Ian Massa-Harris-McFeely
Programme Leader (MA Musical Theatre), Associate Lecturer in Music & Musical Theatre; Vocal Tutor; Associate Lecturer in Acting For Film, Show Producer
About
Ian is a vocal coach, performer, and lecturer specialising in Acting Through Song, Cabaret Skills, and Vocal Pedagogy, with a particular focus on working with trans, non-binary, and queer voices.
He also lectures in Acting for Film, with a specialism in SFX and prosthetics make-up. Ian recently took up the role of Programme Leader for the new MA in Musical Theatre at the University of Chichester Conservatoire. He is also the Conservatoire’s specialist in inclusive vocal training and support for gender-diverse performers.
Performance Credits
Recent roles include:
Monsieur D’Arque (Beauty and the Beast), Gavin (Charmed: The Musical), Firmin (Phantom of the Opera, concert version), Piangi (Phantom of the Opera), Pirelli (Sweeney Todd), Chef Louis (The Little Mermaid), Clopin (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Opera Soloist (Children in Need: The Musical), Blind (Die Fledermaus), 1st Knight (Le Comte Ory), Basilio (The Marriage of Figaro), Torquemada (L’heure Espagnol), Giudice (Un Ballo in Maschera), Flora’s Servant (La Traviata), Un Signore (Zazá), 1st Philistine (Samson), Dormont (La Scala di Seta), A Hawker (La Bohème), Nick (La Fanciulla del West), Spoletta (Tosca), Venditore (I gioielli della Madonna), Witch (Hansel and Gretel), Sorceress (Dido and Aeneas), Mime (Das Rheingold and Siegfried), Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), and Trojan (Idomeneo).
Venues and Companies
Ian has performed at many major venues, including the London Coliseum, Cadogan Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Opera Holland Park, The Roundhouse, Royal Albert Hall, The Lyric Theatre, The Bloomsbury, The Apollo (Shaftesbury Avenue), The Warehouse, Il Duomo (Florence), and numerous venues across Rome.
His professional work includes collaborations with ENO, Opera Holland Park, Opera Rara, Opera North, the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, the BBC, Opera Alegria, Unexpected Opera, Midsummer Opera, Telltale Opera, Open Door Opera, Fulham Opera, and Teatro Real Madrid, among others.
Private Teaching and Coaching
Ian runs a thriving private studio, coaching musical theatre professionals in vocal technique, performance, and audition preparation. His approach combines technical rigour with an inclusive, person-centred ethos.
SFX and Make-Up Work
A successful designer and artist for film, TV, theatre, SFX and prosthetics, Ian is a BAFTA Connect member and part of BAFTA Crew.
He has worked with a range of high-profile artists, including Sir Ian McKellen, Imelda Staunton, Alison Steadman, Arthur Darvill, and Samantha Bond.
He lectures in SFX Make-Up Skills for Actors on the Acting for Film degree pathway.
His commercial work includes collaborations with Amazon Music UK, Sony BMG, the Musicians’ Union, Pride in London, Pride in Music, DIVA, and Copenhagen Pride.
Industry and Advocacy
Ian currently sits on the LGBTQ+ Committee for BECTU and serves as the LGBTQ+ Representative for the Hair and Make-Up Branch.
He also mentors emerging artists within BECTU’s prosthetics and SFX community.
He previously served on the Equalities Committee of the Musicians’ Union and is a Trustee of the British Inspirational Trust.
Before joining Pride in London, Ian was Head of Events for the W.I.G. Party, one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ fundraising collectives.
He later became a founding member of Pride in London in 2012 and created the world-renowned competition Pride’s Got Talent.
Research and Study
Ian is currently completing a Master’s degree in Voice Pedagogy at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
His research focuses on Trans Belt Musical Theatre Development, exploring the technical, physiological, and performative aspects of building healthy and sustainable belt technique in trans adult voices.
Other department members
Alison Bell
Performance Administrator
