Meet the team

Emily is Principal and Drama teacher at STA. Emily recently graduated from the University of Lincoln with a Distinction level Master of Theatre. 
Emily writes and teaches performing arts for companies across the East Midlands and Europe, including the Nottingham Playhouse, and works as a freelance writer, director and dramaturg. Her scripts have been performed in Italy, Spain, USA and across the UK. 
Emily's aim with Starlight is to help children grow and improve their confidence through drama, with the firm belief that the process is just as important as the product. 
Emily also provides private tutoring in English, Drama and the 11 Plus.

Emily's other work can be found here: 
www.emilycook.uk
  • Enhanced DBS

  • First Aid 2020

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Autism Awareness Certified

  • Licensed Chaperone

  • BA Drama

  • MA Theatre

  • PREVENT training

Kerryn trained at Bretton Hall College (Arts and Education) of the University of Leeds and then at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She has worked as a Drama and Performing Arts teacher for over 20 years both in schools and as a freelance practitioner.
Kerryn loves working with young people as they develop a love of performing and helping them to build their confidence.
Outside Starlight Kerryn works with students preparing to take LAMDA exams and is an online tutor (Drama and English) with Sherpa (sherpa-online.com/view/tutor/13425)
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Starlight team. It has such a positive ethos and it’s great to work in such a supportive and creative environment.”
  • DBS Certified

  • QTS

  • First Aid

  • Safeguarding

Katie is a freelance dance teacher and SEN Assistant at Magnus Academy. 
"I love everything and anything performing arts but specialise mainly in dance , I choreograph for school shows and other dance groups and love being on a stage! After joining starlight a few years ago and finding my confidence in drama I'm grateful I was given the chance to come back and teach. I love helping some little Starlets find their passion and confidence in Performing Arts. Starlight has given me a friendly space to improve and experiment with my teaching styles, pushing me to be the best teacher I can be. At Starlight I feel my skills are improving each week, as is my passion for teaching."
  • Enhanced DBS

  • First Aid

Lizzie graduated from SLP College Leeds with a level 6 diploma in professional dance. While taking dance and teaching exams a long the side. Her experience so far includes dancing with a touring with a tribute band along side teaching all different styles of dance as she believes we should all aim to enjoy all aspects of dance.
Lizzie believes the studio is a place to have fun, learn new things and meet lots of new friends. She is looking forward to meet some new faces at Starlight and to help build confidence in something we all enjoy together.
  • Enhanced DBS

  • Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance

Hannah has recently finished her MA in theatre and previously trained at the University of Lincoln in drama and theatre. Hannah is also a freelance writer, voice over artist and performer who holds a PGDE in education.
Hannah loves all things creative and has been teaching performing arts with a specialism in acting for several years. Hannah loves working with Starlight and hopes to help young minds develop their creativity and confidence.

  • PGDE in Education, Training and Skills

  • BA Hons in Drama and Theatre

  • MA Theatre

  • Extended Diploma in Performing Arts

  • Safeguarding trained

  • First Aid trained

  • Enhanced DBS

Ruby Mae has always loved anything to do with Performing Arts and has a passion for singing, acting and being on a stage. After joining Starlight as a student a few years ago and developing her confidence in performance, she is grateful to have the opportunity to volunteer for a couple of days during the holiday club and ecstatic to return as an assistant in the Starlets class. Volunteering at Starlight has given Ruby the opportunity to improve her confidence in teaching and she looks forward to being able to further develop her teaching abilities and to help some of the Starlets to find their confidence in Performing Arts.
Ruby will be studying Performing arts at Lincoln College from 2022.

  • Enhanced DBS

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  • Enhanced DBS

  • First Aid

Connor is usually to be found on a show day, putting up the scenery, making teas and coffees, and keeping everyone calm!
He designs and creates all our scenery, as well as managing our costume and props department.  Connor loves to join in with our classes and is excellent at Giants Wizards and Elves! He also covers our drama classes. 
As a fully trained Residential Support Worker, and Site Manager at Highfields Prep School, Connor is an exceptionally qualified member of our team.
  • Enhanced DBS

  • First Aid 2022

  • Safeguarding

  • Fire Marshall

  • Autism & ADHD Awareness