About Us

About Phoenix Stage School

Founded in 2011 by Claire Gaughran, Phoenix Stage School has built a strong reputation as one of Galway’s leading stage schools, specialising in Dance and Musical Theatre.

We provide high-quality training, creativity, and enjoyment for over 300 students aged 5 to 18 in a vibrant, supportive, and nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to thrive.

Our diverse range of classes includes Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Technique, Musical Theatre, Singing, and Drama—ensuring there is something for every performer, whether they are just starting out or looking to develop their skills further.

Our experienced and passionate teaching team is dedicated to inspiring each student, fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of the performing arts. We pride ourselves on creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere where students feel supported, challenged, and motivated.

Phoenix Stage School is more than just a place to train—it’s a second home where lasting friendships are formed and unforgettable memories are made.

If your child loves to dance, sing, act, and perform, we would love to welcome you to Phoenix Stage School—where creativity comes to life.

Claire Gaughran

Owner / Head of Dance

Claire Gaughran is the owner of Phoenix Stage School and Head of Dance, with over 30 years’ involvement in the performing arts and a 25-year career as a professional dancer.

She began her training at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa in Cork before continuing her professional training at Bodywork Company Dance Studios in Cambridge.

Claire went on to build an extensive professional career across stage, television, and film. Her work has taken her all over the world, performing throughout Brazil, Greece, France, Germany, Italy, London, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, and India. Her love of dance even led her to live in Mumbai for a year, where she performed and filmed as a dancer in Bollywood productions. Her credits also include Disney’s Disenchanted (2021), performances at Dublin’s 3Arena with The 2 Johnnies, and appearances in HBO’s Penny Dreadful and RTÉ’s Fame: The Musical.

Claire has performed leading roles in major musical theatre productions, including West Side Story (Graziella) and Grease(Cha Cha), as well as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Her work has taken her to some of the most respected stages and productions in Ireland and the UK, including Cork Opera House, the Gaiety Theatre, and international venues such as the NEC Birmingham.

With a career spanning high-profile productions, live arena performances, and international contracts, Claire brings genuine industry experience and high standards into every class she teaches.

As owner of Phoenix Stage School, she is committed to delivering exceptional training in a focused, supportive, and encouraging environment. Her approach is rooted in developing strong technique, confidence, and a genuine love of performance—whether students are dancing for fun or aspiring to pursue it further.

Above all, Claire understands the trust parents place in her when they bring their children to Phoenix Stage School. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and uplifting environment where every child can grow in confidence, feel a sense of belonging, and truly thrive. She believes every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of performing—whether that’s building confidence, making lifelong friendships, or simply finding something they love. For Claire, there is nothing more rewarding than watching her students flourish both on and off the stage.

Claudia O'Sullivan

Drama teacher

Claudia is a drama and dance teacher from Athlone who has been part of the Phoenix Stage School family since 2016. A drama major, she graduated from NUI Galway with an M.A. in Drama & Theatre Studies.

In addition to her work at Phoenix Stage School, Claudia teaches and collaborates with a number of performing arts programmes across the country.
She has worked with the celebrated Blue Teapot Theatre Company in Galway, which supports adults with intellectual disabilities, and stage managed their 2012 production of Sanctuary.

Claudia took part in the Junior Theatre Celebration hosted by MTI Europe in 2018 in Leicester and 2019 in Birmingham, where she brought a group of students to compete with a ten-minute musical theatre piece that she directed and choreographed.

In 2020, Claudia wrote and directed the original radio play Dare to Dream in collaboration with RTÉ Jr.

Claudia and her Irish teammates won 1st place in the Street Theatre Competition at the European Peoples Festival 2022 in Luxembourg with a piece she wrote, directed and performed in.

She is also an active performer, regularly appearing with musical societies and drama groups. Most recently, she choreographed We Will Rock You with Castlebar Musical & Dramatic Society.

Claudia is delighted to be part of the FAB Phoenix Stage School team!

Kay ThorN

Singing Teacher

Kay Thorn is a director, music director, performer, and teaching artist originally from Charleston, USA. In 2025, Kay made the exciting move to Galway to become part of the Phoenix Stage School team, bringing their passion and experience to students here in Ireland.

With a love of musical theatre and working with young performers, Kay brings energy, creativity, and encouragement to every class and production.

Kay studied Musical Theatre at Lees McRae College and has continued to develop their skills in voice and piano, training with a number of highly respected vocalists and pianists, and currently studying under Dan Megli in Chicago. Alongside performing, Kay has built an impressive career in music direction, including roles as Music Supervisor with Footlight Players (Charleston), Company Music Director with What If? Productions (Charleston), and Staff Tenor with Distinguished Concerts International in New York.

As a performer, some of Kay’s favourite roles include Dr. Frankenfurter (The Rocky Horror Experience), Pythio (Head Over Heels), and Tom Collins (RENT). Their music direction credits include Next to Normal and an acclaimed run of Disaster! The Musical with Village Repertory Company.

Kay has been dedicated to teaching since 2017 and is passionate about helping students grow in confidence, creativity, and performance skills. They also run a private voice and piano studio and have worked extensively with young performers, music directing shows such as The Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, Mean Girls, SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical, and Seussical. Directing credits include The Wizard of Oz, Madagascar Jr., and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Chloe Naomi

Drama teacher

Chloe Naomi is an interdisciplinary director, theatre maker, and arts educator. She has extensive experience teaching drama to young people across Ireland, working with students aged 4–17. Chloe is delighted to be joining the Phoenix Stage School team.

Chloe trained on the MFA Theatre Directing programme at the Lir Academy, having previously completed a BA in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies with English from the University of Galway. She has been fortunate to be mentored by award-winning directors including Annabelle Comyn, Louise Lowe, and Garry Hynes.

Chloe is the artistic director of Ciaróg Productions, which focuses on producing, curating, and devising new work. She has collaborated with a range of leading theatre companies and organisations, and her work has been recognised with several awards, including the Agility Award from the Arts Council of Ireland, a Creative Practitioners Bursary from Galway City Arts Office, and an Elevate Bursary from Galway International Arts Festival.

David O Connor

Guest Choreographer

Wexford born David O’Connor commenced his dance training in Cork, with Alan Foley at Firkin Crane. There, he completed his two years of training and was later awarded a scholarship with Cambridge Performing Arts at Bodywork Company Dance Studios. Since graduating in 2005, David has worked extensively throughout Ireland, the UK and abroad. His catalogue of work ranges from choreographing and performing in both musicals and pantomimes, to working on cruise ships and appearing on T.V.

David is no stranger to the stage as he has appeared in various productions such as Cinderella, Jack And The Beanstalk The Ha’penny Bridge and The Merry Widow at Cork Opera House and Everyman Palace. His career as a choreographer ultimately began in 2010 with the debut of the critically acclaimed West Side Story at Cork Opera House. Since then David has choreographed various large-scale productions such as Snow White, Cinderella and Alice In Wonderland and the sell-out production of Grease.

David is a highly sought after choreographer and we are very lucky to have him visit each year at Phoenix Stage School to create a show stopping number for our end of year show.