Meet the Team

Karin Clifford Director

Karin is the founder and Director of Kids Up Front Drama Academy and her passion is helping children gain confidence through having lots of fun! She loves watching children grow and develop and leading the creative and dynamic team of drama, vocal and dance teachers who teach for Kids Up Front.

Tom Rimmer Drama Teacher, Script Writer and Supervisor

Tom grew up in Tauranga, and after completing secondary school, he moved to Wellington to pursue acting. While living in Wellington, Tom studied the Meisner acting technique at the Wellington Actor's Studio. Tom made his professional debut in 2003 playing bumbling waiter Manuel in a production of the British comedy classic 'Fawlty Towers'.

Kate Sampson Drama Teacher

Kate has been performing on the stage for more than 10 years! She started working with Kids Up Front in 2020 as a Drama Teacher at our Holiday Workshops.

Veronika Bell Singing Teacher

Veronika obtained a Bachelor of Music (Contemporary Performance Voice) and a Diploma for Graduates in Music (Jazz) in 2016 from The University of Otago. She became a resident vocalist of The Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra and began releasing her own music. These days, Veronika is a freelancing singer songwriter, and she works as a recording artist and teacher. She joined the Kids Up Front team in 2019.

Tyler Johnston Dance Teacher

Tyler began dancing at the age of 3 with ballet then musical theatre and jazz which sparked her will to try all dance styles. Tyler is passionate about spreading her knowledge and love of all things dance to her students!

Cara-Lea Wright Dance Teacher

Cara-Lea Wright is a technically trained dancer who has been immensely involved in the dance competition scene, both as a dancer and as a teacher, choreographer and adjudicator for many successful troupes and soloists.

Gemma Boswell Dance Teacher

Gemma started dancing and competing at the young age of 4, training in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet. Competing as a both a soloist and in troupes throughout New Zealand and Australia. Gemma attended Unitec, where she graduated in 2014, with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts.

Jo Kelsey Singing Teacher

Jo Kelsey is an Auckland based singer, pianist and songwriter. After studying at The Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance in London, Jo has built a successful music studio and career as a teacher, session musician and original artist, with 25+ releases to her name and touring the UK and Europe.