Lynn Sawyer – Principal

Passion, Experience & Dedication at the Heart of Ridgeway

Lynn Sawyer trained at the prestigious Arts Educational School in London, winning a scholarship and studying alongside celebrated performers including Liz Crowther, Cheri Lunghi, and Jane Seymour.

Her career spans television, theatre, and teaching, giving her unique insight into the requirements of today’s professional performers. Lynn’s vision has shaped Ridgeway Studios into the thriving school it is today, supported by a dedicated team of expert teachers.

With her guidance, Ridgeway students are encouraged to develop their talents to their fullest potential, combining confidence, creativity, and professional discipline. Lynn’s leadership ensures that every child receives training that is both nurturing and industry‑relevant.

Kim Barrand –

Artistic Director

Professional Excellence & Creative Vision at Ridgeway

Kim Barrand trained at London Studios and has worked extensively in television and theatre across London and Europe. Her career includes prestigious credits such as Live at Her Majesty’s, 321 with Ted Rogers, and the Royal Variety Shows. Kim also performed for many years as one of The Brian Rogers dancers, appearing alongside stars including Jimmy Tarbuck and Jim Davidson.

As Ridgeway’s Artistic Director, Kim brings her wealth of professional experience to every production. She has directed and choreographed major Ridgeway shows including Fame, Bugsy Malone, Annie, and Zodiac at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, as well as the unforgettable Disneyland Paris Showcase.

Kim’s leadership ensures that Ridgeway productions are not only polished and professional, but also inspiring, confidence‑building experiences for every child. Her vision combines industry standards with nurturing creativity, helping students develop the skills, discipline, and artistry needed for success both on stage and beyond.

Stuart Wren –

Head of Drama, L.G.S.M

Creative Leadership & Dramatic Excellence at Ridgeway

As Ridgeway’s Head of Drama, Stuart Wren has worked extensively with students across all levels, guiding them through LAMDA examinations and helping them develop confidence, creativity, and professional discipline.

A talented writer and director, Stuart has created and staged original scripts and productions including Time After Time at the Bloomsbury Theatre, Stepping Out at the Towngate Theatre, and Mask of a Thousand Eyes at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London.

Stuart’s teaching combines technical training with imaginative exploration, ensuring that every child learns to express themselves fully on stage. His leadership inspires students to embrace storytelling, characterisation, and ensemble work, while preparing them for both examinations and professional opportunities.

With Stuart’s guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the skills to succeed in drama but also the confidence, resilience, and creativity that benefit them in every area of life.



Julia Vaughan –

Head of Dance, AISTD

Professional Training & Inspiring Leadership at Ridgeway

Julia Vaughan trained at the renowned Arts Educational School in London before performing in numerous professional shows across England and abroad. Her career as a dancer and choreographer has given her a wealth of experience that she now brings to Ridgeway students every day.

As Ridgeway’s Head of Dance, Julia works closely with students to help them achieve their grades and succeed in major ISTD examinations. Her teaching covers Ballet, Tap, and Modern Dance, blending technical precision with creativity and expression.

Julia has choreographed many Ridgeway productions, including The Nutcracker, Stepping Out, The Little Mermaid, and Alice in Wonderland. Her choreography combines professional artistry with a nurturing approach, ensuring that every child feels confident, inspired, and supported.

With Julia’s guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the technical skills to excel in dance but also the confidence, discipline, and joy that make performance such a rewarding experience.



Simon Barnum – Creative Director & Choreographer

Vision, Creativity & Professional Choreography at Ridgeway

Simon Barnum serves as Ridgeway’s Creative Director and Choreographer, bringing a wealth of professional experience and artistic vision to the school. With a background in theatre and live performance, Simon has choreographed across a wide range of styles, blending technical precision with imaginative flair.

At Ridgeway, Simon oversees the creative direction of productions, ensuring that every show is polished, professional, and inspiring. His choreography has shaped Ridgeway’s major musicals and showcases, giving students the chance to perform in routines that combine industry‑level standards with youthful energy and creativity.

Simon’s teaching style is both dynamic and supportive. He works closely with students to help them master choreography, develop stage presence, and build confidence. By encouraging individuality and teamwork, Simon ensures that every child feels part of the creative process while learning the discipline required for professional performance.

Through Simon’s leadership, Ridgeway productions have become known for their innovation, quality, and artistry, giving students unforgettable experiences and preparing them for future success in theatre, film, and television.

