The Speak Up team is made up of experienced, passionate, and dedicated professionals who bring our values to life every day. Our office hums with laughter, Disney music, and colourful personalities but behind the fun is a serious mission: helping children develop confidence, communication, and creativity through performing arts.
Meet the team who will guide your child as they grow up in our studio family — skilled educators who make learning playful, meaningful, and memorable.
Miss Cathy, Studio Director
I founded Speak Up in 2010 when I was 20. as a solo speech and drama teacher. Over the past decade, the studio has grown into a thriving community that many of our young people see as a second home. Today, we run a full drama curriculum, serve 400 students each week, offer a year-round performance program, and host popular school holiday workshops.
A lot has changed in business over the last 15 years, but the skills that have helped me lead and grow the studio have not. As a child, speech and drama taught me how to communicate clearly, believe in myself, and express my creativity. These are the same skills that underpin the Imagination Curriculum (communication, confidence, and creativity).
After 15 years of growth, I made the decision to scale the studio down slightly at the end of 2024. These days we focus on primary speech and drama, delivering high quality lessons. I’m proud that the studio has become a workplace where parents (including myself!) can continue developing our careers in a creative, funny team!
Don’t be fooled by her ‘I mean business' guise, Jess is sunshine in human form. Jess comes into any room with the energy of a caffeinated kelpie and leaves every child feeling loved, included and exhausted. Have a problem? Jess is your girl. In fact, most days it seems that Jess is on a mission to help as many people as she possibly can, whether it’s venue hunting, lesson planning or smile spreading, Miss Jess is on the case.
Miss Jess
Assistant Manager
Miss Jessica has a bright and loud energy to match her bright pink hair! She's been a professional actor for ten years and has experience in musical theatre, immersive and improv theatre. Miss Jessica loves creating opportunities so kids can explore create and try. There is no offer not worth exploring. She has a great skill of managing fun and fair.
Miss JKR
Senior Teacher
Kara joined the studio in the least dramatic role we can imagine - bookkeeper - a role she executes with flair and passion! Like any good accountant, Kara knows the details are critical to informing the big picture, and her work enables us to keep the boring bits of studio management in order. Kara's greatest strengths are her empathy and compassion. She's the voice of kindness we all need around the office.
Kara
Finance Manager
Miss Maya has always been a drama queen! At age 4 she was subjecting strangers to a full length rendition of ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie. While she has gained more self awareness, Maya still loves the stage and aims to foster a love of drama and music in all her students. Her classroom balances chaos and calm to fill the cups of all the children involved!
Miss Maya
Assistant Manager
Miss Ellie began her career as a resident choreographer for a youth theatre company in Noosa and has professionally taught dance, drama and musical theatre in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Ellie believes that cultivating a safe, supportive environment combined with play and imagination, is the very best way to nurture a confident child who has the courage to “speak up” in all aspects of their life.
Miss Ellie
Studio Teacher
Miss Ella’s childlike spark, gentle nature, and bubbly personality make her a truly magical person. She has a Degree in Fine Arts at QUT majoring in drama and infuses creativity, laughter, and love into everything she does, including her work with her students. Her unwavering passion for musical theatre is infectious, and her classroom is always filled with music and energy.
Miss Ella
Studio Teacher
Meet Miss Natalee! With a playful and easy-going energy, she brings her life long love of drama to every classroom. Natalee is currently studying for her Bachelor in Secondary Education, majoring in Drama and English. She is always eager to learn from both her peers and students and holds a strong belief that ‘children are just as good at teaching, and better is some ways than adults’.
Miss Natalee
Studio Teacher
Miss Sarah has been on stage since a very young age where she discovered her love and passion for the performing arts. She has a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care and has a Bachelor of Acting at JMC Academy. Sarah wanted to combine her passion for teaching and performing to create an environment where the younger generation can find their passion for the performing arts.
Miss Sarah
Studio TeacherI love the passion and enthusiasm of the teachers. I think you have to have passion in life – and when you teach it is essential. I LOVE the positive energy and kindness and support that all the teachers show each and every one of the students. That love for what they do, the effort that goes in every single day – is what makes such a huge difference to our young people. Having this positive input into their young lives is going to stay with them all of their days. Iit is always about the people, the passion and the kindness and support.
Kristy, mum
Work With Us
Are you a good communicator? Are you confident? Are you creative?
Are you looking for a job that’s more than a job?
If your life’s purpose is to use your strengths to lift others up, then we want to hear from you. We’re always on the lookout for new professional Drama Queens to join the Speak Up family.