Experience the Magic of Performance Art
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Meet The Team
Principle/Voice and Acting Coach - Eloise Damo
Eloise is a professionally trained classical singer, actor and theatre practitioner with over twenty years of experience in the performing arts industry. Originally from Coventry, she began her career at age 10, securing principal roles in UK productions, including Annie (Annie) and The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). She later reached the final rounds for Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films alongside fellow finalist Saoirse Ronan, selected from over 15,000 auditionees — a testament to her early professional calibre. At 16, her vocal talent led to studio work and live performances, culminating in a recording deal offered by Grammy Award‑winning producer Roger Lomas, known for his work with The Specials and Echo & the Bunnymen.
Eloise trained in Acting in Stratford‑upon‑Avon, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in classical works such as Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She went on to earn a BA (Hons) in Theatre & Performance, expanding her expertise into directing, facilitation and creative leadership. Throughout her career, she has performed numerous principal roles across the UK, establishing herself as a versatile and accomplished performer.
After dedicating a decade to raising her children, Eloise returned to the industry with renewed focus, performing across the North East and undertaking specialist training at The Voice College London in Teaching Contemporary Singing. Her professional skill set also extends into primary education, where she specialises in Speech and Language Therapy, integrating performance‑based techniques into inclusive learning environments.
As the Founder and Director of ELDA Theatre Academy, Eloise leads with a commitment to artistic excellence, student wellbeing and accessible arts education. She oversees all academy operations, creative production, curriculum development and staff training, while continuing to perform and teach. Above all, Eloise is dedicated to creating a supportive, nurturing environment where every young performer feels valued, encouraged and able to grow at their own pace. Her work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of theatre to build confidence, spark imagination and help students discover their unique artistic voice — and she remains wholeheartedly committed to guiding the next generation of creative, courageous performers.
Meet The Team
Patron - Amana Mishkin-Jones
Hailing from Coventry, Amana discovered her passion for performing at a young age. This passion led her to pursue a BA Honours degree in Musical Theatre at Arts Ed London, where she honed her skills in singing, dancing and acting. Her journey has taken her across the globe as a lead singer on cruise ships, to various UK commercials. Notably, Amana has graced UK stages in touring musical productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Hairspray and Motown the Musical to mention but a few.
Amana prides herself on being not only a performer but also a mentor. Her experience as Dance Captain and children's Captain on Motown the Musical ignited her passion for guiding others in honing their performance skills. This passion was further realised when she was appointed as Associate Director and Choreographer at the esteemed Young Vic Theatre. Amana finds immense joy in nurturing the next generation of performers, which is why she is honoured to serve as a patron for ELDA Theatre Academy, supporting young talents in their journey to excellence in the performing arts.
Meet The Team
Voice and Acting Coach - Gram Cummings
Gram Cummings is an accomplished voice and acting coach with an extensive career across professional theatre, television and vocal performance. He trained at Bretton Hall, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Acting, before completing his MA in Musical Theatre at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).
Gram’s performance career includes major West End and UK touring productions, with credits in The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Legally Blonde. His screen work includes appearances in The Bill, Midsomer Murders and Emmerdale, and he has performed as a featured vocalist for the BBC on Tonight’s the Night and Strictly Come Dancing.
A Master‑level Estill Voice Trainer, Gram brings over 15 years of specialist vocal coaching experience, combining technical precision with a supportive, creative approach that helps performers develop healthy, expressive and confident voices.
Gram continues to perform professionally alongside his coaching work. Recent roles include Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Lola in Kinky Boots at Newcastle Theatre Royal. He is also set to play Buddy the Elf this November at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House. In addition, he runs his own theatre collective, Oxi‑Morons Theatre Company, with performances at the Edinburgh Fringe and Northern Stage.
Gram brings exceptional industry insight, vocal expertise and a passion for performance to ELDA, inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Meet The Team
Dance Teacher / Choreographer - Ella Ray
Ella began her dance training at the age of three at Gladwin Ballet & Stage School, where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, and other styles while performing in annual competitions, showcases, and pantomimes. Her passion for the performing arts led her to pursue a BTEC in Musical Theatre at Newcastle College, graduating with a triple distinction diploma.
She went on to earn her Dance Teacher Associate qualification, receiving a Highly Commended in Stage and a Commended in Classical. Ella then completed a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at Newcastle College, where she refined her performance and choreography skills.
Most recently, Ella has successfully completed her PGCE with a placement in musical theatre dance at NCUC, further strengthening her teaching practice and creative leadership. She is now thrilled to be part of the ELDA Theatre Academy team and looks forward to choreographing for upcoming showcases, sharing her experience and enthusiasm with the next generation of performers.
Theatre credits:
Footloose (Ensemble/dancer), Les Sylphides Ballet (Dancer), Jack and the Beanstalk (Jack), Bring It On the Musical (Ensemble/dancer), Legally Blonde (Ensemble/dancer), Big Fish the Musical (Girl in the water), Little Shop Of Horrors (Chiffon).
Meet The Team
Creative Support Assistant - Zach Hardy
Zach Hardy is a dedicated Musical Theatre performer with over ten years of experience across acting, singing and dance. He has achieved multiple IDTA awards, including Musical Theatre Stage 5 (Honours) with a nomination for the IDTA Musical Theatre Awards 2024, and also holds qualifications in Street Dance.
Zach’s performance credits include ensemble work in Goodnight Mister Tom, Whistle Down the Wind and Evita, as well as principal roles such as Willard in Footloose and Rolf in The Sound of Music. One of his standout achievements was performing as Bernardo in West Side Story on the Theatre Royal stage in 2024. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor (District 5) by NODA North for his portrayal of Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof.
Alongside performing, Zach is currently studying Teaching at Newcastle University and has expanded into directing. He directed the Newcastle University Student Union’s production of The Addams Family and is set to direct their next musical in the upcoming academic year.
Zach is thrilled to be part of ELDA Theatre Academy and is passionate about supporting and inspiring the next generation of performers.
Sing. Dance. Act. Perform.
Enrolment now open for September 2027!
Limited spaces available for our Whitley Bay and Newcastle branches!
Register your interest today to secure your place!