Company Director & Owner - Vicky Rapley
Originally from North Lincolnshire, Vicky went onto train in Music and Musical Theatre at Chichester Conservatoire. Vicky franchised with Duckegg in September 2019 firstly taking on the Leeds area, building the classes and keeping them running through the pandemic. In January 2023 she took on a second franchise in North Lincolnshire before merging the two and becoming one independant Acting School in November 2023. With additional qualifications in singing from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) and the University of West London as well as a personal training qualification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), she has worked in numerous sectors of the performance industry both on and off stage. These include: TV/film, choreography, production and mentoring.
Vicky's aim with Duckegg is to make the Arts accessable to all whether you want to pursue it as a career or a hobby. Vicky is always on the end of an email to answer any questions you might have, you may also see her popping into classes or at a Duckegg show/event. Vicky runs all LAMDA 1-1 sessions for pupils working towards solo exams.
Meet Our Creative Mentors
At Duckegg you will work alongside an experienced Creative Mentor. Our Creative Mentors work collaboratively with their groups on projects fueled by student ideas, allowing them to take full creative ownership.
All Duckegg Theatre Acting School Creative Mentors are fully enhanced DBS checked, licensed Chaperones, Safeguarding and First Aid trained.
Creative Mentor for: Scunthorpe ProTeam
Daniel Swift
Daniel Swift MBE is a creative producer, inclusive theatre practitioner, and doctoral researcher.
Daniel began his career in community and inclusive theatre while studying Drama in the Community at Bishop Grosseteste University. It was during this time that he developed a passion for sensory performance and accessible storytelling, particularly with audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Since then, he has worked across the UK with theatres, festivals, libraries, hospices, and other organisations to produce bold, multi-sensory work that pushes the boundaries of traditional theatre.
He went on to complete a Master’s degree in Theatre Making at the University of Hull and is now undertaking a PhD at Rose Bruford College and the University of East London. His research explores the development of bespoke sensory theatre productions for audiences labelled with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.
Daniel’s work has received national recognition. In 2021, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, and in 2024, he was named one of the UK’s Top 30 Under 30 for his leadership in inclusive arts. In 2025, he was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to the arts and people with disabilities.
As a producer, Daniel has led the creation of a number of original productions. Most notably, he produced Sensory Cinders (2024), the first West End production created specifically for learning disabled audiences. He's also produced dozens of national touring productions. Alongside his creative work, Daniel is a published academic and regular guest lecturer, contributing to universities and sector events across the UK
.jpg)
Creative Mentor for 1-1 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Singing Exam Prep
Katie Wiseman
Katie, a singer, composer, and performer originally from East Sussex. Katie completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at the University of York and Master’s in Music Composition at Leeds University. Katie has a passion for theatre, music, performance and teaching having previously worked as a teaching assistant, private vocal tutor and Youth Theatre Creative Mentor. Katie has worked with Duckegg since September 2024 and loves to nurture her pupil's joy in using their voices and performing.
Creative Mentor for: Brigg Musical Theatre Juniors & Seniors
Amber Ackerman
Amber is a Musical Theatre Teacher, Children's Party Entertainer and Performer. Currently working in Lincoln with groups of children and 1-1 students, she strives to bring confidence and self belief to children of all ages and abilities. She studied at Leeds Conservatoire and received a BA Hons Degree in Songwriting. Her hobbies include dancing, singing, acting, exercising at the gym and writing her own songs.
_JPG.jpg)
Creative Mentor for: Scunthorpe Mini Eggs, Acting Juniors, Acting Seniors, Musical Theatre Juniors & Musical Theatre Seniors
Nicola O'Brien
Nicola has a BA Honours degree in Acting from Bath Spa University as well as additional training in Speech and Drama, Popular Music Vocals, Archery and Stage Combat to name a few.
Nicola is an Actor herself with experience performing for both stage and screen. She is an experienced Acting mentor having worked with early years up to 18 with other Youth Theatre companies before starting with us here at Duckegg.
Nicola is passionate about inspiring the next generation and loves how drama helps kids express themselves.
Creative Mentor for: Barton Mini Eggs, Acting Juniors, Musical Theatre Juniors & Seniors
Hannah Solway
Hannah has been performing from a young age and went on to study Music, Performing Arts and Psychology at A-Level, before graduating from Edge Hill University.
With over six years’ experience working with children, Hannah began her career as a mentor at a local performing arts school, supporting weekly musical theatre classes. She later developed into a singing coach, helping young performers build both vocal technique and confidence.
Alongside her teaching work, Hannah has worked professionally as a stage manager for Spinoff Productions, and for the past two years has been a drama leader for international students as part of a Summer School Programme.
Hannah is passionate about nurturing confidence, creativity, and a love of performance, ensuring that theatre is a positive and enjoyable experience for every child.
Creative Mentor for: Wetherby Mini Eggs & Musical Theatre Juniors, Selby Musical Theatre Seniors, Sherburn in Elmet Acting Juniors & Seniors
Michael Mortimer
Michael has BA in Theatre and studied Performing Arts at college. He is also an award-winning screenwriter, with one of his screenplays currently being packaged in Los Angeles, and another being financed in Canada.
Michael has worked on various film and TV projects, most notably; Downton Abbey (The film), 1917, World on Fire, The Great, Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Doctors, plus many more as a supporting artist.
Michael is also children's author, with his book 'Tucker the Time-Traveling Terrier.' Available on Amazon. Tucker the Time-Traveling Terrier: Tucker meets a Knight : Mortimer, Michael: Amazon.co.uk: Books
%20(1).jpg)
Creative Mentor for: Sherburn in Elmet Musical Theatre Juniors
Oliver Kemplay
Oliver is an ambitious performer from the heart of Yorkshire. Oliver trained in Nottingham at MADD College, he has since gone on to perform all over the country, starring in Butlins Bognor Regis Pantomime as Joey the clown, all the way to Lowry Manchester in a brand new Musical 'INNIT'. He has entertained in Christmas shows in care homes, workshops in schools, and parties everywhere. Oliver's played a wide range of roles but has found that his passion lies in making an audience happy he has now set up his own company OK Entertainment ltd to continue this dream. He has joined Duckegg theatre to inspire young people to do the same.
.jpg)
Creative Mentor for: Brigg Mini Eggs, Acting Juniors & Acting Seniors
Julia Steudle - Kensett
Julia is a creative practitioner and has traveled all over the world sharing her love of theatre and the skills it brings to everyday life. She is originally from the United States and now resides in East Yorkshire. She began working in children's theatre through Forefront Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, and then toured throughout the country and into Canada, Bahrain, and Sicily for Missoula Children's Theatre. Julia also produces and hosts the literary podcast called Novel Finds, and a good majority of her time is spent reading, advocating for books, and interviewing authors for the show.