Our Team
Jessica McClellan
Group Leader and Company Director
Jessica founded STAGE RIGHT! Youth Theatre in 2011 after an extremely rewarding ten years of working in Hong Kong theatre. After graduating from the University of Surrey (London, UK) with a BA in Drama and Media Arts she returned to her home Hong Kong and remains an active member of the theatre community.
Her passion lies in Youth Theatre and she has produced and directed over 50 performances for the stage including James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin. She has managed and coordinated a variety of theatre programmes in a number of schools and well known Youth Theatre companies around Hong Kong and has developed curriculum based on performance and communication skills, which is implemented at STAGE RIGHT!.
Jessica’s passion is in leading young people through the process of self-discovery and assisting in their becoming the most self-expressed, confident and conscientious version of themselves.
Gavin Haswell
Musical Theatre Teacher and Programme Coordinator
Gavin is a professionally trained actor, singer and pianist. He has completed his bachelor’s degree in Drama and Theatre Arts in South Africa. He has diplomas in Piano and vocal training from both Royal Schools of Music based in London as well as Trinity Guildhall. Additionally, he comes with a wealth of teaching experience having gained over 11 years’ experience working with children, grad students and adults of all ages and skill sets in a dramatic capacity as well as working for various drama teaching companies, corporates and schools. He has been a teacher, director, actor, pianist and vocalist for more than 11 years.
Gavin has not only been a lead actor on stage but has also done local films, voice acting and so much more. He has an immense passion for teaching, many of his students has elevated their craft and become great performers each in their own right.
“Drama is so much more than learning your lines and giving a performance, it’s about adventure, self-discovery, self-worth and so much more.” – Gavin
Alice Li
Cantonese Drama Teacher and Office Manager
After being educated in the United States, Alice returned to her home, Hong Kong, where she continues to develop herself and her knowledge of performance. A passionate ballet dancer in her youth and an avid Stage Assistant throughout her school years, Alice developed an interest in stage performance and theatre production by working in Front of House for educational theatre. In her spare time, Alice runs origami workshops in primary schools and education centres as well as teaches private Cantonese lessons.
With her passion in teaching and developing young people, plus her skills in design and office management, Alice is taking up her role as Office Manager and Group Leader to keep STAGE RIGHT! growing. She has been co-directing multiple shows in three Theatre Festivals. With the love in Cantonese culture and language, she is grateful to be the Group Leader of Cantonese drama – building confidence, vocabulary and fluency for second language learners. Alice believes every child is unique with potential.
She is so excited to see how the children elevate with their confidence and talent.
Alex Stears
Playgroup Teacher
Alex, originally from the UK, has lived in Hong Kong for the past 10 years. During this time Alex has had the great joy of being a stay-at-home Dad, helping to raise his two daughters (now 7 and 3). He loves playing and spending time with his children and has loved to watch and inspire their development. This helped him realise his passion for working with young children.
Alex has recently been helping to run playgroup sessions at Leapfrog Kindergarten, Sai Kung. He loved being able to guide and encourage the children to learn through play.
Alex is also a children’s author. His first children’s book, ‘Mr Wiz and the Dragon,’ was published late last year.
Dasha Tiuria
Playgroup Teacher
Dasha is an early years educator, with 9 years of experience of teaching English and dance to children in mainland China, and then in Hong Kong. Originally from Ukraine, she worked and travelled all her adult life. Dasha has a bachelor degree in sociology, however, teaching has always been her calling. Prior to moving to China 9 years ago, she was an exchange student in the USA, she also worked as a dance performer in Egypt. When the new adventure brought her to China, she found her true passion – teaching. Dasha finds inspiration in working with young children, loves creating a fun atmosphere and is very a patient person. She takes her professional responsibilities seriously and always eager to learn and develop as an educator.
Not long after moving to Hong Kong Dasha became a mother, and decided to dedicate the majority of her time to raising her daughter. At the moment she working part-time as an English Teacher in Lok Yuk Kindergarten in Sai Kung and recently became a new addition to the Stage Right! Youth Theatre family.
Paula Leon
Group Leader
Paula is Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, where she studied Visual Arts. More recently she finished a Master Degree in Art Therapy in Barcelona.
Paula has worked as a video editor, and video producer in cities such as Bogota, Cairo, Cebu, and Hong Kong in this last place she lived for more than seven years and has worked as an Arts and Drama Teacher.
Paula believes that art languages are as important as speaking or writing for the human development, she understands and works around the importance of expression in poetic ways and how this improves our confidence and emotional health.
Yasmin Gooch
Group Leader and Assistant Leader
Yasmin (Yaz) is a multidisciplinary artist, actor, and poet. After graduating from the University of Exeter with a BA in Drama, they returned to Hong Kong to deepen their work and knowledge in theatre-making, writing, and education. Their journey is marked by a passion for storytelling and artistic exploration.
From an early age, Yaz knew storytelling was their true calling. With experience working alongside Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Exeter City of Literature, collaborating with the UK theatre company “Beyond Face,” and co-directing and starring in their original play “Closet Diaries,” Yaz is eager to share their love of the performing arts with diverse audiences.
In addition to their artistic pursuits, Yaz brings five years of experience working with children of all ages, fostering creativity and growth. They are dedicated to encouraging self-expression and authenticity through theatre and performance, believing that these skills can empower individuals and build confidence. Yaz’s approach is nurturing and inclusive, aiming to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.