Meet The Team!
Our trusted drama teachers are well-trained, highly experienced and know the Drama and Dance Kids + Youth Theatre curriculum inside out.
Our Champion Teachers
Where Did it all Begin?
Our first Summer Theatre School holiday club trialled in Brighton 2018 and launched with a bang early in 2019.
From our first year, we’re proud that we still have many of our original team – some were even pupils, became assistants during their university holidays, and now teach and direct with us. But that’s not where our collaboration of fantastic teacher- performers began! Back in 2014 London Talent was a Gifted and Talented initiative spanning every borough of London; where our lead producer and creative director Gareth, imagined a summer drama club that took all the best (and most fun) elements of Drama College and distilled it into a week ‘where memories and friendships could be made to last a lifetime’.
When assembling a crack team of performer- teachers who better than some of his most talented drama school friends and actors? And it is testament to the power and force of performance that they are still leading the team now!
From our first year, we’re proud that we still have many of our original team – some were even pupils, became assistants during their university holidays, and now teach and direct with us. But that’s not where our collaboration of fantastic teacher- performers began! Back in 2014 London Talent was a Gifted and Talented initiative spanning every borough of London; where our lead producer and creative director Gareth, imagined a summer drama club that took all the best (and most fun) elements of Drama College and distilled it into a week ‘where memories and friendships could be made to last a lifetime’.
When assembling a crack team of performer- teachers who better than some of his most talented drama school friends and actors? And it is testament to the power and force of performance that they are still leading the team now!
Czarina Von Leydon - Executive Producer
Hello there! I’m Czarina and studied as an actress before moving into radio producing. I’ve worked with some of the biggest and iconic stars in the music industry both here in the UK and in the United States. I also have a longstanding role as a guest teacher-trainer and am a very busy podcast producer on a variety of shows. But I’ve never forgotten my time in Youth Theatre where it all began for me. And working with drama and performing academies will always be something I love to do. That’s why I’m delighted to be exec. producer for Drama & Dance Club, Sussex.
Czarina.
Gareth Corke - Lead Producer and Creative Director
Hiya! I have been involved in drama and acting all my professional life; but even before that- it was drama at school and youth theatre in my spare time, that triggered my love and fuelled my determination to build a career in the performing arts. I also am the principal and owner of Drama Kids, Sussex (a term time academy).
I am very excited that Czarina has invited me to continue my work, writing, producing and taking the lead with Drama and Dance Club, Sussex.
I am very excited that Czarina has invited me to continue my work, writing, producing and taking the lead with Drama and Dance Club, Sussex.
Gareth x.
If you have any queries at all - then please feel free to contact me: admin@dramadance.club
Jonathan Daly - Finance and Operations Officer
Hello everyone. When I was younger, living in Glasgow I was part of my local youth theatre and amateur dramatics company. After a few shows as a backing dancer, I discovered being backstage and running the show was much more my thing! This continued through college and my career running my own retail business and managing healthcare professionals like opticians and dentists.
I am also finance and vice principal for Drama Kids, Sussex during the term time. I’m delighted Czarina has asked me to be part of something as exciting as D&D Club!
I am also finance and vice principal for Drama Kids, Sussex during the term time. I’m delighted Czarina has asked me to be part of something as exciting as D&D Club!
Jonathan
If you have any queries re: payments, fees or enrolments- then please feel free to contact me: admin@dramadance.club
Roma Cabanas - Teacher Director
I'm a Brighton-native and university graduate of Bristol, but started working with Gareth in 2018.
I’ve worked my way up from Student Ambassador to Teacher- Director and it’s become my home from home, I guess you could say!
Being part of the Drama & Dance Club, Sussex holiday team is just as exciting as it was when I started out! I'm looking forward to continuing to inspire more students as I embark on my PGCHE and I’ll see you at our Holiday Clubs soon!
I’ve worked my way up from Student Ambassador to Teacher- Director and it’s become my home from home, I guess you could say!
Being part of the Drama & Dance Club, Sussex holiday team is just as exciting as it was when I started out! I'm looking forward to continuing to inspire more students as I embark on my PGCHE and I’ll see you at our Holiday Clubs soon!
Roma x.
Naomi Long - Teacher Director
Hello you talented lot! I grew up in Chichester and spent pretty much my whole life as a student of acting or as a professional actress. I met Czarina & Gareth at drama school, where we started our professional life as actors together.
I’ve been teaching and directing drama with young people almost as long as I’ve been acting, and wholeheartedly believe in drama’s superpower to unleash the essential life skills of self -confidence, feelings of positive self- belief and adaptability.
I am a senior teacher for Drama Kids, Sussex and have directed many of the holiday and summer club workshops. That I’m able to continue this with our very own Drama & Dance Club, Sussex is brilliantly exciting and we have great things planned for you to enjoy!
