The Trapdoor Theatre School and Teeny Trapdoor is run by local performer and youth director and choreographer Debbie Hackett.

Debbie has been performing since the age of 6 and attended The Eastbourne Academy of Dancing, where her love for choreography began. She has played numerous principal roles with many local groups including Stagers, EODS, L.O.S. and The Rattonians. She has made several professional recordings and worked for the BBC in ‘Buddy’. Favourite parts she has played include - Annelle in 'Steel Magnolias' Eliza in 'My Fair Lady' Sally in 'Me and My Girl' Suzi Dean in 'Good Companions' The Bakers Wife in 'Into The Woods' Daisy in 'Daisy Pulls It Off' Audrey in 'Little Shop Of Horrors Anita in 'West Side Story' and Maisie Merryweather in 'The Boyfreind'!

Debbie started working with children as a nursery nurse and then as a childminder and nanny, as well as working as a special needs ancillary within a school – experience in this field has helped her understand how important the arts are to all children, from all backgrounds and what can be gained by any individual if given the right opportunity and encouragement.

As a Director and Choreographer Debbie has worked in youth theatre for the past 22 years. During this time she ran her own theatre company with help from The Princes Trust, worked for the Drama and Dance department at Eastbourne College for 7 years and most recently for Ratton School as a Choreographer. In 2007 Debbie performed in the English Premier of ‘Fame Forever’ alongside choreographing ‘Fame’ for The Rattonians. Debbie completed the youth choreography for their Christmas Show in December and earlier this year co-directed and choreographed The Rattonian Youth Groups' – ‘Just So’. At present she is working on another Christmas production for Rattonians as well as planning two shows for the Youth Group for 2010 and all while running Trapdoor!

She lives in Eastbourne with her children, Eliza and Finian.