Musical Director

Ellie’s love of Musical Theatre has allowed her to become Musical Director for many modern shows. Using the piano as her teaching instrument of choice, she can lead a group of amateurs or professionals, and those in between.

As a pianist Ellie has played in pit bands and small ensembles. She is confident and willing to take on a challenge for example playing Keys 1 for ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ with LIDOS at the Carriageworks, Leeds.

Upstage Centre Youth Theatre, York
Ellie has recently been appointed as their Musical Director for their December production of ‘Honk!’ The show is open to young people aged between 8 and 21 and promises to be as entertaining to rehearse as to watch.

St Mary’s Youth Theatre
Ellie worked alongside Leeds based St Mary’s Youth Theatre, as Musical Director for 3 years. Shows which she was Musical Director for include Firth’s ‘Our House’ and Larson’s ‘Rent’.

Work for SMYT included editing songs to allow them to be accessible for all, harmonising songs, arranging medleys and creating band parts.

In Leicester, She was Co-musical director for Ben Elton’s ‘We Will Rock You (School Edition)’ which included rehearsing cast and band and playing keys parts on show nights.

Ellie’s church Worship team experience means that she is up to date with current contemporary Christian worship songs. She is also confident leading a group of non-musicians in music making.

“ …[Ellie] has always had a very good relationship with the children and always manages to get the best out of them. She is very patient and helps to give the weaker members of the group self-confidence… [Ellie] fits into the team very well but is equally as comfortable when working alone. She in very reliable and…I believe anyone who can work with this challenging age group can work with anyone, students or adults.

I have always had complete confidence in the work she has done for us [and] I have no reservations at all in recommending Ellie.”

Stephen Archdale
Chairman / Director of St Mary's Youth Theatre