Academy Faculty

Ruth McIntosh (she, her, hers)
Education Manager
A professional actor for 20+ years, Ruth has worked in theatres across Canada and has taught across the Lower Mainland, including at Gateway Academy and the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. A Dramaturg and Writer for dance theatre, Ruth is a graduate of the Vancouver Playhouse School of Acting.

Manami Hara (she, her, hers)
Instructor
Manami Hara immigrated from Tokyo, Japan to pursue her dream of becoming a theatre artist in North America. She has been successfully building her career as an actor, playwright, instructor, interpreter/translator, dramaturge and director for the past three decades. Most recently she was seen in Marjorie Chan’s China Doll at Gateway Theatre and vAct’s production of Tetsuro Shigematsu’s new play Kuroko at the Cultch. Manami has worked with companies across Canada including Arts Club Theatre Company, Boca del Lupo, Carousel Theatre, The Cultch, Factory Theatre, Firehall Arts Centre, Frank Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Globe Theatre, Grand Theatre, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre, La Luna Productions, National Arts Centre and many more.  She is a Jessie Richardson Award winner and nominee for her acting and collaborative creations. She feels extremely privileged to be part of the awesome Instructors and Education team at the Gateway Academy where she can continue to be passionate about teaching youth the magic of theatre making, acting, storytelling, and ensemble spirit.

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Nathan Kay (he, him, his)
Instructor
Nathan is a Vancouver based actor and instructor, and is very excited to be teaching at Gateway Academy for the first time. Nathan is a graduate of Studio 58's acting program in 2016 and has appeared in shows across Canada and in 2019 travelled to Hong Kong with Neworld Theatre's King Arthur's Night. Nathan's work as an instructor has centred around making sure everyone's ideas are honoured and respected as well as challenging students to find what they love and go after it!

Eri Kikuchi (she, her, hers)
Accompanist
Eri is the piano accompanist for the musical theatre program on Saturdays for the first time at Gateway Academy. Eri's piano training was at the Arts Connection School in Steveston, following the Royal Conservatory of Music program, both of which gave her opportunities to perform on the piano at the Gateway Theatre. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business degree and a Diploma in Expressive Arts Education. She teaches piano in Vancouver and is involved in composing music for another theatre production called the Rizal Intercultural Theatre. Eri looks forward to playing the piano to give the children's stories a musical layer!

Malissa Palliyaguru (she, her, hers)
Instructor
Malissa is an actor, choreographer, singer and performing arts educator, and is very happy to be teaching at Gateway Academy for the first time! She has performed across BC, as well as overseas, in musicals, operas, and theatre productions and has spent the last 10 years teaching community theatre and dance to children and adults from all walks of life. Malissa is a firm believer in the powerful and transformative nature of theatre - where everyone's differences are celebrated and accepted in a supportive, inclusive, accessible, and exciting community where everyone has a voice that deserves the space to be heard.

Amanda Testini (she, her, hers)
Instructor
Amanda is a performer, choreographer, director and educator, and this is her first year teaching at the Gateway Academy! She is a graduate of both the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and Studio 58. Amanda has worked on shows at the Arts Club, Bard on the Beach, Vancouver Opera, the Belfry, Carousel Theatre for Young People, the Firehall, shameless hussy productions, the Cultch, Opera Kelowna, Theatre Under the Stars, Theatre Replacement, Electric Company and, of course, the Gateway where she played 'Belle' in A Christmas Carol. Amanda believes theatre is the perfect place to practice compassion, empathy, play, imagination, and teamwork.