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. 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 Jessica, Studio Manager
Miss Jess joined Speak Up way back in 2018 as a young fresh drama teacher. And has stuck around so long that we put her in charge of the whole studio!
Jess takes care of our venues and our teachers and makes sure everyone is in the right place at the right time.
Jess brings endless practicality and mum-energy to her role as studio manager, solving problems, keeping our many shows on track and and occasionally popping out to hunt down an obscure prop (like the time we needed a pine cone for the sound of music!)
Miss Maya is the organisational diva of speak up. From as early as she could speak, she would sing “tomorrow” from Annie to anyone who would listen. She creates a fun and dedicated class environment, helping students thrive in their performance and singing skills. Don’t be fooled by her professional demeanour, there is a sprite underneath ready to bring fun and witty energy to every class.
Miss Maya
Assistant Manager
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 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
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
Ever wondered who has the bright, bubbly voice with an infectious laugh when you call us at Speak Up? That's Miss Georgia! One of the kindest, most patient teachers you'll ever meet. Outside of work, she's the Artistic Director of a leading Brisbane theatre company. Miss Georgia's spirit animal is a bunny, fluffy and cuddly, with a twinkle in her eye and some discreetly hidden fruit snacks at her desk. Miss Georgia is the queen of our Holiday Workshops, and we wouldn't know what to do without her!
Miss Georgia
Studio Teacher
From the minute she burst on the scene all Miss Ally ever wanted to do was dance! From the dance floor her love of performing grew, leading her to undertake a Bachelor of Acting from the Queensland Conservatorium and now balancing the busy life of a performer and a teacher. Oozing passion and creative energy, Miss Ally’s drama classes are a perfect balance of fun and learning! Need a song recommendation, staging inspiration or play selection, just ask Ally.
Miss Ally
Studio Teacher
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!
I 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
