Meet The Team

Karen Woodcock

Karen's love of drama began in her first nativity play at the age of four. And she was hooked. Karen's drama studies continued at LAMDA where she trained in acting, writing and stage direction. At the age of 18, Karen began teaching drama opening her first school in Broxbourne called Ntertainers. Karen writes and directs the shows, teaches acting LAMDA up to the Gold award and prepares students for drama school auditions and staging GCSE and A Level drama pieces. When moving to Northill in 2004, she started Masquerades as a way for her own children to make friends. To this day Karen runs Masquerades,  represents youth performers at her agency Keiki Talent, and given any opportunity will get on stage herself.

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Karen is our Principal and teaches Drama for Juniors, Inters & Seniors and Screen Acting.

Nicole Wilkinson

Nicole has been performing since she was 3 years old. She then later took her training further and graduated from Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in 2023. Nicole trained in multiple styles of dance and musical theatre but also has experience in aerial arts and acrobatics. 

Nicole is our Vice Principal and teaches Juniors, Inters, Seniors & Adults.

Charlotte Hollis

Charlotte previously trained at Ntertainers Performing Arts Academy where she studied ballet, tap, jazz and drama. She graduated with IDTA modern jazz gold bar 1.​

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Charlotte teaches Juniors, Inters & Seniors,

Stan McElligott

Stan McElligott is a professional actor comedian, writer and director. He trained on the prestigious BA Acting and Contemporary Theatre course at East 15 Acting School, developing a wide skill set of creative and acting tools. With extensive experience on stage and screen, award-winning directing credentials, and a background in professional stand-up comedy, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching. Stan is passionate about inspiring young people to develop a love for theatre and the arts - and helping them find their voice.

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Stan teaches Screen Acting and assists Drama with Karen.

Fin Shuttleworth

Fin has been a part of Masquerades since a young age, first joining as a student before moving into a technical and creative role behind the scenes. Working closely alongside Karen and Nicole, Fin supports productions from early stages through to final performances. His work focuses on lighting and sound design, projection content, and developing technical elements to elevate productions and audience experiences. Fin also manages the Masquerades website, Masquerades Box Office, show branding, show films, merchandising, and assists with filmed projects for students.

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Fin is our Technical Director and assists with Screen Acting classes.

Harriet Holden

Harriet has been performing since she was a young child in many different youth groups and, more recently, adult productions. She is currently training at Stella Mann College of Performing Arts with the hope of working in the performing industry after she graduates. Her love and passion for musical theatre has been prominent throughout her life and has inspired her to want to teach future performers. She has separately trained and performed as singer and loves teaching singing to others too.

Harriet is our Musical Director and teaches Musical Theatre for Juniors, Inters and Seniors.

Danielle Sarro

Danielle is a graduate of Stella Mann College of Performing Arts, whose career took off in the cruise ship industry.  Her career has taken her across the globe, entertaining audiences with high energy performances as part of onboard productions.  In addition to her performance experience, Danielle has taken on leadership roles such as Dance Captain and Cast Manager, responsible for overseeing rehearsals, maintaining choreography and ensuring the cast delivered top quality, consistent shows.

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Danielle teaches Seniors & Inters.

Liv Vaughan

Liv joined Masquerades when she was 14 and it was the best decision she ever made. Her love and passion for dance has grown and feels lucky enough to be given the opportunity to teach and choreograph dance. Liv adores her job and loves all the children she teaches. Teaching is the highlight of her week.

Liv teaches Minis, Juniors & Inters. 

Gabi Syrek

Gabi graduated Wilkes Academy with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre after training at the top dance college in the country for 3 years. Having performed on stage and TV, Gabi has experience in all of the core styles such as ballet, acro, jazz, commercial, ballroom and latin, and contemporary. Some of her biggest achievements include P&O opening cruise ceremony, Latin international champion, BBC Father Brown and Dean Lee shows.

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Gabi teaches our Monday classes.

Julia Odwrot

​Julia assists our Junior classes.