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 later trained professionally and graduated from Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in 2023. Nicole is trained in multiple styles of dance and musical theatre but she also has experience in aerial arts, acro and pilates. Nicole's passion for performing arts has only grown since joining Masquerades and so has her love for teaching.

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

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 after graduating Masquerades in 2024. 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.

Charlotte Hollis

Charlotte has been dancing since the young age of 5. She previously trained at Ntertainers Performing Arts Academy where she studied ballet, tap, jazz and drama. She graduated with IDTA modern jazz gold bar 1. Since, Charlotte has found a passion for teaching and has been working at Masquerades for 5 years!

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Charlotte teaches Juniors, Inters & Seniors,

Harriet Holden

Harriet has been performing since she was a young child in many different youth groups and, more recently, adult productions. Harriet has just graduated from Stella Mann College of Performing Arts and is currently auditioning to work in the industry. Her love and passion for musical theatre has been prominent throughout her life and has inspired her to want to teach. Harriet loves to perform as a singer as well as teach!

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

Liv Vaughan

Liv started dancing when she was 10 and joined Masquerades when she was 14. Her love and passion for dance has grown and she feels lucky enough to be given the opportunity to teach and choreograph dance. Liv adores her job and loves all the children she teaches.

Liv teaches Minis, Juniors & Inters. 

Kassie Lostitch

Kassie has been performing since the age of 3 in various pantomimes and competitions across the country. She has graduated from Stella Mann College of Performing Arts where she trained for 3 years in a variety of styles. Her love and passion for the arts has inspired her to teach and spread the joy of performing to other aspiring artists.

Maisy Crane

Maisy has been a part of Masquerades since she was 6 years old. She loves sports and all things dance. Her favourite type of dance is street and ballet. Maisy is currently studying A Level Dance, English and Sports! She is a very supportive and positive person who can't wait to start her teaching journey.

Polly Odarley

Polly is a commercial dancer and musical theatre performer who graduated from Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in the summer of 2025. She currently dances for Ombrascura Dance Company and has performed in several music videos including 'He's not all that' by Essosa.