MEET THE CREATIVES
Our leading team at Stage Makers Academy are not just ‘good with children’, they have the ability to remember what it feels like to be a brand new human and to appreciate the magic in discovery.
The Stage Maker leaders want to share the experience in a fun, positive, meaningful and lasting way.
We want to raise aspirations and inspire children and young adults to make positive life choices!
Our incredible team is truly the heart of Stage Makers Academy. It’s their dedication, passion and talent that keeps students invested in the learning process.
FOUNDER & DRAMA LEADER
Elena Malekkou
Hello Everyone! My name is Elena & I am the founder of Stage Makers Academy.
I decided to open a Drama School locally as I felt there was a need for Performing Arts based training like ours.
I myself trained in Acting at a London Drama School. I then went on to complete 4 years studying Drama & Film at University and spent a year training in California, all at which I began directing & choreographing Productions for Children’s Theatre. After graduating I worked for two global Production & Post Production companies in Film & TV before deciding to follow my dream of opening up a Drama School after the pandemic. Taking my expertise & experience in both industries, our programmes have been carefully tailored to explore Stage Performance & Stage Production.
Among a million and one things we have all learnt since the pandemic, I hope we can all take away the importance of health & happiness as these are our two fundamental needs. Stage Makers Academy is here to support healthy young minds and lives with the sole aim of nurturing expressive, happy & confident children all through the power of Drama.
MUSICAL THEATRE LEADER
Jessica Degraag
Hi everyone, I'm Jessica! I have been dancing since the age of 2 and have completed my I.S.T.D exams in ballet, tap, modern and jazz. I trained at the Margaret Howard Theatre College for 4 years where I continued to take exams and further my training in Musical Theatre, performing in shows such as Beauty and The Beast. I have been teaching for the last 18 years working towards exams and shows, I am looking forward to joining the team and working towards future shows with everyone!
DRAMA ASSISTANT
Mia Taylor
Hi I’m Mia, I'm currently studying towards my final LAMDA Acting Exam and am so excited to be back for my second year at Stage Makers Academy! I loved my first year and had so much fun! I am so excited for the future ahead and what we have in store!
MUSICAL THEATRE ASSISTANT
Liv Kerner
Hi I’m Liv, I am currently training at Italia Conti studying a Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre and am currently in my Grad year! I have been a part of the Stage Makers team for over a year now and I loved performing on stage with our students and seeing them shine! I am so excited to bring positive energy to all the classes!