Head Judge & Patron
Dance Live’s first Patron, Mark Smith, is a Choreographer, Movement Director, Dance Teacher, Workshop Leader and Director, Founder and Artistic Director of Deaf Men Dancing, Patron for The Imperial Society of Teachers and Dancing (ISTD) and was nominated as Best Choreographer in the Off-West End Awards and the Broadway World UK Awards for Ace of Clubs, Call Me Madam & Iolanthe and Live Theatre & British Theatre for Tommy.
Heats Head Judge
Hayley Jane Simmons is a vibrant and innovative choreographer whose experience has encompassed musicals, pantomime, summer seasons, variety, children’s shows, corporate presentations, cruises and numerous other events in the UK and overseas.
Having enjoyed a successful career as a dancer and performer herself, Hayley Jane has a strong empathy with the performers she works with and the wonderful ability to inspire and motivate.
Heats Judge
Julia started her career in Brighton 20 years ago working for Yes/No Productions, an independent global entertainment company and also home to internationally acclaimed show, STOMP. After 15 years and a career break to take a postgraduate degree in Law, Julia joined the RSC and the General Management team of Matilda the Musical for it’s hugely successful UK & Ireland tour. From Matilda Julia joined the Audience of the Future team as Project Manager on behalf of the RSC. She is now Creative Digital Producer at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Heats Judge
Thomas Buckley is a digital artist and storyteller using digital media. Thomas has a passion for art that makes you feel human and connected. Often working in projection, immersive technologies (VR, AR, XR) and interactive installations. Thomas has worked with big industry names and as a Royal Shakespeare Digital Fellow Alumni, he has worked internationally to deliver artwork that merge theatre , emergent technologies and immersive experiences.
