About In2Drama
Based in Cranleigh, Surrey
Learn more about In2Drama in Cranleigh, Surrey. Expert-led performing arts masterclasses for ages 7–21 taught by industry professionals.
✔ Suitable For Ages 7–21
✔ Expert-Led Masterclasses
✔ Learn From Industry Professionals
✔ Expand Your Creative Skills
What Makes In2Drama Different
Industry Professional Tutors
Learn from experienced performers, directors, and production professionals from theatre, film, television, and the West End.
Creative & Supportive Environment
We provide a welcoming space where students of all abilities can develop confidence, creativity, and performance skills.
Hands-On Performance Experience
Students gain practical experience through live performances, filmmaking projects, and immersive workshops.
Professional performing arts training designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and future careers.
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.
Meet 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.
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.
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.
Richard van't Riet
TV Production Coach
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.
Kelly Ewins
Dance & 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!
Tilly Blackwood
Acting Audition Coach
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.
Jack Howells-Davies
Singing Coach
Jack is a versatile and highly skilled actor, singer, musician and a graduate of the Musical Theatre programme at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
He made his professional debut in the long-running ‘Father Christmas’ at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre. During his training, he performed a range of roles, including Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening, Mr. Maraczek in She Loves Me, and Charlie Kringas in Merrily We Roll Along.
An accomplished musician, composer, and musical director, Jack is proficient on the accordion, double bass, piano, and guitar.
Phoebe Hyder
Acting & Movement Coach
Phoebe Hyder is a highly versatile British actor, puppeteer, movement director, and creative artist with over a decade of professional experience across theatre, television, film, and video games. She is particularly distinguished for her specialization in motion/performance capture (Mocap/Pcap) and visual effects (VFX) creature puppetry.
Screen and Gaming Credits: Her performance and creature effects work spans massive Hollywood and gaming productions. She has worked with premier studios like Disney/Lucasfilm, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks, with credits including Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025) and How to Train Your Dragon (2025). Her voiceover and Pcap work appears in major video games like Sea of Thieves, Deliver Us Mars, Trine 5, and Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
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.
Max Jewell-Smith
Videographer Coach
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.
Christine White
Assistant Coach
Chrissie is a dedicated theatre enthusiast pursuing a BA in ‘Drama and Acting’ at Bristol UWE University. She participated in her own local youth theatre productions, including The Witches and Room 13, an immersive Halloween spectacle inspired by the innovative works of Punchdrunk. These experiences not only enriched her understanding of theatrical craft but also provided her with a platform to guide and inspire others.
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.
Stephen Datchler
Education & Safeguarding Consultant – Dachtler & Co
Stephen Dachtler (Director of Drama, Edgeborough School) serves as Education & Safeguarding Consultant for in2Drama, working alongside professional performers Edward Bennett and Phoebe Hyder to deliver a high-quality, industry-informed drama experience for young people.
With 15 years' experience in leading boarding and independent schools, including teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB), Stephen brings extensive expertise in educational leadership, pastoral care and safeguarding. Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), he oversees safeguarding, behaviour management, first aid, operational planning and the day-to-day running of the programme, ensuring pupils benefit from an inclusive and professionally managed environment.
Mary Ann Faure Walker
Assistant Coach
Mary Ann is passionate about performing arts, singing in choirs, jazz trios and covers bands, as well as acting. Recent projects include Miss Bourne in The Ghost Train, ensemble in Anne Boleyn the musical at Hever Castle and actor in a music video winning best short film at the London Comedy Festival. She has undertaken musical theatre, acting and screen acting courses at City Academy and assisted in teaching seniors singing and dance. Currently working in a secondary school, she enjoys the enthusiasm and energy of young people and is excited to be involved with In2Drama’s summer programme.
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.