Team Members - Welcome to Steppin Out, Stars of Tomorrow - Steppin Out School of the Arts. Theatre School for Drama, Singing and Dance Classes in Woodley, Wokingham and surrounding areas.

Meet the Team

Shelley Otway-Wood

CEO

There isn’t much Shelley doesn’t know about performing arts, being in a show, putting on a show and getting children into a show!

After training at the prestigious GSA in Musical Theatre her career has spanned some 30 years. From working in numerous West End Musicals in lead roles in 42nd Street, Anything Goes & Oliver she has also gained an impressive list of teaching qualifications and multi business awards.

Shelley gets married this year and is a mum to 11 year old Aiyana who has attended Steppin Out classes since she was 3 years old.

Shelley has coached children into the following professional productions: Les Misérables, The Snowman, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Gypsy, Annie, The Lion King and numerous Pantomimes. She has a 100% track record of getting students into full time drama and dance colleges.

"Smile because when you smile you sparkle and when you sparkle you're successful! I aim to bring lots of laughter, humour, discipline and kindness to the school but also YEARS of experience!"

Samantha Fields

Vice Principal and Head of Singing

Sam has been teaching performing arts for 17 years.

She has taught for us for 7 years. In 2023 she was promoted to Vice Principal.

As a performer Sam has played lead roles as Beauty in Beauty and The Beast, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and in the film as Daryl in Dead Name.

Sam choreographs, directs and is an MD professionally.

"Singing is a HUGE part of my life. I would be lost without it. Helping young people find their own voice in a calm and kind way is the most rewarding gift I can give as their mentor."

Ellie Furness-Hughes

Head of Dance / Sales Manager & Office Assistant

Ellie was a student at Steppin Out for many years and also attended JACAD School of Dance. She is currently working towards her Dance Teacher qualifications majoring in Tap and Ballet for her DDE and choreographs for The Steppin Out Troupe!

"I create a positive atmosphere in my classes that make the students believe they can achieve anything they aspire too."

Georgia Wenstrom

Drama Teacher for main school and Dance teacher for Step 1

Georgia trained at Steppin Out for 10 years as well as dancing at JACAD.

Her highlight whilst being a student with us was performing at Disneyland Paris.

Currently, Georgia is training at Kingsclere Performing Arts College in Musical Theatre. She has choreographed some of the routines for The Blackpool Tower performance for Steppin Out in 2024 and loves teaching Drama to the main school. She is currenlty assistant director on Steppin Into Oz.

"It is an absolute pleasure teaching at Steppin Out. I am surrounded by so much passion, fun and sparkles. I bring a big smile, encouragement, and lots of energy to my classes."

Ruby Lott

Step 1 & 2 Dance and Head assistant

Ruby has attended Steppin Out classes for 10 years and has just started assisting in the main school this year.

She takes classes in Senior Ballet, Senior Troupe and Step 4 in Woodley and is part of our Blackpool Tower Cast 2024.

"" It is so lovely to pass on all my Steppin Out knowledge to the little ones. My classes are very fun and upbeat- Just like the school!""

Josh Wenstrom

Head of Drama

Josh was a student at Steppin Out for 3 years and attended the Summer Schools from age 12. Following a 3 year BA (Hons) Acting degree at Chichester Conservatoire, he is coming back to start teaching Drama.

Josh is starting his first steps into the industry and is hoping that his passion for the acting industry will show through in his teaching.

"I'm really excited to be back at Steppin Out and be able to help students find their feet with Acting. It's so rewarding to see students improve and become more confident."

Millie Dryden

Private Singing

After being a student for 8 amazing years at Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow, Millie is excited to be back now teaching. She has gained a lot of experience performing in shows, private gigs and functions. Millie attended the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford for 2 years and has an Extended Diploma Level 3 in Songwriting.

"Steppin Out is a joyful and fun place to work, I aim to create a positive atmosphere and bring encouragement, smiles and confidence to my classes."

Isabelle Clover

Cover Instructor

Isabelle has been involved in Musical Theatre her whole life and has completed exams in all disciplines to a high level. Having performed in professional Pantomimes at the hexagon and also having first hand experience of what being a student at Steppin Out is like, she is excited to be back once again to share her passion.

Alongside her continued involvement in the arts, Isabelle has started working towards her Law Degree this year, with the long term aim of qualifying as a Barrister.

"Watching the students at Steppin Out flourish in confidence as they develop their skills is really inspiring to witness. With hard work the sky really is the limit for them!"

Aimee Gunter

Step 1 Teacher - Woodley

Aimee was a student at Steppin Out for 7 years and during her time she joined our tap, ballet and private singing lessons and was also a member of Senior Troupe for 4 years. She has also been an assistant since 2021 helping with the Step 1's and 2's and in 2024 she has become the Step 1 teacher on Friday's in Woodley.