Keeley Malone – Commercial & Jazz Dance

Dynamic Style & Professional Energy at Ridgeway

Keeley Malone specialises in Commercial and Jazz Dance, bringing vibrant energy and professional expertise to Ridgeway’s students. Trained in leading studios and with extensive performance experience, Keeley has worked across stage and commercial platforms, developing a style that blends technical precision with expressive creativity.

At Ridgeway, Keeley teaches students of all ages, helping them master the foundations of Jazz technique, Commercial choreography, and performance artistry. Her classes are lively and engaging, encouraging confidence, individuality, and stage presence.

Keeley has choreographed and contributed to Ridgeway productions, ensuring that students experience the excitement of performing in polished, professional routines. Her teaching combines industry‑level standards with a nurturing approach, inspiring every child to find their unique style while building discipline and resilience.

With Keeley’s guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the technical skills to excel in dance but also the confidence, creativity, and performance flair that make Commercial and Jazz Dance such exciting disciplines.

Tracey Mair –

Singing & Piano Tutor

Musical Expertise & Nurturing Guidance at Ridgeway

Tracey Mair is Ridgeway’s dedicated Singing and Piano Tutor, bringing professional training and a passion for music education to every class. With extensive experience in vocal coaching and piano accompaniment, Tracey helps students develop musicality, technique, and confidence across a wide repertoire.

Her teaching covers everything from classical foundations to contemporary styles, ensuring that children gain versatility and expressive skill. Tracey works closely with students to prepare them for examinations, performances, and recording projects, guiding them to achieve their personal best.

Tracey has contributed to Ridgeway’s productions and showcases, supporting students in mastering harmonies, ensemble singing, and live accompaniment. Her nurturing approach ensures that every child feels supported, while her professional expertise helps them reach new levels of artistry.

With Tracey’s guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the technical skills to excel in singing and piano but also the confidence, discipline, and joy of performance that stay with them for life.

Kayleigh Dettmer – Street Dance

Energy, Creativity & Individual Style at Ridgeway

Kayleigh Dettmer specialises in Street Dance, bringing dynamic energy and professional expertise to Ridgeway’s students. Trained in leading studios and with performance experience across stage and commercial platforms, Kayleigh’s choreography blends Hip Hop, Body Popping, Locking, and Commercial Dance, giving students a chance to explore rhythm, individuality, and creativity.

At Ridgeway, Kayleigh’s classes are lively and engaging, encouraging children to build confidence, stamina, and stage presence while discovering their own unique style. She works closely with students to prepare them for productions, showcases, and competitions, ensuring that every child experiences the excitement of performing polished routines.

Kayleigh has choreographed and contributed to Ridgeway’s major productions, helping students shine in performances that combine industry‑level standards with youthful energy. Her teaching style is both supportive and inspiring, making Street Dance a discipline where every child feels empowered to express themselves.

With Kayleigh’s guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the technical skills to excel in Street Dance but also the confidence, creativity, and resilience that benefit them in every area of life.

Chloe Walker – Street Dance

Dynamic Energy & Creative Expression at Ridgeway

Chloe Walker specialises in Street Dance, bringing passion, creativity, and professional expertise to Ridgeway’s students. With training in leading studios and performance experience across stage and commercial platforms, Chloe’s choreography blends Hip Hop, Locking, Body Popping, and Commercial Dance, giving children the chance to explore rhythm, individuality, and self‑expression.

At Ridgeway, Chloe’s classes are designed to be fun, energetic, and confidence‑building. She helps students develop stamina, coordination, and stage presence while encouraging them to discover their own unique style. Her teaching combines industry‑level standards with a nurturing approach, ensuring that every child feels supported and inspired.

Chloe has choreographed and contributed to Ridgeway’s productions and showcases, giving students the opportunity to perform polished routines in front of live audiences. Her guidance helps children not only master Street Dance techniques but also build the confidence, resilience, and creativity that benefit them both on stage and in everyday life.

Jasmine Chandley – Street Dance

Passion, Rhythm & Confidence at Ridgeway

Jasmine Chandley specialises in Street Dance, bringing vibrant energy and professional expertise to Ridgeway’s students. With training in leading studios and performance experience across stage and commercial platforms, Jasmine’s choreography blends Hip Hop, Locking, Body Popping, and Commercial Dance, giving children the chance to explore rhythm, individuality, and self‑expression.

