught music and drama, conducted school choirs in Irish National schools in the greater Mallow area, and has been the program director for a multigenerational music and dance summer camp program for the last 5 years. Lily has been dancing and singing with performance groups since childhood, and has performed in numerous productions.  She is currently a member of Mallow's Community Choir as well as the founder of Various Voices, a small vocal ensemble.  Lily has watched from the side-lines as her two daughters have enjoyed classes at Centre Stage over the last few years and is now delighted to be part of the team, bringing her love of the performing arts to Centre Stage School's youngest students in the Theatre Tots program!

Office Manager Trish Ryan from Cork City, has been living in Mallow for the past 13 years.  A graduate of University College Cork in Relationship Studies, Trish has a primarily financial background.  Having attended many Centre Stage School shows (to see her two childrens' talents on display) over the past 10 years, and with a background in 'Tops of the Towns' as a young performer herself, she is delighted to be part of the team, and will be happy to assist you in the office!

Caoimhe McCarthy began taking violin lessons in Mallow at the age of 7 with Deirdre Lynch before attending lessons at the Cork School of Music with Siun Milne and Gregory Ellis.

She loves teaching and has a special interest in Music Education. She has played with orchestras such as Cork Chamber Orchestra, Irish Youth Baroque Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, CSM Symphony Orchestra, and has taken part in the Haydn Symphony Series in Cork.

Caoimhe is delighted to return to Centre Stage School this year!

Roisin is a singer, performer and Vocal Coach from Cork City. From a young age, Roisin found her love of music; she began performing in bands in the vibrant Cork music scene, and hasn't stopped performing since, in venues such as the Cork Opera House and Cork City hall (alongside Riverdance). Roisin went on to study Vocals in CIT Cork School of Music, gaining a BA in Popular Music and completing a Masters degree under Dr. Trish Rooney.  Roisin is the Vice-Principal of The Academy of Popular Music, she continues to work as a vocal coach in Cork City and very much looks forward to working with the students at Centre Stage again this year!

Rory is a guitar tutor from Cork who has many years of experience playing and teaching guitar. He has performed live around the world; from festival stages to touring with other artists to corporate events, to everything in between. He has also taught in one-to-one and class environments to all ages and abilities.

He attained his BA Hons degree in Modern Music while attending BIMM in the UK, and subsequently completed his MA masters in performance at CSM in Cork. He has a wide interest in music; production, live performance, recording, and is constantly fascinated with how students interpret and assimilate music. 

Hailing from Mallow, Amy studied at Mary Immaculate college in which she completed a B.A. in Early Childhood Education in 2021, and she has a passion for all things drama and musical theatre.   She began her journey at Centre Stage as a child, completing many LAMDA exams in singing.  Amy has great memories performing in fantastic CSS productions throughout the years.  Having had such love for performing and our school as a student, Amy is super excited to teach CSS, to meet all of her new and returning students and to work with everybody at Centre Stage School!

Originally from Waterford, Sarah completed a BA (Hons) in Theatre and Drama Studies (BATDS) at MTU Cork School of Music.  Sarah studied singing under the tuition of Lynsey Penkert, completed Grade 4 in Music Theatre Performance from the University of West London, and studied Classical singing and Musical Theatre singing under acclaimed soprano Majella Cullagh.  Sarah discovered her passion for drama teaching while working at the David Hennessy Stage School, Waterford from 2015 – 2018.  As well as a  passion for teaching, Sarah also loves to perform.  Recent credits include performing in Grimm Tales by Carol Ann Duffy, Annie Allen’s World Tour, ‘Wendlain Spring Awakening, ‘Anna Maria in Godspell and ‘Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

 

Becky has always been interested in creative pursuits, and her passion for creativity started at a very early age.  She loves to paint, draw, make jewellery and up-cycle furniture, and she took several courses in art, craft, design and illustration in college.  Aside from personal and professional commission projects, Becky has a passion for teaching. She worked as a Montessori teacher for two years in Vietnam. Although she primarily taught English, she also taught classes in art, craft, music, drama and mindfulness, as well as evening classes for varying age groups. Becky is very excited to meet all her new and returning Art students!

Chloe was a CSS student for 7 years, studying a variety of dance styles such as Jazz, ISTD modern, RAD ballet, Commercial and Acrodance.  She competed on the Centre stage Elite dance team for 4 years in a variety of lyrical, jazz and modern solos, duets, trios and group dances.  Chloe absolutely loved her time as a student at CSS, and can’t wait to share her passion for dance with the talented young Dance students this year.

