Who Are We?
Welcome to SMASH Theatre School, where we believe in creating a warm and friendly environment for our students to explore their creative talents. Our mission is to provide a supportive and nurturing space where students feel encouraged to take risks and stretch their unique skills in creative expression.
At SMASH Theatre School, we foster an atmosphere of 100% support, where participants uplift and cheer on their fellow students. We believe that this kind of positive environment allows for the freedom to explore and grow. In our classes, students delve into all aspects of theatre, including movement, diction, scene study, musicality, choreography, theatre sport, improvisation, and more.
To ensure the growth of our students, we combine small group settings with full group collaboration. We recognize that each student has their own individual level of expertise, and we build upon their unique talents and skill sets as the program progresses. Throughout the journey, our students work together as a cohesive unit to create something truly special—an unforgettable full-length musical production.
But learning at SMASH isn't confined to the studio. We believe that true growth occurs during rehearsals and performances. By actively participating in an exciting show, our students gain firsthand experience in the inner workings of the theatre and learn valuable lessons in stage etiquette. They get to feel the magic of theatre by being at the heart of the production. Join us at SMASH Theatre School, and together, let's embark on a journey of creativity, growth, and the joy of theatre.
Meet the Team
Sheila Reader
MUSICAL THEATRE INSTRUCTOR & OWNER
Sheila is a graduate of Mount Royal University’s Theatre Arts program in Calgary and has worked with Shakespeare in the Park, The Shakespeare Company and Alberta Theatre Projects, while also being involved in film and TV. Some of her most recent theatre credits include Blithe Spirit (Peninsula Productions), and Ten Little Indians. Her passion for musical theatre and children is obvious. She continues her passion by teaching and performing locally. A few of Sheila’s directing credits include Grease, Disney’s Newsies, Legally Blonde, Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Seussical The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Shrek , Annie, and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Watching the children discover their voices and unique talents of performing inspires Sheila every day.
Ashley Van Nes
MUSICAL THEATRE INSTRUCTOR
Ashley is currently a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and a local preschool teacher who has a passion for teaching and musical theatre. Ashley has vocal training with the White Rock Children’s choir and sang at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as well as at the Orpheum theatre in Vancouver and Carnegie Hall in New York.
Ashley’s performance credits include: The Lion King Jr. (WRCC), Seussical (SMASH Theatre School), Legally Blonde (SMASH Theatre School), Disney’s Newsies (SMASH Theatre School), Grease (SMASH Theatre School) and Mamma Mia (SMASH Theatre Company).
She has been a part of the SMASH direction and production team for 2022’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. and 2023’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Ashley feels very lucky to be a part of the SMASH faculty and looks forward to working on next year’s productions!
Cassandra Reader-Romo
MUSICAL THEATRE & DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Natasha Young
KINDER DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Natasha Young is dance instructor with a passion for teaching movement and dance to preschoolers. With years of experience, she has established herself as a trusted educator in the field. Natasha was the proud owner and operator of Kids in Motion Dance studio, where she cultivated a unique approach to teaching dance through play.
Natasha's dedication to the arts led her to embark on an intensive two-year theatre program in Red Deer, honing her skills and deepening her understanding of the performing arts. She furthered her education at the University of Alberta, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in drama with a minor in dance. She still actively dances and is represented by Premiere Talent Agency where she does film/tv work in her spare time.
What sets Natasha apart is her extensive experience working with children. She understands the importance of fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages young dancers to explore their creativity and develop their skills. She is thrilled to bring her experience, knowledge, and love for working with children to SMASH , where she is excited to inspire and guide the next generation of young dancers.
Katie Miller
PRIVATE VOICE, PIANO & UKULELE INSTRUCTOR
Katie began her musical journey as a child competing as a young pianist and on stage as part of the Langley Ukulele Ensemble. She studied piano and voice during her undergraduate degree, and is an alumna of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and graduated with a Masters of Music in Opera Performance from the University of British Columbia in 2015.
In August 2013 Katie won first place in the vocal category at the Canadian National Music festival in Waterloo, Ontario, and in November she obtained a young artist’s encouragement award at the Metropolitan Opera Western Canadian District Auditions.
In the summer of 2014, Katie studied at the International Summer Academy at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, with soprano, Michele Crider and mezzo-soprano, Marjana Lipovsek. While at the academy she obtained second prize in the program’s Richard Strauss Wettbewerb. In 2015 Katie won a concert engagement in Japan from the Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques Competition in Montréal. Katie was engaged as a young artist in residance at L’opéra de Montréal for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons.
Since graduation Katie has performed as a soloist with Vancouver Island Opera, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Opera Guadalajara, Orquesta sinfonica de Zapopan, Orchestre Symphonique de Laval, Orchestre Symphonique de Longueuil, Orchestre Symphonique de L’Agora, and L’Opéra de Montréal.
Brianna St. Laurent
SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING
After joining SMASH as a student in 2017, Brianna has developed her musical theatre skills immensely. She has a deep emotional connection with the community at SMASH . Brianna compiled and designed her Schools Grade Seven Grad Yearbook independently which started her love for graphic design. Brianna took an internship at SMASH about marketing online and in person, social media management, content creation, graphic design, and photography. Brianna has composed the SMASH show programs for Grease: School Version, Beauty and The Beast Jr., Mamma Mia, and The Little Mermaid.
Both Onstage and off, Brianna is a vital part of the SMASH team.
