Meet the Team


Shelley Otway

Shelley Otway

CEO and Principal

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.

"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

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

Ellie Furness

Head of Dance, Troupe and Ballet Teacher

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."
Isabelle Clover

Isabelle Clover

Drama Teacher Woodley & Private Singing Teacher Wokingham

After 10 joy-filled years performing as a student at Steppin Out Isabelle is delighted to be back now teaching. She has gained all her RAD and ISTD dancing exams as well as Trinity Drama and Lamda.

Isabelle was Assistant Director in the 2023 Steppin Out summer school which she said was Epic!

"Steppin Out is such a rewarding place to work. I love seeing my students grow in confidence, it is the most amazing thing to watch as a teacher!"
Georgia Wenstrom

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."
Tracy Stone

Tracy Stone

Child Employment Officer and Steppin Out 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

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!"
Ruby Lott

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!""

Patrons


Emma Barton

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 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 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

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."