TRESEDER PRODUCTIONS Ltd, founded by Rebecca Treseder, is a thriving business that combines two successful ventures. New Heights Performance Academy and Dying to Meet You Murder Mystery Company. Both enterprises showcase Rebecca’s passion for the arts and her dedication to enriching the local community, particularly in Swansea, where her work has become well known.
Rebecca Treseder, a multi-talented entrepreneur, began her career in the arts on the cabaret circuit in South Wales, performing as a vocalist. Her love for the arts deepened over time, but after becoming a mother, she retrained as a nursery nurse. Despite this shift, Rebecca never fully left her artistic roots behind. She earned a BA (Hons) in Applied Drama, graduating with a 2:1, and went on to manage franchises for a well-established theatre school, gaining valuable experience in teaching and business management.
With insights gained from her previous roles, Rebecca launched New Heights Performance Academy and Dying to Meet You Murder Mystery Company. Today, both businesses are integral parts of Swansea’s arts and entertainment scene, offering people of all ages opportunities to explore their creativity.
At the heart of Treseder Productions is New Heights Performance Academy, a performing arts school offering a variety of courses in musical theatre, drama, dance, and singing. The academy serves children, up to 18-years-old, with classes held in West Cross and Gowerton, ensuring accessibility for the wider community.
The academy prides itself on creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students can thrive, regardless of their background or skill level. “We keep our prices low. I know a lot of people struggle when they have to pay for after-school clubs. Parents are able to pay weekly, which means more people can access our classes,” Rebecca explains.
Each instructor is a qualified professional, bringing both expertise and passion to their teaching. Staff members hold Enhanced Disclosure Checks, and all backstage personnel are required to have a chaperone licence. “My staff all have DBS checks. When we are in the theatre, all people backstage have to have a chaperone licence, and I bring in professionals to look after the children. I also have child protection policies in place and incident forms.”
The academy offers private tuition in LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) qualifications, recognised by UCAS. These qualifications benefit students aiming for higher education, and flexible payment options ensure that artistic education is accessible to everyone.
One of the academy’s highlights is its upcoming production of Shrek the Musical, set to showcase students of all ages. This performance promises to be a landmark event, cementing New Heights Performance Academy as a leading performing arts school in Swansea.
Rebecca said “I would like to help more students to access our New Heights classes so they can gain confidence and meet friends they’ll have for life. They can have fun doing things they love.”
Rebecca’s second venture, Dying to Meet You Murder Mystery Company, delivers interactive and engaging murder mystery events. Popular with corporate organisations and private parties, these events stand out by combining suspense, comedy, and audience interaction.
“With our company, we offer an immersive, interactive experience. Rather than watching the actors on stage, we are amongst the audience. We walk around and talk to them. We basically break the fourth wall by helping them become part of the performance,” Rebecca explains.
Each event is crafted to ensure it is both thrilling and entertaining. Rebecca often writes and directs the scripts herself, tailoring events to each client’s needs. “We are having our first completely improvised murder mystery in March. The audience can provide the theme of the murder, how they died, and so on. It will be held at Theatre Ffwrnes in Llanelli,” Rebecca shares.
Rebecca’s creative process often involves observing people for inspiration. “I go to the bus station in Swansea and watch people interact. I think to myself, ‘They would be good for the murder mystery.’ I see someone on a TV show who is over the top, and I think, ‘I could use that character in my murder mysteries.’”
The company also offers virtual events for clients unable to join in person, maintaining a strong client base even during challenging times. As demand grows, Rebecca acknowledges the need to expand her team. “It’s getting to the point where I have to get more people involved. When we go out as a team, I take charge, but I need a second me to help, so we don’t have to turn people down. I’d like us to get more well-known and used by the people of South Wales,” she says.
Rebecca has big plans for the future of both ventures. For New Heights Performance Academy, the success of Shrek the Musical is just the beginning, while Dying to Meet You aims to expand its range of interactive events, continuing to captivate audiences.
For more information on her businesses, visit New Heights Performance Academy and Dying to Meet you Murder Mystery Company.
