Meet the Team
Rachel Croke
Principal (F.I.D.T.A) (BA Hons)Rachel trained from a young age at the Maureen Law Theatre School in Sheffield and then at Bird College in Kent where she graduated in 2005 with a First Class BA Hons in Dance and Theatre Performance. Rachel went on to perform in numerous productions both on stage and television across the UK and overseas before hanging up her dance shoes to pursue a career in teaching. Prior to opening RMC Academy of Theatre Performance, Rachel taught at dance schools both in Cyprus and the UK training students for IDTA examinations, festivals, championships, and productions. Her passion is teaching and being able to nurture and educate students through her love for the arts. She is a Fellow Member of the International Dance Teachers Association and continues to further her teacher training with senior members of the IDTA. Rachel is also a festival and TDCI adjudicator, and co-producer of charity production ‘Simply the Best’ hosted by her family charity ‘BB with love’ in association with Weston Park Cancer Charity.
Matthew Croke
Vice PrincipalMatt trained at the Maureen Law Theatre School and the Sharon Berry School of Dance in Sheffield. The Sheffield-born actor, dancer, singer graduated from Laine Theatre Arts in 2007 and has since enjoyed a successful career in London’s West End with leading roles in Wicked, Singin’ in the Rain, Chicago and most recently the title role of Aladdin in Disney’s West End Production Aladdin. He has also appeared on television and lent his voice and talents to numerous productions with ITV. In 2018 Matt won the prestigious Carl Alan Performers award. In this year he also released his debut album ‘Only Dreaming’ which is available on all downloading platforms and through his website http://www.mattcroke.com. He has adjudicated at many events including the All England Finals at Sadler’s Wells and at the TDCI British Scholarships. Matt is a regular guest teacher at colleges across the UK and has lectured for the IDTA and BATD at numerous events.
Rebecca Hanneman
Dance TeacherRebecca trained at the Sharon Berry School of Dance in Sheffield from the age of 7. During her time there she achieved numerous awards in IDTA examinations, festivals, and was nominated on numerous occasions for the prestigious International Dance Teachers Association Theatre Dance Awards. Her most memorable achievement was being a top 6 finalist in Miss Dance of Great Britain in 2017.
Rebecca went on to further her training at Bird College in Kent and graduated in 2020 with a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre.
Alex O'Brien
Dance TeacherAlex trained at the Sharon Berry School of Dance in Sheffield from the age of 3 years old and went on to complete her professional training at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts graduating with a Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts. She gained a variety of credits whilst training including ensemble/cover Queen Lucretia in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for Qdos Entertainment 2019. Alex was a regular nominee at the IDTA Theatre Dance Awards and competed at the finals of Miss Dance of Great Britain in 2016 and 2017.
Helen Woodley
Vocal Coach & Dance Teacher
Jade Wing
Gymnastic CoachJade began dancing at the age of 3 and started training in artistic gymnastics at the Sheffield Workshop from the age of 8.
In 2013 Jade graduated from National Centre for Circus Arts in London where she specialised in aerial, acro, contortion and flexibility. Jade is a qualified acro , IDTA gymnastics dance and fitness instructor. Her performance credits include James Bond Skyfall Premier, West Ham United Football, Coca Cola Advert, Circus 250 and Club Med Cirque, France. Jade teaches at dance schools and colleges across Yorkshire.
Jahz Duncan-Croke
Vocal CoachJahz has 12 years experience as a singer, vocal coach and vocal arranger. He has performed all over the world and was a contestant on The Voice UK 2021 successfully gaining a place on Sir Tom Jones’ Team.
He still loves performing but finds it equally fulfilling to watch his students develop into confident, fully supported singers. Whether students like to sing as a hobby or working towards an audition or performance, Jahz will work to tailor individual talents and develop skills to fully understand and perform vocal techniques confidently and effectively.
Millie Doane
Dance TeacherMillie trained at the Paula Bailey School of Dance in Sheffield and moved to RMC Academy of Theatre Performance in 2017 to continue her training after their principal retired. As a student RMC, Millie achieved numerous awards in examinations and festivals including several nominations for the prestigious International Dance Teachers Association Theatre Awards. Millie is a valued member of the teaching team and is currently working towards her next teaching qualification this year.
Poppy Croydon-Smith
Dance TeacherPoppy studied at the Nicholson Theatre school of Dance and continues to train at RMC Academy of Theatre Performance.
She holds a number of IDTA examination awards in all disciplines of dance and has been nominated for the prestigious IDTA Theatre Awards on numerous occasions. Her examination credits also include Music, Physical Education, an extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity and Coaching qualification. Poppy also has a love for musical theatre and continues to perform with local theatre groups in a variety of shows. She holds a Level 3 Teaching Diploma with the International Dance Teacher’s Association and is currently working towards her Level 4 Teaching qualification.
Charlotte Stones
Dance TeacherCharlotte trained at the Sharon Berry School of Dance in Sheffield, where she became a two time winner of the International Theatre Dance Awards in 2014 and 2018, and a three times Miss Dance of Great Britain Grand Finalist. In 2021 she graduated from Phil Winston’s Theatreworks with a diploma in Musical Theatre. She then went on to work professionally in theatre and on cruise ships, completing numerous contracts as a Lead Vocalist for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Marella Cruises. She now works as an International Vocalist onboard ships, as well as enjoying teaching, where she is a Licentiate member of the IDTA.