Socks Off Theatre was founded by Kyla, a passionate performer and teaching artist dedicated to empowering young people through drama. A graduate of the Gifted and Talented Drama Program at John Curtin College of the Arts, she is currently studying Theatre and Behavioural Science at the University of Notre Dame, combining her love of the arts with a strong interest in youth wellbeing.

While teaching and directing youth performances with Into the Mask Theatre, Kyla saw firsthand how drama could transform young lives — helping children gain confidence, make new friends and flourish as creative performers. She facilitates auditions for the John Curtin GAT Drama program and previously served as Deputy Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Committee for the Western Australian Youth Theatre Company.

In 2025, Kyla received an arts scholarship to study in Seoul, South Korea, where she collaborated with international students to create the bilingual original production Monopoorly. She was also awarded the 2024 Academic Excellence Award in Theatre Studies at Notre Dame. Kyla is currently training as an Oracy Australia Spoken English Assessor, enabling her to assess and support students’ speaking, communication and performance skills in schools across Western Australia.

Through Socks Off Theatre, Kyla creates joyful, inclusive drama experiences where children aged 5–14 can build confidence, develop theatre skills and connect with others — no screens, just imagination and creativity.

Taleisa is a passionate musical theatre performer, director and teacher with years of experience in the performing arts. She holds a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Matrix Pro Academy and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Studies) at Notre Dame University. A trained dancer and children’s party entertainer, Taleisa brings energy, creativity and confidence to every class.

Taleisa has assistant directed and choreographed many productions with Snapshot Youth Theatre Company and PADWA Talent Agency - bringing a wealth of industry experience to her role.  Her credits include choreographing and assistant directing Elf Jr (2021), Bedbugs (2022), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2024) with Snapshot Youth Theatre. She has also worked closely with Christopher Horsey on the Broadway 1-Week Challenge, helping bring Newsies Jr (2022), The Drowsy Chaperone Jr (2023), and 42nd Street Jr (2025) to the stage.