MEET THE TEAM
ELLY McDONALD
COMPANY MANAGER/DIRECTOR
Elly started her training at Trinity when she was still at school in Australia. After getting involved in every production going at university, she followed her passion and set off for London. Over the last 30 years, her passion for the performing arts allowed her to secure roles on both on stage and behind the scenes and includes stints in London’s West End and the BBC.
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Whilst working behind the scenes at the London Palladium, she directed and performed in the London premier of Automat at the King’s Head Theatre.
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After gaining her PGCE and MEd (psychology), she focused on helping younger performers develop their skills and confidence. For the last 15 years Elly has been training successful candidates in local eisteddfods, and was speech and drama coordinator for the Thornbury Eisteddfod until 2020.
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Her enthusiasm and passion is matched by a belief that young performers should not be limited by their age and is constantly amazed by the outstanding performances by NYTC.
JOSHUA NEWPORT
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Joshua has over 14 years experience as a musical director, arranger, composer and musician from industry right across the UK.
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For over 10 years, he has taught singing throughout the South West, working across many genres of music and with students of all abilities. Using elements of the Estill voice model, he imparts the right blend of technical skills and encouragement needed to develop and protect the developing voice.
His passion and enthusiasm for performance, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail, helps our company members develop the skills and confidence to deliver exceptional performances.
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Whether they are keen to star in a show or join the chorus, he helps every performer be the best they can be.
CHLOE BAKER
DANCE TEACHER
Chloe Baker is the principal and founder of Avive Dance Company. Her experience in the performing arts was developed from a young age by competing in Eisteddfods across the country. Her considerable skill saw her qualify for the All England Championship semi-finals.
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As a student she was accepted onto The Royal Ballet School's associate program where she was fortunate to be taught by an ex Royal Ballet Principal, Karen Paisey. She furthered her dance training at Bristol college of Dance.
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Chloe thrives on sharing the enjoyment of movement to music and inspiring creativity. She believes that dance not only has physical benefits including improved flexibility, coordination, strength and fitness but also develops confidence and social skills in our young performers.
ROSIE HOWSE
CHOREOGRAPHER
Rosie Howse has been a much loved member of NYTC for over 5 years. In 2020, she decided to join us as a choreographer and share her passion for dance from the ‘other sided’ while she studies for her A levels.
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She has been dancing in a variety of genres since she was a youngster and has travelled the country competing in dance competitions. She has taught dance to local primary school children for over 5 years.