Her highlight during her time at Steppin Out was when she performed in the 2023 DisneyLand Paris cast as it was an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity where so many amazing memories were made.

Aimee is currently studying towards her A-Levels and is hoping to go to drama school next year to study acting. She has participated in many pantomimes with lead roles including playing Cinderella in the Wokingham Pantomime 2024.

"I absolutely loved my time at Steppin Out, it is such a wonderful place to grow in such a safe environment! During my time, my confidence in myself and my talent grew immensely in ways I could never have imagined! It's a gift to teach the younger children and watch their love for performing grow and grow every week!"

Tracy Stone

Safeguarding, Child Employment and Head Chaperone

Tracy works in children's services for Wokingham Borough Council, supporting the child employment officer and education welfare team.

She has been a licenced chaperone since 2017 and has actively been involved in many shows and events for Steppin Out.

Tracy is a mum to two children: Sam and Mia. Mia has attended Steppin Out classes for 6 years.

"I am a big advocate of children developing and growing through performing arts in a safe, disciplined and fun environment. Steppin Out has all these qualities!"

Siobhan Stiles

Administrator & PA to the Principal

Siobhan joined Steppin Out in January 2024 to assist Shelley with the administrative side of the school.

Having had her son in 2020, Siobhan joins us after a career break and brings with her a wealth of admin and marketing experience from the corporate worlds of Kraft Heinz and The Royal Society. Her strengths lie in planning and organisation and she's passionate about all things that sparkle.

"I love being part of the Steppin Out family. It is great to be able to free up some of Shelley's time so she can focus on the school and what she does best!"

Emily Jupp

Marketing Manager

Emily has three years of experience in social media management at an educational publishing company and has successfully run her own public account for six years. She is a member of the Coffee Club at BBC Radio Berkshire and is also a parent of a Steppin Out student.

"What I love most about working with Steppin Out is being deeply involved in the school community and witnessing so many wonderful shining stars in the making."

Michelle Lewis

Costume Manager

Michelle is mum to Isabelle who is in Step 3 and has been a student for nearly 7 years. She joined the committee in 2023 which has been a lot of fun and she has made so many new friends. She's a natural organiser and loves a spreadsheet, so when Shelley asked if she could help with the costumes, she jumped at the chance.

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Patrons

Emma Barton

Emma is best known for playing Honey Mitchell in Eastenders and being a Strictly Finalist in 2022. Her numerous stage credits include Chicago, Grease and The Secret Garden in the West End and on TV Children In Need and Celebrity Masterchef!

Emma trained at The Guildford School of Acting on the 3 years Musical Theatre Course with our Principal.

When Emma visited Steppin Out: https://youtu.be/8bHh4pU6RYg

When Emma visited Steppin Out: maM0z1mG4tk

"I think it is so important for children with an interest in performing to be encouraged, guided and enjoy every minute. All of these things are true of Steppin Out theatre school and this is why I love being a patron of these stars of tomorrow!"

Vicki Manser

Vicki started her career as a Steppin Out teacher and then went on to the West End production of Sunny Afternoon, Carole in 'Beautiful' at the Aldwych Theatre, 'Six' the musical playing all 6 roles as well as 'Bat Out Of Hell' in London's West End. She then came back to Steppin Out as choreographer. She now performs in her own band.

Vicki trained at Urdang Academy on the 3 years Musical Theatre Degree course.

When Vicki visited Steppin Out: https://youtu.be/Vb21nkw5unU

"I am amazed how the school continues to grow and consistently improves."

Tom Chambers

Tom was a winner of Strictly Come Dancing and a proud Olivier winner!

Credits include: Emmerdale, Holby City, Waterloo Road, White Xmas, Elf and Top Hat The Musical. He is also a radio presenter for Magic FM.

Tom trained at The Guildford School Of Acting on the 3 years Musical Theatre course alongside our Principal.

Tom Chambers video at Steppin Out: https://youtu.be/FP-XXLOMVEU

"I'm 100% behind Steppin Out. It's Principal is bubbly, enthusiastic, dedicated and really knows her stuff."

Matthew Stirling

Credits also include: Fast and Furious 6, Batman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Bond, Game of Thrones and EastEnders to name a few. Matt is no stranger to Steppin Out, infact he has never missed a show since being our patron. The children always love hearing about his latest filming jobs!

Matt trained at Italia Conti on the 3 year Musical Theatre Course.

When Matt visited Steppin Out: MkfILPjTt08

"I'm honoured to be a Patron of Steppin Out. The school is exciting, professionally run and the children ooze charisma on and off stage."