I’ve been teaching and directing drama with young people almost as long as I’ve been acting, and wholeheartedly believe in drama’s superpower to unleash the essential life skills of self -confidence, feelings of positive self- belief and adaptability.
I am a senior teacher for Drama Kids, Sussex and have directed many of the holiday and summer club workshops. That I’m able to continue this with our very own Drama & Dance Club, Sussex is brilliantly exciting and we have great things planned for you to enjoy!
Naomi.
Beth Hendrick - 'Professional Practitioner Dance + Singing
Hi guys! Since graduating from musical theatre college, I’ve performed in productions and shows all over the world as lead vocalist for companies such as, P&O, Live Business, TUI, Dreamworks, Universal Studios and Haven and even for a season in Morocco!
I have been working as Choreo & Singing coach with Gareth and the team on many holiday clubs now, and the amazing care that is taken at Drama & Dance Club, Sussex proves what passion and a little hard work can achieve!
I have been working as Choreo & Singing coach with Gareth and the team on many holiday clubs now, and the amazing care that is taken at Drama & Dance Club, Sussex proves what passion and a little hard work can achieve!
Beth.
Charlotte Fields - Teacher Manager
Hi, I’m a West Sussex based actress, voice over artist and screen writer, and have been a long time collaborator with Gareth since we met at Drama School in London!
I was instrumental managing and asst producing London Talent for 3 years at the Old Vic, Lyric, Hammersmith, Shaw Theatre and Kings College University.
Having been teacher- manager for Drama Kids holiday clubs for many years now, it is brilliant we have Drama & Dance Club, Sussex to keep the legacy moving forward. I love my holidays here and know you will too!
I was instrumental managing and asst producing London Talent for 3 years at the Old Vic, Lyric, Hammersmith, Shaw Theatre and Kings College University.
Having been teacher- manager for Drama Kids holiday clubs for many years now, it is brilliant we have Drama & Dance Club, Sussex to keep the legacy moving forward. I love my holidays here and know you will too!
Charlotte.
Beth Ellis-Morely - 'Professional Practitioner Dance + Singing
Hi! I grew up in Shoreham and even attended Gareth’s drama group Drama Kids, Sussex (aka Helen O Grady academy) at the Ropetackle Arts Centre when I was young, which fuelled my love of performance.
I graduated from Performers College- a top musical theatre training, last year and am now an auditioning professional. I love teaching and with Drama & Dance Club, Sussex, I hope I can inspire the younger generation to find their passion, just like it did for me!
I graduated from Performers College- a top musical theatre training, last year and am now an auditioning professional. I love teaching and with Drama & Dance Club, Sussex, I hope I can inspire the younger generation to find their passion, just like it did for me!
Bethxx.
Paloma Lafitte - Studio Assistant Teacher Drama + Singing
Hello everyone! I’m a graduate from The Brighton Academy with a 1st class BA Hons in Musical Theatre and performance and am now an actor-performer and recording artist.
I have lots of experience teaching in and around East Sussex, and after joining the Drama Kids, Sussex team for our brilliant summer theatre school, am absolutely delighted to be part of the main teaching team at Drama & Dance Club Sussex!
I have been lucky enough to follow my passion for the arts, and am looking forward to helping my students find their own sparkle in our clubs!
I have lots of experience teaching in and around East Sussex, and after joining the Drama Kids, Sussex team for our brilliant summer theatre school, am absolutely delighted to be part of the main teaching team at Drama & Dance Club Sussex!
I have been lucky enough to follow my passion for the arts, and am looking forward to helping my students find their own sparkle in our clubs!
Paloma. ✨
Mel Moshiri - Studio Assistant Teacher Drama + Games
I first got the drama bug back in secondary school as it was the one subject, I was best at!
8 years later after completing a BA in Theatre Arts brought professional credits with the BBC, UKTV, Discovery, Chichester Festival & Goodwood among others. I entered the holiday park circuit and won plaudits entertaining children and families shortly before the pandemic.
I love balancing my classes for Drama Kids, Sussex and children’s parties. Being part of the team at Drama & Dance Club, Sussex in the holidays is my happy place in life (I also love to dance as well!)
8 years later after completing a BA in Theatre Arts brought professional credits with the BBC, UKTV, Discovery, Chichester Festival & Goodwood among others. I entered the holiday park circuit and won plaudits entertaining children and families shortly before the pandemic.
I love balancing my classes for Drama Kids, Sussex and children’s parties. Being part of the team at Drama & Dance Club, Sussex in the holidays is my happy place in life (I also love to dance as well!)
Mel. 🙂
Joshua Plummer - 'Professional Practitioner' Stage Combat
I’m a Sussex born and East 15 trained Actor, Writer and Stage Combatant. I’ve worked on many productions in the west end and nationally and as a Fight Director for various productions including "DNA", "Breathing Corpses" and "West Side Story".
