Meet the Team
Rob Murphy
Artistic Director
Rob has recently graduated from University College Dublin with a First Class Honours Masters Degree in Theatre Practice. Bull Alley Theatre Training Company and Trinity Guildhall London were among his former institutions of training. Rob has been working professionally for the past fifteen years, and his work encompasses acting, performing, theatre directing, choreographing, producing, and writing.
He is well renowned for his performance as panto dame "Buffy" in the yearly pantomime production at Dublin's National Stadium (previously The Tivoli Theatre)‘Queen Of The Panto Dames’ (Irish Times). Other Career highlights include premiering the one man show ‘69 Shades Of Gay’ for Zac Productions at Smock Alley Theatre, playing the Wicked Witch in the Wizard Of Oz at the Helix, The Olympia Panto Dame in ‘Jack and The Beanstalk’ 2006 at the Olympia Theatre for Spotlight Productions and his own comedy cabaret show ‘Rob Murphy Let Loose’ recently sold out at Dublins legendary Vicar St. He is a weekly
contributor on Dublins Q102 breakfast show.
For the last 10 years he has directed alongside the Civic The Civic Theatre Summer Camp. Since 2018 he has also directed and produced in partnership with The Civic the annual professional pantomine production which has been highly successful, entertaining over 16,000 patrons a year. Rob has been an associate artist with the Civic for the last four years.
Rob is the artistic director of Dramatic Action Stage School with classes in Dublin, Kildare and Kilkenny and in 2018 won ‘Best School Director’ at the All Ireland Dance Awards. The school runs classes five days a week and each season culminates in annual showcases. Rob is also drama tutor at The College Of Dance, Irelands premier third level performing arts course.
He recently wrote and directed Mary Byrne Check Me Out a new one woman show starring X Factor sensation Mary Byrne. The show has received rave reviews and will tour the country Summer 2024. He also wrote and directed Safety In Sequins a brand new musical which was featured in the Scene & Heard Festival 2024 and Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin.
Kyra Clifford
Assistant Artistic Director
Kyra has recently graduated from Bull Alley Theatre Training Company and holds a ATCL from Trinity Guildhall, London.
Kyra’s love for theatre and performance started when she was very young following in the footsteps of her Grandad who was in Vegas show bands back in the 70s. She has been involved in the industry since she was 4 years old and participated in many types of dance such as Latin and Ballroom along with being in stage schools throughout her life.
Kyra has been involved in the Civic Theatre summer camp for six years playing roles such as Rizzo in ‘Grease’, Sharpay in ‘High School Musical’ and Ms.Honey in ‘Revolting Kidz The Musical’ based on Matilda. In October 2018, Kyra went to Trabolgan with Spotlight Theatre group and took part in ‘The All Ireland Variety Showdown’ where they won ‘Best Overall Show’ along with many awards for production and show content. She also played lead roles in her school musicals and was involved in the Causeway Pantos for many years.
Kyra is a drama and singing teacher with Dramatic Action Stage School and Spotlight Theatre Group. She also works extensively as a stage manager and workshop facilitator. She is also drama tutor for the highly successful Civic Theatre Summer Camp.
Elaine Gallagher
Vocal and Drama Tutor
Elaine trained with Bull Alley Theatre Training Company from 2002 – 2006 graduating with an ATCL from Trinity Guildhall, London.
Credits include playing ‘Mother Courage’ in Mother Courage at Smock Alley, ‘Bride’ in Blood Wedding at The Project Arts Theatre, various parts in Hamlet at Tallaght Theatre, ‘Jane’ in I Have Five Daughters at The Project Arts Theatre.
Elaine has also starred in ‘West Side Story’, ‘Chess’, ‘City Of Angels’ at the Draiocht Theatre and the Dublin premiere of ‘Ragtime The Musical’ at The O Reilly Theatre.
Elaine works extensively across Dublin as a singer, drama teacher and vocal coach working in theatre / stage schools as well as Primary and Secondary School . Elaine is delighted to be a part of the team at Dramatic Action and she also runs private singing classes for students looking for extra tuition which is another avenue she adores.
