“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”
We are so proud of our teaching team at Inner West Drama
Being a teacher is a privilege. At Inner West Drama we pride ourselves on creating an environment that is rich with possibility and inspiration, while being safe and nurturing. We strike the balance between encouraging students out of their comfort zones and fostering deep self confidence. It takes courage to stand up on stage.
We love the moment when students of all ages, from all back grounds take the leap onto stage and feel that rush of adrenalin and satisfaction. Our teachers have years of experience, working in a wide range of environments and love sharing their skills and knowledge with our students. We can’t wait to meet you.
Siobhan Lawless
Siobhan is a co-founder of Inner West Drama. Siobhan graduated from QUT with a Diploma in Acting, she also has a Graduate Diploma in Media Arts from UTS. Siobhan has spent the last three decades working in theatre and television. Witnessing the way drama unites and provides a space for bravery, experimentation and play, fuels Siobhan’s love of teaching. Siobhan is furthering her interest in the transformational power of theatre by currently undertaking a Master of Creative Arts Therapies.
Siobhan teaches across all age groups.
Kate Bookallil
Kate is a co-founder of Inner West Drama.
Kate graduated in a Bachelor of Performing Arts from the University of Western Sydney and has had a career in theatre and television for over two decades. Kate is passionate about teaching because she loves connecting with people through storytelling and sharing her love of performance and play. IWD is a place of creativity, compassion and fun!
Kate teaches across all age groups.
Mel Day
Mel studied stage & screen at the Australian Academy of Dramatic Art then completed an Advanced Diploma in Theatre & Performance at the University of New England. Mel performs on stage regularly & has also worked in film & television.
The connections made at IWD along with the bravery & creativity that pours out of the students, is what keeps Mel coming back to teach term after term. Mel loves seeing students come in from all walks of life & watching how much they grow individually & as a group by the time they shine on stage in their final performances.
Sophie Gregg
Sophie is a graduate of The Victorian College of the Arts and has worked extensively in theatre and television for 20 years.
She absolutely loves teaching at IWD because of its generosity of spirit and inclusivity. Sophie particularly enjoys playing with scripts and helping students to create fun and fabulous performances.
Sophie teaches across all age groups, and most often takes Adults Act III
Ellen Bellew
Ellen graduated from the Australian Institute of Music with a bachelor of Music (musical theatre). Ellen has an infectious energy and teaches Inner West Drama kids with passion and dedication. Ellen leads our Saturday Stage Sports course and teaches across our primary aged classes.
Susan Huang
Susan is a professional actor, children’s theatre maker, and educator, specialising in coaching young people to develop confidence, creativity, and performance skills. She is the founder of Shiny Heart Productions, creating theatre and workshops that combine professional performance with evidence-informed approaches to support children’s social, emotional, and creative growth.
Ryun Montenegro
Ryun, went to school to study film and video production at The School of Visual Arts and taught acting on camera classes at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film institute, both in New York City. Ryun along with his wife moved to Australia in 2019 where he uses his knowledge and passion to teach other aspiring artist.
Olive McKinnon
Olive has been working at Inner West Drama since 2021 and is currently studying a Bachelor of Journalism and Media Arts Production at UTS. Olive has appeared in television programmes and television commercials. Olive enjoys working with kids who are passionate about performing and interested in creative play. Olive teaches across our primary school age classes.
Ella Wilson
Ella is an actor and singer with 17 years of experience in the Performing Arts. After graduating from drama school in 2025, Ella has joined the Inner West Drama teaching team in 2026 hoping to share her experience and passion for Drama. Ella is excited to work with her students, encouraging them to play, use their imagination and be brave!
Maliyan Blair
Maliyan is an accomplished actor who is currently performing across theatre and television and will soon tour a production of Saplings nationally. Inner West Drama is delighted to have Maliyan’s skilful and tender approach to spreading his love of acting with our primary school aged children.
Kick McKinnon
Kick is a student at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and loves drama and football. Kick has been assisting classes since 2022 and enjoys seeing students be brave and have fun. Kick assists across the primary school aged classes and holiday camps.