The Staff
We work very hard to ensure that being part of the Reach family is a great experience. Our staff are trained in their discipline, and also in our methodology of working.
Carla Jane Clayton
Artistic Director
Carla taught dance at Reach Musical Theatre from its origins in 2005 until 2020 when she took over the company and became the Artistic Director. Carla graduated with a BA (HONS) Dance and Education from DeMontfort University and then went on to complete her Primary PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University. Carla has choreographed and performed in many musicals outside of Reach, including; Our House, Legally Blonde, Shrek the Musical and Elf at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre.
Dolly Pratt
Dance Teacher
Dolly graduated from Arden School of Theatre with a 2:1 in Musical Theatre. Dolly is a triple threat performer with exceptional skills in acting and singing with a particular talent for dance. Before studying at Arden, Dolly attended Reach as a student. During her time at Reach, she played famous leading roles including Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Belle in Beauty & The Beast.
Emma Carrigan
Drama Teacher
Emma graduated from the University of Leeds with a First Class BA (HONS) in Theatre and Performance and went on to complete a PGCE in Secondary Drama. She is now Head of Drama at a local high school. Emma has directed a plethora of school productions which makes her the perfect fit to direct Reach shows and teach all the drama skills that students need to confidently perform them. Emma took on a number of lead roles at Reach as a student herself, including Mrs Potts in Beauty and the Beast and Mabel in Fame.
Katy DiLaurenzio
Singing Teacher
Katy has achieved the highest possible grade in GCSE Music and has studied singing exams to Grade 6 and piano exams to Grade 4. She attended Reach as a student for eight years and played a number of lead roles including Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Miss Bell in Fame, Velma in Hairspray and Jasmine in Aladdin. Katy reached the end of her student career when she turned 18 after playing the iconic role of Elsa in Frozen and, since she wasn’t ready to leave, joined the teaching team in 2024.
Beth Marshall
Musical Theatre Support Specialist
Beth has a foundation degree in Drama from Sheffield College and a BA (HONS) Children, Young People and Families from Sheffield Hallam University. Beth is employed at a local high school supporting SEND children and is perfectly placed at Reach as a Musical Theatre Support Specialist, focusing on providing support and assistance to our students and teaching staff.
Joanne Waymouth
Rehearsal Assistant
Joanne has been a staff member for Reach since the company was formed in 2005. Joanne's experience means that she has a great understanding of the ethos of Reach and supports the creative team in all that she does. She sources props and costumes and is always on hand with cups of tea and coffee. Joanne has achieved her certificate in principles of working with individuals with learning difficulties, helping to support children of all abilities at Reach Musical Theatre.