Siobhan is involved with CSS as a parent for a long time, and always loved helping out.   Althought she hadn't acted since school, Siobhan joined 'On Q' a number of years ago which reignited her love for drama.  With a Diploma from Victoria College of Music and Drama, she also recently received Distinction in Lamda Gold Medal Drama exam.  Siobhan is delighted to be teaching Drama for Fun as she knows these students well (her son Eoghan being one of them!) and knows what a lovely group they are.  She is looking forward to an exciting year ahead!

Annemarie went to London in 2014 on a full scholarship to train professionally in Dance and Musical Theatre. While there, she experienced many different aspects of theatre, dancing with several dance companies, as well as working as production assistant within Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End theatres.  Since moving home to Cork, Annemarie has loved being back, teaching in her home town, working as the Studio Manager for the ACA, teaching various styles including Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theatre, Ballet and Commercial to all age groups.  Annemarie is so excited to get started teaching at Centre Stage Mallow - she's looking forward to seeing all the hard work and progression that will be made, while creating a positive and fun environment for all our dancers.

Annamarie is a Soprano currently studying a Bachelors of Music Degree at the Cork School of Music, specialising in classical voice under Mary Hegarty. During her 3 years as a student at Centre Stage School, she completed her Gold medal in LAMDA Musical Theatre Singing, and performed in our production of 'For Forever' in the Amelian Theatre in Mallow.  She sings professionally at events, masses and functions, and has been singing classically for 5 years.  Annamarie played the lead of Donna in Mamma Mia in the Everyman Palace.  She also has a big interest in teaching singing, and really looks forward to passing on her knowledge this year at Centre Stage.
 
 

 

Aisling has had a passion for all things music and drama from a young age. She trained with Centre Stage for 14 years, completing examinations in Modern and Tap dance with the ISTD. Aisling was a member of the Junior Dance Ensemble in the Cork Opera House pantomime production of Cinderella in 2016 and was a member of the Senior Dance Company at Centre Stage. She recently achieved a distinction in her Gold Medal LAMDA examination in acting. Aisling has been training in piano playing for 12 years, completing her Grade 8 examination and Recital Certificate with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She recently completed her Diploma in Piano Playing with Victoria College London (DipVCM). She is very excited to pass on her love of piano playing to her students!

Michelle has been playing the violin since the age of 4 and the piano since the age of 10 years old. She is an avid chamber musician and has played in many venues across Ireland. She previously studied violin in the Cork School of Music with Gregory Ellis and the piano with Tom Jansson. She has won various Feis Ceoil competitions, including the solo u17s piano competition and the Arthur Caterall Cup for solo violin.  She really looks forward to to meeting her students in the new term!

Lucy is a recent graduate of the MTU Cork School of Music. She has spent the last four years studying voice under Mary Hegarty, Majella Cullagh and Kelley Petcu. She has been teaching for several years now and enjoys working with people of all ages to develop their talent and passion for all types of music.

Clodagh has been playing piano since she was 7 years old.  She completed Grade 8 in the Royal Irish Academy of Music piano exams, and has been teaching children of all ages since 2014.  Clodagh has years of experience teaching the RIAM programme and, having been a CSS student in the past, is very excited to teach in Centre Stage School this year.

Jasmine is a qualified Dance Teacher with the Irish Board of Dance Performance, and has qualifications from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, the Royal Academy of Dance and Acrobatic Arts. Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from MTU Cork School of Music.  Jasmine is certified from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in both Musical Theatre and Acting, and Musical Theatre in Production from Trinity College London. She trained with International teachers and dancers while at Implustanz, Austria and, in London, and worked at a residential camp in Canada where she ran the dance and drama classes.  Jasmine has performed in 13 pantomimes including Addams Family, Cats, Les Miserables and YMTUKs Gulliver’s Travels. She has worked behind the scenes of several productions, including the international productions of Blood Brothers, Dirty Dancing, Lord of the Dance, Pretty Woman and on the Irish Opera production of Morrigan as the Assistant Choreographer.

In her spare time she does circus training, including trapeze and aerial hoop and is a Certified Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer.  She looks forward to teaching Acrodance with Ms Lesley in the coming term!

