Meet the Team

At Northern Star Theatre Arts

Geri Feeney

Principal / Singing Teacher

Geri trained at one of the top drama schools in London 'Mountview Theatre School' she has extensive experience of all three disciplines of performing arts, acting, dancing and singing has held roles in productions in London's West End and acted in regional theatre. Geri has acted in TV dramas for ITV and BBC & commercials, but also performed as part of the show team on board P&O's luxury cruise liners. Geri has previously taught speech & drama at Bow Durham School, Sunderland High School, Argyle House and Emmanuel College. Geri is also a qualified LAMDA instructor with an enviable track record for success.

Elaine Taylor

Drama Teacher

Elaine's journey in the Performing Arts began early, earning A-levels from Tyneside College. She graduated with a 2:1 in Performing Arts from Sunderland University, covering Acting, Dance, and Music. Furthering her education, she obtained a P.G.C.E teaching qualification at Northumbria University and became a certified LAMDA instructor. Elaine joined Northern Star as a student, and then progressed to become our drama instructor Elaine's drama credentials include TV adverts, safety videos, and local television productions. Her extensive expertise has made her an integral part of the Northern Star team for many years.

Sarah Riach

Dance Teacher

Sarah, holding a BA (Hons) Dance 2:1 and PGCE from the University of Sunderland, is a seasoned dance professional with over two decades of experience in various styles, from Ballet to Charleston. She earned an MA in Education from Durham University. A dance instructor across multiple north-east schools, she currently serves as the Associate Head of School for Performance at the University of Sunderland, whilst also contributing 16 years of creativity and enthusiasm to the Northern Star Theatre Arts team. Sarah is also a freelance choreographer who also holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).

Matthew Smith

Technician

Matthew, a member of the Northern Star Theatre Arts team for over 10 years, initially joined as a student and moved over to the technical side of the industry. Currently pursuing a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Production Arts at Gateshead College, which covers all aspects of the industry including business management, stage management, sound engineering and lighting design. He actively contributes to the smooth running of our shows by handling music editing and show management. Matthew's hands-on expertise showcases his dedication to enhancing the technical aspects of Northern Star's performances and showcases.

Jenae Shaw

Pastoral Support

Jenae, who transitioned from being a dedicated Northern Star student to a valuable staff member, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the daily operations at NSTA. Managing fee payments and ensuring transparent communication with parents are key aspects of her responsibilities. However, her impact extends beyond administrative duties, as she actively supports students facing challenges. Jenae provides comfort, assists in calming them down, and facilitates their smooth reintegration into lessons. This focus on student care underscores Jenae's unwavering commitment to the well-being of the NSTA community.

4-6 Helpers

Student Volunteers

At Northern Star, bridging the gap between our higher and mini stages is fundamental to our educational approach. Our past and present students exemplify this commitment by voluntarily dedicating their time, on a rotational basis, to support teachers and enhance the learning atmosphere. Tara, Rosie, Abigail, Daisy, Neve, Camille and Milly embody this ethos, ensuring that each student receives personalised guidance for their academic journey. They are one of the driving forces behind our community's success. Without them, our students get to meet people who are able to support them when they progress to the higher stages.