MEET THE TEAM

Led by theatre professionals

Theatre-makers and performing arts professionals who bring experience, energy and a genuine love of working with young people to every class.

Rosanna Sloan

Artistic Director
“The arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.” – Julie Andrews
About Ro
Welcome to Light UP!
I’m the founder of Unexpected Places and our youth theatre Light UP.
I love working with young people to use the arts to help their wellbeing and introducing people to the wonderful world of acting. There is nothing like that feeling when you come off stage after an amazing performance.
I’ve directed countless productions for Light UP and Unexpected Places, and each one is special in its own way to me.
Alongside directing and teaching I lead the direction of the charity and all the other tasks that come with being an Artistic Director - producing, fundraising, bid writing and so on. If that’s not enough I am also the Chief Executive of Independent Arts, an IOW creative health charity and a Director at Steppin’ UP hip hop dance school.
Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my amazing family, in proud mum mode or at the theatre either watching or performing in plays. Please get in touch if you’d like a chat.
Training:
Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama - European Theatre Arts.
DAMU - Prague
Where do they teach?
Warsash Company
Warsash Advanced
Courtney Fayle

Executive Director
“First, think. Second, dream. Third, believe. And finally, dare.” – Walt Disney
About Courtney
I discovered my passion for acting and directing at a young age, spending family holidays forcing my siblings and cousins to learn Disney musical numbers. Now, many years later, I get to do it for a living and with willing participants!
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a BFA in Theatre Management and Promotions, I was made the MD of SouthWisco KidStage for 3 years before moving to England in 2014 and becoming a freelance drama facilitator with a variety of different youth theatre programmes. That work led me to Light UP, where I've been for the last 11 years and am now serving as the charity's Executive Director.
Training:
University of Wisconsin with a BFA in Theatre Management and Promotions.
Where do they teach?
Shirley Company
Shirley Advanced
Shirley Ensemble (coming soon)
Saturday Improv Club
Rosie Peters

Youth Theatre & Outreach Director
“You just have to be open and ready, and let it all happen.” – Angela Lansbury
About Rosie
I’m Rosie and I have worked at Light UP for over 5 years - and I can’t imagine a world where I didn’t work in the theatre! I graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in Drama, and getting to have a career at Light UP is so special.
The most amazing part of my job is the incredible young people I get to work with, from 4 year olds to young adults. I run a lot of our groups, workshops and holiday projects, and the outstanding amount of commitment, support and enthusiasm our members show is extraordinary.
Plus - I never laugh so hard as I do in a Light UP session!
Training:
University of Exeter - Drama.
Where do they teach?
Chandlers Ford Company
Chandlers Ford Advanced
Home Ed Fareham
Hamble Ensemble
Cornerstone Infant Drama Club
Hamble Company
Shirley Junior Drama Club
Shirley Infant Drama Club
Musical Theatre Company
Anneliese Walker

Executive Director
“Quote directly from the staff member here to highlight something nice”
About Anneliese
My name is Anneliese Walker, and I am a retired Primary School teacher. Soon after retiring, I discovered that Light UP was running children's drama sessions after school at my local library. As I loved teaching drama in my last job, I was keen to be involved.
I enjoy being with children (I have 2 grandchildren) and really appreciate their spontaneity, fresh ideas and creative responses both to the fun drama games, as well as the more challenging and focused activities we work on. The group I assist with always welcomes new members, and they encourage, listen to, and support each other when developing characters, scenes and scripts for performances.
To be part of Light UP is a real privilege!
Where do they teach?
Shirley Company
May Thomas

Assistant Teacher
“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – P.T. Barnum
About May
I am one of Light UP’s student assistants. I have a great interest in creative subjects such as art, music and acting. I enjoy painting, playing the guitar and singing as my hobbies, as well as studying fine art and acting.
So far, I have been a part of the Light UP company for around 5 years. I started off in the Hamble Company group at age 12, getting involved in a few events and shows. I then moved to the Ensemble group, performing in National Connections and later the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. While being in the Ensemble group I started helping out with the Hamble Company group as an assistant. My favourite thing about helping out as a student assistant in this group is that I get to see so many people build confidence and come out of their shell.
Training: Light UP
Where do they teach?
Hamble Company
Lizzie Kane

Assistant Teacher
“You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.” – Barbra Streisand”
About Lizzie
I’m Lizzie and I’ve been involved in Light UP for over 10 years, moving from a student to assistant!
My favourite thing about being an assistant teacher at Light UP is supporting and seeing students grow in confidence, not only on stage but in themselves!
Where do they teach?
Warsash Company
Sam Head

Assistant Teacher
“All the world’s a stage.” - Shakespeare
About Sam
My name is Sam, I have been training in the performing arts since the age of 9 and I am a teaching assistant with the Chandlers Ford Light UP Company.
My favourite part of assisting with Light UP is sharing the enthusiasm of performing with the kids, seeing as I started my performing arts endeavours at their age! Their eagerness to participate in every activity, warmup or performance shines through and is a joy to be a part of!
Where do they teach?
Chandler’s Ford Company
Amy Dagless

Assistant Teacher
“Remember: there are no small parts, only small actors.” - Stanislavski
About Amy
I'm Amy and I started out with Light UP as a home educated student several years ago. I'm now a teaching assistant for other home educated students and my favourite part of the job is seeing how proud they are of their hard work and progress.
Where do they teach?
Fareham Home Ed