Meet the Teachers

Steve McNichol

Steve has taught at the Theatre School since it was set up in 1999. He has studied with top professional vocal coaches, musical directors and theatre practitioners both in the UK and on the continent. He is musical director and singing coach for all of the Theatre School's annual productions as well as preparing students for visiting professional companies. This includes “Annie” ( three times!) and Joseph when the Theatre School students were the on stage choir. He also works as a chorus master and musical director for many local groups. He has appeared on stage many times as an actor in many leading roles in musicals and plays most recently as Joe Keller in Arthur Miller's play “All My Sons” and Mr Sowerberry the undertaker in a local production of “Oliver”. When not at Theatre School Steve works as a freelance singing coach and piano teacher both privately and in local schools..

Scott Ayling

Scott joined the teaching team in November 2003, during his final year at university. He graduated the following summer with an HND in Performing Arts from Teesside University.

Scott spent 4 years as the adult acting & drama tutor at Arc in Stockton. His main role at the Forum Theatre School is as drama tutor. His particular area of expertise is script work, including accents and diction coaching, but he also enjoys teaching improvisation and occasionally leads the singing warm-ups.

As with the other teachers, Scott doesn’t just teach; he has appeared in many plays and musicals since the early 1970s. Roles include ‘Worzel’ in Worzel Gummidge – The Musical, ‘Snoopy’ in Snoopy – The Musical and ‘Pop Larkin’ in The Darling Buds of May. Scott has also directed several plays in recent years, including Billy Liar (twice!) and Kes

Sue Brackenbury - Dance and Movement Coach

Sue has been the dance and, movement coach at The Forum Theatre School since day one teaching various styles but focussing on passing on her passion for musical theatre. Sue has directed and choreographed all of the Theatre School annual productions and is particularly proud of her involvement with the professional pantomime which she choreographs using dancers chosen from the school which is a wonderful opportunity for the students.

Sue is currently Chairperson of Billingham Players for whom she directs, choreographs, acts and even sings! She has worked with many companies at home and abroad and is looking forward to the future of the Forum Theatre School back where is belongs – in The Forum Theatre, Billingham.