INSTRUCTORS
Jessica Kelly
FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Jessica Kelly has been an arts educator for over 15 years and brings thousands of hours of teaching experience as well as her fun, energetic, and supportive personality to all her camps and classes.
From a young age, Jessica trained in Musical Theatre, Jazz and R.A.D Ballet at the Douglas Ballet Academy (now Dance Collective). There she was blessed with many opportunities to travel the world sharing dance in her youth, and won many awards for her performances. Commitment, teamwork, dedication, inclusion, friendliness and a love of self were ingrained in Jessica during the countless hours she spent in the studio training each week; core principals which she stands by and brings to each one of her classes.
Jessica went on to study Musical Theatre at Capilano University and work as a professional performer in and around Vancouver.
At the age of 21, she suddenly and unexpectedly lost her father which resulted in depression and anxiety. It was those feelings that pushed her to try her first yoga class , which allowed her start to feel like herself again. Jessica became a yoga teacher in 2014 and carries a designation of ERYT-550 with the Canadian Yoga Alliance.
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Learning to channel her emotions through voice and movement has been a huge asset to Jessica and she is passionate about sharing her love of the arts with young performers.
James’ professional training includes Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop/Commercial, Musical Theatre, Singing and Acting at the world renowned Bird College - Conservatoire for dance and musical theatre in London, England.
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At Bird he received a 1st Class (Hons) degree in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. During his training he performed in 9 to 5, Sister Act and 1984 and has performed on live television as a backing dancer and soloist for different artists and programs.
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James moved to Vancouver in 2019 and found his love for teaching dance. James is excited to share his passion for musical theatre with our students
James Furnell
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, CHOREOGRAPHER,
GROUP 1 INSTRUCTOR
Carmen Mowatt
CENTRE STAGE MINIS INSTRUCTOR
Carmen Mowatt is a Vancouver Island born teacher, actress, performer, singer, dancer, and natural materials artist.
Drawn to the arts at a young age, Carmen trained in voice, dance, and theatre throughout her wonder years in the Comox Valley. She went on to complete the 2-year theatre program at Malaspina College and followed that up with special effects makeup diploma from Blanche Macdonald.
After some world travelling and settling in Squamish, Carmen has been able to return to her love of the arts and education. She has recently completed courses in Child Growth and Development, Child Guiding & Caring and Child Health Safety & Nutrition.
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Carmen is looking forward to lighting the love of performance and community with Act Alive!
Originally from the UK, Hannah has been passionate about musical theatre throughout her life. During her university years, she served as President and Director of the Performing Arts Society, producing and starring in bi-annual shows that refined her leadership and performance skills.
In 2021, she moved to Squamish, drawn by the mountains and Canadian lifestyle. After an academic detour, she returned to her true passion: theatre and teaching.
Hannah is a proud member of Act Alive’s adult musical theatre program, ‘Troupe,’ where she recently played Julia Guglia in The Wedding Singer. Her previous roles include Booth in Assassins, General Matilda Cartwright in Guys & Dolls, Éponine in Les Misérables, and Jenna in Waitress. Hannah looks forward to continuing her journey in helping others discover the magic of theatre.
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Hannah Shepheard
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,
GROUP 3 AND ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR
Claire Stewart
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
With a Master in Fine Arts from the Guildford School of Acting, Claire has acted, sung and danced her way across stages from BC to the UK and has transformed her passion into a vibrant teaching career.
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She began performing at the age of 6 and trained extensively in Dance (Highland, Jazz, Tap, Ballet) Voice (Estill, Linklater) and Acting.
She firmly believes that anyone with a desire to grow their vocal ability can benefit from focused and purposeful training.
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Always ready to collaborate on a new project, she is thrilled to be back at Act Alive bringing exciting and vibrant Musical Theatre to the Sea to Sky corridor!