Our Team

Prior to establishing Phoenix Theatre in 1990 and Phoenix Youth Theatre in 1999, our directors Liz Milne BEM and Clare Haggart BEM, have had extensive theatrical backgrounds – both as performers for many years and as Assistant Directors in four Aberdeen Student Shows.

They were each awarded British Empire Medals in the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honours List for services to theatre and the arts.

Liz has an MA in English and French from the University of Aberdeen, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Education and studied both Primary and Secondary Drama with Annie Inglis MBE. Clare was a professional television actress and Equity member.

Our Musical Director is Kevin Haggart BMus (Hons), MMus, PCGE, who has over 30 years’ experience and is Director of Music at Robert Gordon’s College. As a composer and arranger, he has had many works performed in the North-East, including civic fanfares, for the likes of Mikhail Gorbachev and Sir Alex Ferguson, in addition to anthems and chamber music.

The next generation of teachers completing our team have all studied with Phoenix Youth Theatre from an early age and bring their combined theatrical experience of many years to the school.

Our dance specialist and Choreographer Claire Chernouski MA, BSc (Hons), RD, is a qualified gym instructor and Barre teacher, and has been dancing since the age of 2. She has an Honours degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and has recently completed her Masters in Physician Associate Studies.

Following in their mum, Liz’s, footsteps are Assistant Teachers, Jonnie and Katie. Jonnie Milne MA, BA (Hons), MCIPR, is a Communications professional and acted as Script Editor and Administrator for past Aberdeen Student Shows. Katie Baxter BN (Hons), PGCert LTA, studied drama at Aberdeen College, before going into nursing, and now, as a Lecturer at Robert Gordon University, brings her teaching experience to Phoenix Youth Theatre. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Education and is a registered teacher with The Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Our team look forward to hearing from you today.