Our People
Meet the founders and principals of Orpheus Theatre Arts.
Rhian Bertie
Founder | Co-Principal | Head of Academy Operations
Rhian was previously a professional actor and creative leader with a background in both the performing arts and arts education. She currently works at a leading vocational dance school, working within events and business development, supporting the delivery of large-scale productions and contributing to marketing strategy and audience engagement.
Rhian trained in Musical Theatre at Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford, graduating in 2018. Her performance career includes work in musical theatre and pantomime contracts including Polka Dot Pantomimes and Imagine Theatre, as well as screen acting and commercial campaigns both nationally and internationally. She also appeared in Channel 4’s BAFTA-nominated, multi award-winning drama, It’s a Sin.
Alongside screen work, Rhian has a strong background in theatre-making, originating roles in fringe theatre productions and receiving critical acclaim, including a four-star review from The Stage for her role in Santa Must Die!, an actor-muso gig style fringe production at the Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle.
In 2022, Rhian relocated to the West Midlands with wife and Co-Principal, Lydia, to settle down and begin building their careers away from London. Having worked across a range of stage school and training environments, Rhian felt driven to create an academy that combines professional standards with a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring ethos - leading to the creation of Orpheus Theatre Arts.
Lydia trained at the prestigious Urdang Academy in London, earning her professional diploma in musical theatre, and later completed her BA in Theatre at Guildford School of Acting.
As a professional performer for nearly a decade, Lydia starred in fringe musicals such as Spring Awakening and Bare, earning a Best Actress nomination from BroadwayWorld.com alongside actress, Sheridan Smith. She has performed in national pantomimes, including Aladdin at the Reading Hexagon Theatre alongside CBeebies star, Justin Fletcher, as well as West End concerts and cabarets. Along the way, she discovered a passion for children’s theatre and nurturing talented youth.
Before leaving her performing shoes behind, Lydia turned her focus to directing, including RENT! at the Shaw Theatre in London’s King’s Cross, and a one-woman comedy show touring fringe venues across the UK. She also brings experience in leading performing arts schools as Vice Principal, and is dedicated to passing on her knowledge and instilling techniques into young performers. Lydia combines this with working as a primary school teacher and freelance vocal coach, putting safeguarding, passion, and creativity at the heart of everything she does.
Lydia is thrilled to inspire and guide the next generation of performers at Orpheus Theatre Arts.
Founder | Co-Principal | Head of Performance | Musical Theatre Teacher
Lydia Bertie
Meet The Team
Alex trained in Theatre and Professional Practice at Coventry University, where she became Artistic Director of the Musical Theatre Society and co-directed Submarine, later performed at the Belgrade Theatre.
After graduating, she worked internationally as an actor, director and facilitator, touring with Educo’s Teatrino, delivering workshops with Artis Foundation, and assisting on the Belgrade Theatre’s original musical, Godiva Rocks. Alex later completed a Master’s in Theatre Directing at East 15 Acting School. Her assistant directing and choreography credits include Spring Awakening (Edinburgh Fringe), Sparky the Elf and the Secret Toyshop (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch) and Life is a Dream (Frantic Assembly).
Most recently, Alex choreographed a Midsummer Night’s Rave and is directing Frankenstein at the Albany Theatre in March 2026.
Alongside her creative work, she teaches performing arts in Solihull and is passionate about creating accessible, joyful theatre that empowers young people, amplifies their voices, and sparks a lifelong connection to the arts.
Sophie is thrilled to be joining the team at Orpheus!
With over five years of experience at performing arts schools, she has developed a deep love for performing and inspiring young people through theatre. Having previously played leading roles in local productions, such as the title role in Annie, and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Sophie can’t wait to share her passion for singing, acting, and storytelling with the next generation of performers.
Ella first discovered her love for drama when she performed in Bugsy Malone, an experience that sparked a passion for theatre that has stayed with her ever since. She went on to perform as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and appeared in a production of Richard III at The MAC, with each role deepening her appreciation for the arts.
Alongside her acting experience, Ella trained in classical singing, completing several ABRSM and Trinity College Music exams, developing a strong understanding of vocal technique and performance.
Although she has primarily worked as a Teaching Assistant and sports coach, her enthusiasm for the performing arts has remained constant. Ella is passionate about helping young people build confidence, creativity and self-expression through drama, and she is excited to share her experience and love of theatre with students at Orpheus Theatre Arts.
The Orpheus Circle
The Orpheus Circle is made up of friends of our Principals - trusted industry professionals who support Orpheus Theatre Arts and believe in what we’re building. Across the year, members of the Orpheus Circle may join us for special workshop days, sharing their experience, insight and inspiration with our students.
DeeArna trained at Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford, completing her Diploma in Musical Theatre, and has since performed extensively on UK tours and in London’s West End. Her credits include Paw Patrol Live!, Motown the Musical, TINA! The Tina Turner Musical, The Color Purple, Starlight Express and Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical.
DeeArna’s love for performing began at a young age at a weekly performing arts school. She is delighted to now be part of The Orpheus Circle, and can’t wait to see the next generation of stars emerge!
Bex trained in Musical Theatre at The BRIT School and Millennium Performing Arts.
She is an accomplished performer and choreographer with extensive experience across the West End, UK tours, screen and commercial work. Most recently, Bex choreographed and performed in Justin Time to Rock alongside Justin Fletcher.
Her stage and live performance credits include work with Disney Live Entertainment, Justin Live – The BIG Tour (UK Tour), Princess Cruises, Pretty Woman the Musical (West End workshop) and multiple pantomimes with Imagine Theatre.
Bex’s screen work includes A Festive Celebration (Disney & Marvel), body double work for the likes of Jodie Comer and Carey Mulligan, My Mad Fat Diary (E4), and commercial campaigns for brands including M&S, NEXT, Matalan, Disney Channel and The Harry Potter Studio Tour.
Her music video credits include work with Jessie J, Robin Thicke and The Saturdays.
Alongside performing, Bex works as a freelance choreographer and casting creative on large-scale family and children’s productions, with choreography credits including work across Disney live entertainment and CBeebies projects. She brings current industry insight, professional standards and creative clarity into every space she works in.