At Ridgeway, Jasmine’s classes are designed to be fun, dynamic, and confidence‑building. She helps students develop stamina, coordination, and stage presence while encouraging them to discover their own unique style. Her teaching combines industry‑level standards with a nurturing approach, ensuring that every child feels supported and inspired.

Jasmine has choreographed and contributed to Ridgeway’s productions and showcases, giving students the opportunity to perform polished routines in front of live audiences. Her guidance helps children not only master Street Dance techniques but also build the confidence, resilience, and creativity that benefit them both on stage and in everyday life.

Ellie Tanfield – Street Dance

Energy, Style & Confidence at Ridgeway

Ellie Tanfield specialises in Street Dance, bringing dynamic energy and professional expertise to Ridgeway’s students. With training in leading studios and performance experience across stage and commercial platforms, Ellie’s choreography blends Hip Hop, Locking, Body Popping, and Commercial Dance, giving children the chance to explore rhythm, individuality, and self‑expression.

At Ridgeway, Ellie’s classes are designed to be fun, vibrant, and confidence‑building. She helps students develop stamina, coordination, and stage presence while encouraging them to discover their own unique style. Her teaching combines industry‑level standards with a nurturing approach, ensuring that every child feels supported and inspired.

Ellie has choreographed and contributed to Ridgeway’s productions and showcases, giving students the opportunity to perform polished routines in front of live audiences. Her guidance helps children not only master Street Dance techniques but also build the confidence, resilience, and creativity that benefit them both on stage and in everyday life.

Adam Armstrong – Director & Examiner

Professional Standards & Creative Direction at Ridgeway

Adam Armstrong serves as Ridgeway’s Director and Examiner, bringing both creative leadership and professional authority to the school. With extensive experience in directing productions and examining students for accredited qualifications, Adam ensures that Ridgeway maintains the highest standards of training and performance.

As a director, Adam has overseen numerous Ridgeway productions, guiding students through the process of rehearsal, characterisation, and stagecraft. His work combines professional discipline with creative vision, giving children the opportunity to perform in polished, inspiring shows.

As an examiner, Adam prepares students for LAMDA and ISTD examinations, ensuring that they achieve recognised qualifications that support progression into drama schools, conservatoires, and professional careers. His dual role provides students with both industry‑level training and accredited pathways, making Ridgeway a launchpad for future success.

Adam’s teaching style is both rigorous and supportive. He encourages students to push themselves artistically while nurturing their confidence, resilience, and individuality. Under his guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the technical skills to excel but also the life skills that help them thrive beyond the stage.

Victoria Chandler – Musical Theatre & Jazz Dance

Performance, Technique & Confidence at Ridgeway

Victoria Chandler specialises in Musical Theatre and Jazz Dance, bringing professional expertise and vibrant energy to Ridgeway’s students. With training in leading studios and extensive performance experience, Victoria has worked across stage and musical productions, developing a style that blends technical precision with expressive storytelling.

At Ridgeway, Victoria teaches students to combine singing, dancing, and acting in true musical theatre tradition, while also guiding them through the dynamic techniques of Jazz Dance. Her classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and confidence‑building, encouraging individuality while developing discipline and artistry.

Victoria has choreographed and contributed to Ridgeway’s productions, ensuring that students experience the excitement of performing polished routines in front of live audiences. Her teaching combines industry‑level standards with a nurturing approach, inspiring every child to reach their fullest potential.

With Victoria’s guidance, Ridgeway students gain not only the technical skills to excel in Musical Theatre and Jazz Dance but also the confidence, creativity, and resilience that benefit them both on stage and in everyday life.

Karen Smith – Wardrobe

Costume Design, Creativity & Stage Magic at Ridgeway

Karen Smith oversees Ridgeway’s Wardrobe Department, ensuring that every production is brought to life with costumes that are both imaginative and professional. With extensive experience in costume design and theatre wardrobe management, Karen combines creativity with meticulous attention to detail, helping students look and feel their best on stage.

Her work spans Ridgeway’s major productions, from musicals to showcases, where she designs and curates costumes that enhance storytelling and characterisation. Karen’s contribution ensures that Ridgeway performances are visually striking, polished, and memorable.

Beyond costume design, Karen plays a vital role in helping students understand the importance of presentation and professionalism. By guiding them through fittings and stage preparation, she ensures that every child feels confident, supported, and ready to shine.

With Karen’s expertise, Ridgeway productions achieve a level of visual artistry and stage magic that matches the school’s reputation for excellence.