About In2Drama
Based in Cranleigh, Surrey
In2Drama provide expert-led masterclasses in performing arts for children and teenagers.
Suitable for ages 7-21
Expert-led masterclasses
Expand your skills
Who are we?
In2Drama is a source of education, inspiration and experience for every young aspiring performer and techie wishing to carve out a career in the performing arts.
The highlight of our year is our annual 5-day summer academy for 11-21 year-olds which offers over 35 hours of masterclasses taught by industry professionals from theatre, film and TV. For the last 5 years, the academy has been held at the Cranleigh Arts Centre in Surrey.
In 2026, we are expanding our offering to children aged 7-11 with academies in both the Easter and Summer holidays. Book a place today.
The team
Phil Waller
Founder / Artistic Director
Phil is currently Head of Drama at Cranleigh Prep School in Surrey, but his career includes stints at Sky Sports Television and Network 10 in Sydney. Phil sings and plays drums, and has a lifelong love of drama and musical theatre.
Simon Fraser
Creative Director
Simon provides piano accompaniment to all In2Drama’s singing students. He started learning the piano at the age of five, but soon realised that playing by ear was much more fun than reading music. Simon also acts and directs with the Ewhurst Players, regularly rewriting lyrics to popular songs for the group’s pantomimes.
Kerry Ellis
Ambassador
Kerry is one of the West End’s leading ladies, having starred in We Will Rock You, Oliver!, My Fair Lady and Wicked. She has toured internationally with Sir Brian May and her debut album Anthems reached No.15 in the UK album chart. We are delighted to have her as our Ambassador.
Max Jewell-Smith
Production Director
Max’s career started as a runner and extra on productions including Call the Midwife, and as a freelance video creator/editor has worked in sports, education, travel and music. Max is currently Audio Visual Services Manager at Cranleigh School.
Jack Howells-Davies
Singing Coach
TBC
Edward Bennett
Acting Coach
Edward’s most recent West End appearance was playing Thomas Cromwell opposite Martin Shaw in A Man for All Seasons at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Prior to this, Edward has performed with the RSC and on screen in WarHorse and Napoleon.
Emma Hatton
Singing Coach
With her soaring voice, Emma has wowed West End audiences as Eva Peron in Evita, Elphaba in Wicked and Scaramouche in We Will Rock You. She has performed all over the world and we’re delighted to have her help us. Her concert to wrap up last year’s academy was a sell-out success.
Kelly Ewins
Dance & Movement Coach
Dance and Movement Coach
Kelly trained at Laine Theatre Arts and most recently appeared in Groundhog Day at the Old Vic in London. Her West End credits include Matilda, Moulin Rouge, Singin' in the Rain, We Will Rock You, Grease and Mamma Mia!
Khan Brewer
House Parent
Khan Brewer is the Boarding Coordinator with over 25 years’ experience in education. He has led boarding provision in the UK and teaching and pastoral experience in the Middle East, working with children aged 6 to 18.
Known for his caring, kind, and supportive approach, Khan is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and child-centred boarding environment where every student feels valued and supported. As a father of three teenage children, he brings both professional expertise and a strong personal understanding of young people’s needs.
Holly Brewer
House Parent
Holly Brewer is the Boarding Coordinator with over 10 years’ experience in teaching, specialising in primary-aged children. She has seven years’ experience as a Housemistress in the UK, providing care and support within a nurturing boarding environment.
Holly is passionate about ensuring children are well cared for, happy, and able to enjoy their boarding experience. As a mother of three teenage children, she brings both professional experience and a strong personal understanding of young people’s needs.
Tilly Blackwood
Teacher
After training at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Tilly has enjoyed a career spanning from the RSC, National Theatre and West End to Absolutely Fabulous. After being asked to coach a Shakespeare workshop at the Actors Centre, Tilly discovered a love of teaching. She subsequently began Audition Doctor and has since forged a reputation for forensic detail with text and character as well as the ability to encourage actors to reach for their true potential.
Richard Van't Riet
Award-Winning Director
Richard is a BAFTA Award-winning director with over 30 years' experience in television, directing shows such as Pointless, A League of Their Own, The Cube and Tipping Point. He's also been playing the drums for more years than he cares to remember and leads Ewhurst-based band The Fabulous Nobodies.
I participated in the summer academy. I was nervous at the start, as I didn’t know anyone and was uncertain whether I would fit I, yet by the end of the week, I was wanting more. In2drama is a perfect academy to join if you’re an inspiring actor/ actress who wants to develop their skills and get more experience. It is also great for those who are interested in working behind the scenes, offering an inclusive workshop with cameras, lighting, and sound effects. The staff were so friendly and made me feel comfortable, and left me feeling more confident in my drama abilities. I also felt so lucky being given acting/singing advice from a professional actor and West End star that I will use in the future.