MEET THE TEAM
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Caitlin Gillespie
General Manager
Caitlin started working at GAA over ten years ago after being a student herself. Caitlin attended Glasgow Acting Academy from aged 13 where she studied acting and musical theatre. Due to her training and opportunities given to her by GAA she secured a part in "River City" where she played Christina. After two years Caitlin was scouted by the casting director for "Waterloo Road" where she played the part of Lisa.
"Like so many of the students, Glasgow Acting Academy is a home away from home. I am so lucky to be surrounded by an extremely passionate, dedicated staff who give their all to their students. Their creative work speaks for itself, made easy by having the most talented, wonderful young people without whom, our lives would be significantly less joyous. The family like atmosphere of GAA is down to the kindness of our students. Watching our young people grow and develop throughout their years is a privilege I shall always cherish."
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Steve Lauder Russell
Artistic Director
Steve is Artistic Director at Glasgow Acting Academy, where he leads our Senior Acting classes and productions. A fixture of the academy got over 9 years, he is known for his energetic ensemble-based approach, blending physicality and storytelling.
Outside GAA, Steve is a director, facilitator, movement maker and performer, and works freelance in organisations across Scotland. He holds a BA (Hons) in Acting from Motherwell College.
Steve also founded Jump: Physical Theatre, creating a movement based hub in Glasgow, that produces short films and hosts sold-out workshops.
“Theatre should challenge, excite, and move us - and that starts in youth theatre. At GAA, I’m lucky to work with fearless young performers who are always ready to dive in and explore what’s possible.”
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Madeline Grieve
Creative Director/Acting Tutor
Madeline is Creative Director at Glasgow Acting Academy, where she leads our Junior and Intermediate Acting classes and productions, as well as our Class of Merit, and has been a core part of the GAA team for over 8 years.
Alongside her work at GAA, Maddie is a freelance director, facilitator, and performer. She trained at New College Lanarkshire, graduating in 2016 with a BA (Hons) degree in Acting & Performance, and is represented by Lovett Logan Associates. She has appeared in productions all over Scotland from South Lanarkshire to Skye.
“Watching our students grow in confidence and find their voice - both onstage and off - is the most rewarding part of my job. GAA is such a special place to create in, and I feel incredibly lucky to help shape the next generation of storytellers.”
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Georgia Porter
Creative Administrator
With a lifelong passion for the arts, Georgia has immersed herself in the world of theatre from a young age and now brings a wealth of experience in creative producing, fundraising, and arts administration to GAA.
Georgia is the current President of Glasgow Live Productions SCIO, and Fundraising officer at Acquire SCIO, alongside her freelance work supporting theatres, festivals, and arts organisations across Scotland.
As a self-professed 'Jill of all trades,' she is always eager to take on new challenges and lend her creative expertise wherever needed.
"It’s a privilege to work with such a committed team and inspiring students. GAA’s creativity, ambition, and heart make it a joy to be a part of this community.”
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Rachel Campbell
Musical Theatre Tutor/ Musical Director
Rachel Campbell graduated with a First Class BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre from Motherwell College. Since graduating Rachel performed as Cinderella in NCL/SLLC annual Christmas pantomime-alongside Steve! Most recently she was working in Hong Kong Disneyland for 7 months as a vocalist in their stage show ‘Mickey and the Wondrous Book’ playing the well known roles of Disney Princesses Elsa and Rapunzel. As well as GAA, Rachel also teaches singing and piano lessons to children and young adults. She is signed with Infinity Artists so whilst teaching she also auditions in London as a performer.
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Emma McDougall
Musical Theatre Tutor
During her younger years Emma gained work in Film, TV and Theatre, and she was lucky enough to be involved with projects led by the BBC, Peter Mullan and Bill Kenwright. Emma then went on to train at Motherwell College where she earned her Higher National Diploma in Musical Theatre and BA Hons Degree in Acting and Performance. After graduating, Emma started her own theatre company ‘Kapow Theatre Scotland’ which produces children’s theatre and pantomimes. Emma now spends her time as a freelance performer, director and performing arts coach.
As an alumni of Glasgow Acting Academy, Emma is thrilled to be back as our Junior Musical Theatre Tutor and joining our incredible team.
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Samantha Baird
Dance Tutor
Sam is an actor, dancer and choreographer, recently graduating from New College Lanarkshire in BA Musical Theatre. Samantha attended Glasgow Acting Academy from 14. She is a founding member of Cuttin’ Aboot Theatre Co, along with other GAA alumni. With the company she was choreographer for ‘The Caravel’ by Milly Sweeney, performed in Glasgow and at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and also been an actor in multiple of their productions, most recently, ‘The Best Time to be a Teenager’ by Bronagh Docherty.
She has choreographed for the past year at Glasgow Acting Academy and most recent performance credits include Fairy Godmother and Posion Ivy with SLLC Pantomimes, ensemble for Frantic Assembly’s Ignition program and Logainne Swartsandgrubiner in ‘The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’.
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Bronagh Docherty
Assistant Tutor
Bronagh started off as a student at Glasgow Acting Academy in 2010 and has since been very involved within the academy through classes and shows. Bronagh has recently graduated with a BA in acting from New College Lanarkshire. Since graduating she has appeared in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Recconnect Regal Theatre.
Bronagh is currently in the midst of setting up her own theatre company and is looking forward to sharing the work they are creating. Bronagh is very exciting to be working at Glasgow Acting Academy and is full of ideas to bring to the GAA.
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Ryan Little
Chairman
Ryan is a former student of GAA who has performed in over 24 shows, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. During his time at the academy, he was elected the first student representative, which is an effective way for students to express their ideas and feelings towards their experience here.
On top of his theatre experience at the academy, Ryan also starred in BAFTA winning Scottish short film, Grimm Street and was also the voice of UNICEF's online learning resources. Ryan graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Modern languages at the University of Strathclyde, and works with the civil and diplomatic services.