Testimonials

After years of being a part of the CSS family I can safely say that the joy and support the staff and students bring every day has allowed me to grow, find out who I am and where I want to be. The standard of musical theatre and dance here is beyond amazing especially for those striving to pursue a career in performing arts or those just looking for some after school fun!
 To many, including myself, Centre Stage has been a second home. It is a place where you can be yourself with the knowledge that someone will always be cheering you on

Sophie Ryan (Past Pupil)

I have been a student of Centre Stage for the past 13 years, and cannot thank them enough, from the life long friends I have made, to the techniques in dance, singing and acting that I have learned! From staff to students, CSS is my second family, and a place that many pupils have the absolute pleasure to call home!

Saoirse Murray (Past Pupil)

I once read that " Happiness can be defined as an enduring state of mind consisting not only of feelings of joy, contentment and other positive emotions but also of a sense that one's life is meaningful and valued " I truly believe that sums up all children including my own son and daughter who attend Centre Stage every week.  I cannot recommend Centre Stage enough for the positive impact it has had on our family over the last 10yrs. We have all not only gained new skills and talents but friendships to last a lifetime. Thank you to all the fantastic teachers and those behind the scenes who keep the show on the road every day. Congratulations and best wishes to you all for the next 20yrs

Gwen O'Keeffe

Our daughters have been attending various classes & camps at Centre Stage since their wobbly infant legs could bop along to the beat & they could join in the infectious rhymes, songs, dances, fun & games led by Aideen's team of highly experienced, creative & kind hearted staff. Their love for music, singing & dance has been strengthened as well as new friendships formed and confidence in their own abilities nurtured & developed during their time at Centre Stage. It's hard to put the magicial essence of Centre Stage into words but the beaming smiles of children entering & exiting the school is a fabulous testament to the wonderful school it is. Thank you Centre Stage for all the wonderful work you do - we highly recommend the school

Aoife Barry

Since 2015, we have been involved with Centre Stage School. Initially my 3 children attended Theatre Tots class. They now attend classes which appeal to their individual interests.  Two of my children go for fun, while my third enjoys going for the Musical theatre Company (competes in performance competition).  Irrespective of their level of interest, all the teachers and staff continue to praise and encourage all of them.  There is no doubt that this has helped in building their confidence which continues to grow year on year.  Thanks Aideen and all at CSS!

Aoife Curtin

Our daughter is attending centre stage school for the last 4 years and there is no way she would miss a class as she loves it so much!  She started with Musical Theatre and quickly wanted to try various dance classes too.  She now does ballet, hip hop, acro and Pulse Dance Company!  We find her teachers are always encouraging, positive and inclusive of everyone no matter what their ability.  As someone who started rather quiet and shy, she has blossomed and grown each year under the close supervision of her teachers. Centre Stage is great fun with the children leaving class beaming or indeed skipping out the door!  We highly recommend Centre Stage School!

Kay Harrington

Seven years ago our daughter started at Centre Stage and her interest in the performing arts has been truly nurtured in the Dance, Musical Theatre and Drama classes. The teachers are fun, engaging and share their own love of the arts in a way that sparks the imagination of their students. As her parent, it's a joy watching her grow as she develops friendships with her classmates and they perform together on stages, both big and small. We look forward to many more years of enriching experiences with Centre Stage!

Megan Bean

From the moment Keira, Lily and Amy joined they have been welcomed into a nurturing and inspiring environment. The passionate and dedicated teachers at Centre Stage have instilled a deep sense of confidence and happiness in them. The opportunities to perform have provided my girls with invaluable experiences that go beyond the classroom. Each performance, workshop, and class has been meticulously planned and executed, showcasing the commitment of the Centre Stage team that has truly become a second home for the girls. They have formed lasting friendships and cherished memories.  The joy and excitement they bring home after each session are contagious, and their progress is a testament to the exceptional guidance and support they receive. Thank you, Centre Stage School, for being a cornerstone in my daughters' lives. Your influence has been profound, and we look forward to many more years of growth, performance, and joy with you all.

Karen Manley

Lucy has been attending Centre Stage since the age of 4.  I can’t thank the teachers and staff enough for all they instill in our kids; the talent, confidence & camaraderie inside those doors are so important, and it's a privilege for any child to be part of, and something which they’ll carry with them through life. 

Lisa Punch

My daughter has been attending Centre Stage School for 4 years. She started with Theatre Tots and moved on ward from there. The musical theatre classes have been instrumental in the development of her self-confidence, as well as her great love for music and dance. The teachers and staff include and encourage all children of all abilities, and each child has a chance to shine. I couldn’t recommend Centre Stage School highly enough. Thank you to everyone there for the amazing work you do!  

Caroline Hayes