Carney Associates
It’s important that our students get exposure to talent from across the entertainment sector. That’s the reason we love working with associate artists and we couldn’t do what we do without them. Each term we offer bespoke modules and workshops with actors, writers, producers, voice coaches, and more. They help us nurture, develop and support our talent. Meet some of our associates below.
Debbie Bandara
Director, Producer and Choreographer
Debbie Bandara is the founder and Artistic Director of the Award-Winning Forest Tribe Theatre and uses her working and teaching to push boundaries and reach new audiences. Debbie has a wealth of experience, producing theatre and teaching at some of the UK's best local, regional and national venues including The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, The Lowry, Salford and many more.
Richard Galloway
Actor and Director
Richard is a Northern Irish actor and one of the artistic directors of Buglight Theatre Company. He moved to England to train as an actor at Bretton Hall. He has performed with companies such as Cardboard Citizens, Red Ladder, Contexture Theatre, Common Chorus, The Plays The Thing, and filmed Tide (BFI short film-2019) and The Canterbury Tales, 2018. Richard is a passionate workshop leader and has experience working with children and adults with learning disabilities.
Alexandra Keelan
Writer for Stage and Screen
Alex writes for the stage and screen. Her previous work includes, her plays, The Loves of Others (Greater Manchester Fringe Best Comedy Play 2017) and the critically acclaimed Angel of the House (Wonder Women Festival, Hope Mill Theatre 2016 & 2017). Screen work includes Maid of Stars, produced by Ludovic Productions 2019 and Ignorance is Bliss, First Take productions, screened as part of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture. Alex’s work has been produced on BBC Radio 4 digital and at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Oldham Coliseum, Hope Mill Theatre, 53Two and the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield.
Abey Bradbury
Actor, Writer and Shakespeare specialist
Abey is a Manchester-based actress, musician, writer, director and Shakespeare Specialist. She trained with the National Youth Theatre, London College of Music and Fourth Monkey. She is one of the creative directors behind award winning theatre company Cream Faced Loons.
Keeley Lane
Actress and Theatre Producer
Keeley Lane is an actress from Yorkshire. She trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts for an MA in Acting and she's performed all over the UK and Europe. Her most recent credits include Mel in short film The Tide, starring alongside Francis Magee, Olwen Fouere, and Richard Galloway. In 2019 Keeley wrote and starred in her own one woman show, Me, Mum & The Patriarchy, which went on a UK wide tour. Keeley is also one of the creative directors of Yorkshire based Buglight Theatre Company.
Beck Gadsby
Director and Producer
Beck Gadsby is a Theatre Director & Producer specialising in classics, children’s shows and productions that require a big imagination. She has directed over 70 stage productions, including Bank Cohort, for Sheffield Theatres.
Rhiannon Morgan
Acting coach and Casting Agent
Rhiannon has performed from a young age, and trained at Carney Academy as a student for many years. Rhiannon's recent credits include An Enemy Of The People at The Crucible Sheffield, alongside Sir Antony Sher. Rhiannon is also a casting agent at Manchester's Boss Agency.
Laura Surgenor
Actress, Assistant Acting Coach and Writer
Laura is an actress and writer from Cheshire. The author of nine published novels, she specialises in creative writing, acting and performance therapy. Laura is the artistic director of Between The Pages, a performance arts organisation specialising in theatre and arts projects for mental health. Her recent credits include a leading role in seasons one and two of hit audio drama Everyone's Happy.