FOUNDER & DIRECTOR - Jackie Scott
Jackie is a qualified educator, mindset coach, performer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, she has dedicated her life to helping young people fulfil their potential. For three decades Jackie has empowered young people through education, the arts and business. She is a sought-after presenter on mental health, self-esteem, bullying, resilience, wellbeing and the arts. Jackie is also the founder of Keep Kids Safe In Dance, a groundbreaking organisations that protects, inspires, educates and mentors young people, teachers and studio owners. Jackie holds multiple diplomas in education, dance and music and arts (Honours), she was awarded the Vice Chancellor's Award from Deakin University, and was nominated for Australian of the Year in 2015 for outstanding work in education. Jackie has worked across Australia, London and New York and mentors young people and professional performers around the globe.
The RISE Story
A Vision of Passion and Purpose
RISE was born from a deep-seated passion for child safety, wellbeing, and the performing arts. Founder and Director Jackie Scott, after establishing Keep Kids Safe In Dance, sought to create a program that would combine her extensive experience in the performing arts industry with her commitment to nurturing young talent in a safe, supportive environment.
With over 8 years of experience directing nationally accredited full-time dance and musical theatre training programs, Jackie has an impressive track record of producing professionally staged shows at renowned venues. These include The Palms at Crown, Palais Theatre, Sadler's Wells Theatre, and West End Theatre: The Peacock Theatre in London. Her expertise extends to choreography and direction for high-profile corporate events such as the AFL Grand Final, The Palais Ballroom at Crown, BBC London, The Breakin' Convention UK, and Curtain Raisers for Matthew Bourne, London.
Jackie envisioned a program that would seamlessly blend mindset and wellbeing training with professional performance opportunities, offering young people the chance to showcase their talents at professional venues alongside local and international artists and mentors. This vision became RISE.
In the early stages of RISE's development, Jackie reached out to Mitchell Fistrovic Doidge, whose extraordinary talent and industry experience proved invaluable in shaping the program. Together, they combined their expertise to create an unparalleled experience for young artists. It is the combined passion and experience of Jackie and Mitchell that has created truly life changing programs and environments in the performing arts.
Both Jackie and Mitchell remain immensely proud of the work they have done and the countless young people they've mentored through RISE.
RISE has grown to become a cornerstone program for young and talented artists, changing lives and providing amazing opportunities for growth, both as performers and individuals. It stands as a testament to the passion, hard work, and caring nature of its staff and mentors, continuing to nurture the next generation of performing artists in a safe, supportive, and professional environment.