Our Team

Upstage Theatre Productions was founded to provide a space where performers can thrive.

Led by Sassy Hayes and supported by a team of experienced theatre professionals, we specialise in musical theatre and focus on creating polished, dynamic productions that showcase performers at their very best.

We welcome performers of all experience levels. Whether someone is stepping onto the stage for the first time or already pursuing advanced training or professional pathways, Upstage offers a place to learn, grow, and shine.

Sassy Hayes

Sassy Hayes is a Programming Producer at Theatre Royal Winchester, with extensive experience in theatre programming, producing, directing and community engagement. She previously served as Youth and Outreach Coordinator, before becoming Deputy Artistic Director at Titchfield Festival Theatre (2021–2025), where she helped shape artistic strategy, develop annual programmes, commission and produce new work, and lead youth, outreach and community engagement alongside mainstage programming.

Sassy trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Drama, Applied Theatre & Education, and is a graduate of the RSC Foundation Course in Musical Theatre Directing at Stratford-upon-Avon. Her work is rooted in applied theatre practice, with a strong focus on inclusive participation, artist development and high-quality production.

As a director, Sassy has helmed numerous large-scale musicals at Titchfield Festival Theatre, including Nativity! The Musical, Oliver!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Grease, alongside producing and directing original work, pantomime and children’s theatre. She is also the founder of My Boy Can CIC, using the arts to support boys in challenging gender stereotypes.

Sassy believes passionately in theatre as a catalyst for creativity, confidence and social change, and is committed to creating ambitious, accessible and community-centred programmes that inspire audiences and artists alike.

Artistic Director
Choreographer  - Matilda Jnr

Chris Todd

Chris Todd has been dancing and performing since the age of four, developing a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Trained in a wide range of styles from ballet to hip hop, he has built a strong technical foundation alongside a deep understanding of both dance and theatre.

Chris trained at London Studio Centre before graduating from Collins Performing Arts, where he was awarded the CPA Award for Acting. His professional career spans West End productions, pantomimes, music videos, and European tours. Performance credits include Bill Sykes (Oliver!), Michael Feldman (Back to the 80’s), Chuck (Footloose), Toro (West Side Story), and Lead Dancer roles in Peter Pan and Snow White. He has also appeared in music videos for Lily Allen, L&O Music, Dretonio, and Nicole Blaze.

Alongside performing, Chris has built an impressive career as a choreographer and freelance teacher, working with schools and companies across the South Coast. He delivers workshops in multiple styles of dance and drama and is known for creating dynamic, engaging work for performers of all ages and abilities. In 2012, Chris co-founded Synchronize Hip Hop School with his wife, training competitive teams and taking students to World Championships for multiple years.

Choreography credits include Made in Dagenham, Six, Encore, Magic of Musicals, Being Alive, as well as work for Chichester University, Dance Live, and numerous showcase and competition productions. Chris is thrilled to be part of the Upstage team and looks forward to inspiring and working with the next generation of performers.

Musical Director - Matilda Jnr

Louise Helyer

Louise Helyer : An award-winning Musical Director and Pianist/Accompanist specialising in Musical Theatre.

Louise has worked with numerous local societies in the local area as MD and pianist, including CCADS, Portsmouth Players, Benchmark, MTS and Stage One. Louise recently completed a short-term cruise contract with P&O as part of the Limelight band, supporting the celebrity guest acts.

Other recent credits include; Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat (CCADS) Hunchback of Notre Dame (Benchmark & MTS) Calendar Girls (CCADs & Portsmouth Players), The Little Mermaid (CCADs & TYMT), Rent (TFT) and Into the Woods (CCADS) for which she won The Daily Echo Curtain Call award for Best Musical Director.

Aaron Hayes

Technical Manager

Aaron Hayes is a working theatre technical manager and live events professional with experience across a range of producing and receiving venues. He currently leads technical operations at Fareham Live, overseeing sound, lighting, AV, staging and production support for performances, concerts and events.

Alongside his professional career, Aaron’s journey into theatre began through amateur productions, both on stage and backstage — an experience that sparked his passion for live performance and continues to shape the way he works today. Having also worked across venues such as Theatre Royal Winchester and large-scale event spaces with BHLive, he brings a broad understanding of how productions operate at every level.

Known for his approachable, hands-on leadership style, Aaron enjoys working collaboratively with production teams to create high-quality, well-run shows. He’s passionate about building positive working environments where people feel supported, confident and excited to be part of bringing theatre to life.

Company Stage Manager

Han Louise

Han Louise is a theatre-maker and designer who graduated from Rose Bruford College in 2025 with a First Class Honours in European Theatre Arts. With a passion for visual storytelling and immersive design, Han specialises in costume, props, set design, and puppetry alongside creating engaging work for children’s theatre.

Now back in the local area, Han is thrilled to be creating for Upstage Theatre, where she designs costumes, props, and sets, and contributes creatively to the development of children’s theatre and performance projects. Before attending Rose Bruford, she worked as Costume and Props Supervisor at Titchfield Festival Theatre, gaining valuable professional experience in overseeing design departments, managing production processes, and supporting creative teams to bring productions to life.

Alongside her design work, Han is also the Lead Chaperone for Upstage Theatre Productions, providing a supportive, safe, and nurturing environment for young performers both in rehearsals and on stage. Han is excited to continue developing her creative practice with Upstage and looks forward to inspiring and supporting performers through imaginative and visually rich theatre-making.

OUR ETHOS

At Upstage Theatre Productions, we are passionate about creating inspiring musical theatre experiences for performers who love to perform, create, and tell stories.

We believe performers deserve professional standards, encouraging leadership, and opportunities to be truly seen on stage. Our productions are designed to showcase talent, nurture confidence, and celebrate the joy of musical theatre — without losing the fun.

We are committed to:

  • High-quality rehearsing and production values

  • A supportive, exciting, and inclusive environment

  • A strong focus on musical theatre

  • Creating confident performers and theatre-makers

OUR VISION

Our vision is to become a theatre company known for:

High-Quality Productions

Creating polished, exciting musical theatre that performers and audiences can be proud of.

An Inclusive Environment

Welcoming performers of all backgrounds and experience levels into a supportive and positive space.

Nurturing Emerging Talent

Providing opportunities that develop confidence, skill, and artistry at every stage of a performer’s journey.