Meet The Team
Mark McCredie
Head of academy
Mark is a performer and theatre-maker based in Manchester. He trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating with an MA in Musical Theatre. Mark works as a professional actor and singer in various areas of the industry and has performed in theatres and festivals, on screen, on world cruises and in concerts at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall.
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Mark is part of the Musical Theatre writing duo ‘Wheatley & McCredie' and they are currently developing their first musical The Mourning After.
Alongside performing, Mark teaches and workshops performing arts skills in primary and secondary schools, as well as college and university settings. He has worked at establishments such as, The Eastern School of Performing Arts (ESPA), where he taught acting through song and led students through their LAMDA exams.
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Mark believes that young people should have the chance to create, explore and play, and celebrates opportunities where they are encouraged to do so.
Laura spaven
Head of academy
Laura is an experienced primary school teacher based in Peterborough, gaining her teaching qualification from Canterbury Christ Church University. Prior to her teaching career, Laura established a robust background in performance and the theatre arts.
She studied Drama at the University of Lincoln where she graduated with a First Class degree, was Vice President of the Musical Theatre Society and co-founded Refract Theatre Company, where she served as writer and director. In 2015, Laura was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Theatre’ prize for her work during her degree.
Laura has previously taken on the role of Head of Performing Arts at an internationally recognised summer camp in North Michigan, USA. She completed an internship with the British Film Institute in London and regularly works within the entertainment team on European cruise liners.
Laura has seen first-hand how theatre transforms a young person’s ability to navigate their world socially through communication development, sharing and confidence building.
Lauren
Alderson
Performing Arts teacher
Lauren is an experienced Drama and Musical Theatre teacher based in Cambridgeshire. Originally from the North East, Lauren moved to Cambridge when she was 18 years old to study her BA (Hons) Performing Arts degree which she graduated with a First. She then went on to train at Associated Studios in London, where she graduated with a First-Class MA Musical Theatre degree.
Whilst training Lauren performed in various shows with credits including Roxie Hart in Chicago, Campbell Davis in Bring It On, Katrine Stockmann in An Enemy of the People and Sheila Franklin in Hair. She has also written, produced and directed her own cabaret show, A Geordie Girl in Hyde Park.
Lauren has several years’ teaching experience, she is the Vice Principal and Comedy & Drama teacher of a Cambridge based Performing Arts Academy with which she has plenty of Directing credits including shows which have been performed in West End’s His Majesty’s Theatre, home to The Phantom of the Opera. She also teaches Music and Drama in both Primary and Secondary schools, including 1:1 singing lessons and directing a choir.
Lauren is absolutely delighted to be part of the Vault Team and cannot wait to see what amazing projects the future has in store!
Nia
Jones
Performing Arts teacher
Having grown up immersed in youth theatres across Cambridgeshire, Nia has performed in over 20 productions, including standout roles such as Rizzo in Grease, Tomika in School of Rock, and most recently Roxie in Chicago.
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Her love for the arts extends beyond the stage. Nia works as an Arts Coordinator, delivering music, art, and dance curriculum in primary schools. She specialises in supporting SEND children, using a theatrical approach to break down barriers in communication and learning. Nia is deeply committed to making the arts accessible and impactful for every child.
As a Musical Director and vocal coach, she has worked with over 2,500 primary school children between 2022-2024, as part of an Arts Council England-funded programme, to develop school choirs and singing groups. She also teaches 1-1 dance and singing lessons, specialising in Musical Theatre and Contemporary styles, while leading workshops and CPD sessions for teachers in the Fenland area. Nia’s work has extended to innovative projects, including Theatre in Education pieces for local councils that have been shared nationwide and a 12-week NHS programme that combined music and wellbeing to support children’s mental health.
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With her extensive experience in performing arts and education, Nia brings energy, creativity and invaluable experience to Vault Theatre Academy, inspiring the next generation of performers while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Tommy
Sadler
Performing Arts assistant
Tommy is a passionate and creative performer with a strong background in theatre and film. Currently studying Performing Arts at Hinchingbrooke Sixth Form, he has performed with the National Theatre’s Connections programme and has been studying drama since the age of 10 in a setting similar to Vault Theatre Academy.
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Tommy’s achievements include creating, directing, and performing his own interactive murder mystery show, Murder in the Hinchingbrooke House, as part of his Silver Arts Award qualification. He has also starred in leading roles in productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, and Annie Jr.
In addition to his theatrical experience, Tommy studies Film Studies, creating short films for festivals, and is a frequent collaborator with his school’s music department, performing in choirs, concerts, and as a soloist.
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Tommy brings his creativity, enthusiasm, and diverse performance experience to Vault Theatre Academy, inspiring young performers to develop their skills and confidence.