Our Staff


Ashley J Russell
CAT Principal, Tutor & LCM/LAMDA Tutor
Ashley originates from Central Scotland and began performing at a young age under the direction of Caroline Newlands and also McKechnie School of Dance and Performing Arts. This strong foundation lead her to perform professionally with The Scottish Ballet and Rambert Dance Company. She then gained a BA in Acting at Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh and furthered her training with an MA in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London under the prestigious Dame Judy Dench Scholarship.
Some of Ashley's professional credits include, WE WILL ROCK YOU, MAMMA MIA!, SHREK THE MUSICAL and SISTER ACT. Read more about Ashley here.
Daniel J Kenton
CAT Operations Manager/Tutor
Daniel J Kenton
CAT Operations Manager, Class Tutor & LCM/LAMDA Tutor
Originally from New Zealand, Daniel is a both a professional singer and actor. Initially, Daniel trained in Music before following the musical theatre route. Now based in Birmingham, Daniel has done a lot of work at the Birmingham REP Theatre as an actor in shows such as "To Sir, With Love", "Jekyll & Hyde" and the lead role in Dennis Kelly's "DNA". This is alongside occasionally working at the theatre as a Musical Director. He is also a regular conductor and leader for the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra's youth choir.
Daniel is currently the Musical Supervisor of local Community group Bfourteen.

CiCi Howells
CAT Class Tutor & LCM Tutor
CiCi is originally from Mid Wales but moved to London to pursue her acting career. CiCi is currently Deputy Head of Midlands Academy Of Musical Theatre in Birmingham, which has been named as one of the best musical theatre drama schools outside London. CiCi regularly gigs with The Blue Lion Band where she is also the West Midlands Consultant. She is also the winner of the Inaugural Richard Williams Musical Theatre Award.

A.J. Powell
Guest Tutor
AJ is one of our longest serving tutors here at Class Act Theatrix. AJ trained at Italia Conti, and has been performing professionally ever since. AJ has an array of professional credit including TV credits in Casualty, Holby City, Mr Selfridge, EastEnders, The Crown, Episodes and Doctors. His Theatre Credits include West Side Story, We Will Rock You, Guys and Dolls and Annie.
AJ has also danced for many famous artists you'll know including both Kelly Clarkson and Geri Halloway.

Louise Callaghan
Kit-Cats Tutor
Louise is our Kit Cat Tutor and a valued member of our team. Louise trained as a teacher, with a passion for drama and performing arts. This has tied in nicely with Louise taking the reins as our Kit-Cat Tutor. Louise is also one of our staff members who travel into schools and lead weekly Extra Curricular clubs. Which ever school you go to, Louise has probably taught at!

Emma J Farrell
CAT Class Tutor
Emma is our newest tutor and a fab addition to our team. Emma recently graduated from MAMT and has since gone on tour with the Greatest Showman Live. You will find Emma teaching both Drama and Singing here at Class Act Theatrix.

Angelica Ward
Guest Dance Tutor
Angelica is a training dancer who is currently in her first year at Rare Dance Studios in Liverpool. Gaining a wealth of experience through years of comps and hardcore training at, BOA & Bellagio Dance, Angelica will be joining our team to guest teach our more technical dance classes every now and then. We love having Angelica, as do the kids!