Yasmina Aniss
Dance and Drama Tutor
Yasmina graduated from the College of Dance in 2009, under the supervision of Joanna Banks after completing a two year full time course and acquired a National Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre. She has also graduated from Maynooth University with an honours bachelor degree in Business and Management.
Yasmina found her love of performing arts at the age of three training in London at the McAlpine School of Dance studying RAD (Ballet) and ISTD (Jazz and Tap) syllabus. She also became an associate of the prestigious English National Ballet in their youth dance program and gained the opportunity to dance in the Royal Albert Hall.
After re-locating to Ireland, Yasmina took up commercial dance with Dance Fusion and privately began acquiring her teacher’s diploma studying Russian Ballet for NATD. In 2007, she began her training with the College of Dance, Monkstown.
Yasmina has worked extensively with children aged 3+ in all areas of the performing arts for the last 10 years in stage schools, primary + secondary schools, creches and musical societies.
Yasmina is delighted to be in her 10th year with Dramatic Action Stage School and is consistently amazed by the continuous dedication and talent within the school.
Sarah Carpenter - Harvey
Vocal and Dance Tutor
Sarah studied dance at Sallynoggin college of further education. She later went on to complete a diploma in musical theatre performance from the London college of music while attending westside stage school.
During this time she was invited to attend a weeks training on scholarship at the North London dance studio. She also studied singing through the ABRSM under the guidance of Karen Mcdonald.
She has perfomred in theatres such as the Gaiety,the Olympia, the Helix and the Cork Opera House. She performed in the Irish premiere of "Whiskey in the Jar".
In 2013 she completed a successful season as lead vocalist in "Wilde Nights" on the Oscar wilde with the Irish ferries.
She was delighted to be a part of the cast of "The Promise " the musical which premiered in September 2013 in the Helix. Sarah was a part of Palmerstown house hotels christmas caberet where she performed as a singer/dancer.
In 2015 Sarah performed as leading vocalist for one of the worlds most prestigous cruiselines on the "Seabourne Quest" , completing a world cruise visiting over 20 countries .
Her film credits include featured dancer in "Mrs Browns Boys D'Movie.
Since 2005 Sarah has been teaching performing arts extensively across Dublin . She has also choreographed many pantomimes and musicals for various schools and socities.
She is vocal coach and assistant choreographer for Spotlight theatre group who just recently won the All Ireland variety showdown in October 2018.
Keith Kelly
Dance Tutor
Keith is a professional dancer / choreographer from Dublin, who graduated from CPA Studios, London, with a Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre.
Keith has since worked all across Ireland, the UK & Europe, most recently performing in Rob Murphy ‘Let Loose’ at Vicar Street, Dublin.
Earlier this year Keith choreographed ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ at The Helix after working as dance captain for ‘Aladdin’ at the National Stadium, Dublin 2021/22. Before this Keith was Dance Captain for ‘Heels Of Hell’ - RuPauls Drag Race Tours in both 2018 & 2019.
Keith is so excited to be on the team at Dramatic Action after many years of working alongside owner Rob Murphy in the Cheerios Panto.
Keith’s other credits include;
Creative Director / Choreographer of ‘Welcome To Burlesque’ ( Cabaret- Manchester 2021). Senior dancer ‘Peter Pan’ (Panto Movie - Dublin 2020). Freddie The Elf - ‘Flight Before Christmas’ (Show - Dublin 2020). Dancer - ‘Magic Life’ (Production shows - Italy 2020). Dancer / Singer - TUI Family Life (Show Team - Greece 2019). Understudy / senior dancer - ‘Aladdin’ & Peter Pan’ (Panto - London 2018 & 2017). Character & parade performer, Disneyland Paris (2014). Dancer - Jedward (Childline Concert 2011)
Abbie Finn
Teaching Assistant
For more than 13 years, Abbie has attended Dramatic Action Stage School. She started teaching assisting last year and adores it. Abbie has performed in numerous lead parts in venues including the Civic Theatre and The Tivoli Theatre, to name but a few.
When she graduates from school, Abbie hopes to pursue a career in the performing arts full-time.