I’ve led the charge on many Summer workshops alongside Gareth and his Drama Kids academy, and am happy to continue working with you all @ Drama & Dance Club, Sussex.
See you in stage combat!
I’ve led the charge on many Summer workshops alongside Gareth and his Drama Kids academy, and am happy to continue working with you all @ Drama & Dance Club, Sussex.
See you in stage combat!
Mr Joshua ⚔️
Josh Day - Club Assistant + Studio Cover
Hey, I have been a drama student with Gareth for over 6 years, and a long-standing member of the DK Youth Theatre in Shoreham (Drama Kids Sussex).
I got the job as holiday club student ambassador about for 3 years ago. I enjoy working with them very much as it is an honour. Not only do I get to asst drama classes and help in the running of the club, I’ve also been able to practice my interest in lighting and sound and backstage work.
I even was lead Elf in our Christmas Santa’s Grotto! I got top marks in drama at school and I know this was in part because of the confidence I’ve gained being in YT. Join us term time or now at our drama & dance holiday clubs. You won’t regret it for a second.
I got the job as holiday club student ambassador about for 3 years ago. I enjoy working with them very much as it is an honour. Not only do I get to asst drama classes and help in the running of the club, I’ve also been able to practice my interest in lighting and sound and backstage work.
I even was lead Elf in our Christmas Santa’s Grotto! I got top marks in drama at school and I know this was in part because of the confidence I’ve gained being in YT. Join us term time or now at our drama & dance holiday clubs. You won’t regret it for a second.
Josh. :-))
Sarah Hoddle - Office Administration + Front of House
Hello! I loved drama at school, which all
started when I was the narrator in our primary school Nativity play.
I’ve worked with Gareth for many years helping to organise things behind the scenes in the office, and as front of house manager for shows. Watching you all performing is the best thing in the world!
Drama and performance make the best memories and give you the greatest friendships, see you all out there!
I’ve worked with Gareth for many years helping to organise things behind the scenes in the office, and as front of house manager for shows. Watching you all performing is the best thing in the world!
Drama and performance make the best memories and give you the greatest friendships, see you all out there!
Sarah x.
Anna Stenner Greco - Club Assistant + Studio Cover
I was a student of Drama Kids, Sussex for 6 years and I can honestly say I loved every second of it!
I used to be a very diffident, quiet person before joining, and now I’ve found myself to be quite the opposite. I think this is to a large extent thanks to my experience with Gareth’s academy. When Gareth asked me to become an ambassador and then part of the team at Drama & Dance Club, Sussex I jumped at the chance. Not only have I gained confidence that will stick with me for life, but I have also made some amazing friends along the way.
Our academy allows students to be creative and gain confidence. I love my job!
I used to be a very diffident, quiet person before joining, and now I’ve found myself to be quite the opposite. I think this is to a large extent thanks to my experience with Gareth’s academy. When Gareth asked me to become an ambassador and then part of the team at Drama & Dance Club, Sussex I jumped at the chance. Not only have I gained confidence that will stick with me for life, but I have also made some amazing friends along the way.
Our academy allows students to be creative and gain confidence. I love my job!
Anna.
Gemma Brydges - One to One Support + General Assistant
Hiya! I’ve loved drama and acting for as long as can remember. As a child, I begged my mum to take me to drama lessons at my local theatre and those days were my favourite of the week.
I have four children (count them- four!) who also have a great love for drama. I feel fortunate to have worked for many years as a TA in the school environment specialising in SEN needs and differences.
By giving young people stage awareness and confidence in performance (whilst having a brilliant time), Drama & Dance Club, Sussex offers the perfect combination to becoming a well-rounded person.
I have four children (count them- four!) who also have a great love for drama. I feel fortunate to have worked for many years as a TA in the school environment specialising in SEN needs and differences.
By giving young people stage awareness and confidence in performance (whilst having a brilliant time), Drama & Dance Club, Sussex offers the perfect combination to becoming a well-rounded person.
Gemma x
Matilda Parsons – Club Assistant, Food and Creative Activities
I first joined drama kids at the age of 7 and was part of the academy for several years as a student.
In 2021, I began working here as a Student Ambassador, assisting teachers and helping younger pupils settle in. I’m now Teacher Manager Assistant, supporting the teaching staff and helping with the running of the food challenges.
I enjoy getting to know the children and seeing them return each club, and it’s great to watch how their skills and confidence develop over time.
In 2021, I began working here as a Student Ambassador, assisting teachers and helping younger pupils settle in. I’m now Teacher Manager Assistant, supporting the teaching staff and helping with the running of the food challenges.
I enjoy getting to know the children and seeing them return each club, and it’s great to watch how their skills and confidence develop over time.
Tilly x