Our Staff
Frances Styles
Director
Frances started dance classes at the age of three and has continued ever since! After training at the famous Italia Conti Academy with Louise Redknapp and Martine McCutcheon, Frances enjoyed a successful stage career starring in many musicals on tour, abroad and in the West End. Frances' experience includes a vast range of shows such as; ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Cabaret!’, ‘A Chorus Line’, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and many more.
Frances now works as a professional director and choreographer, alongside running Star Struck Theatre School and looking after her two children.
Katie Mills
Manager & Vocal Coach
Katie trained at Talents Theatre School and having gained a diploma in Performing Arts, completed her ABRSM Singing, Keyboard and Music theory examinations at Love Music Academy in Billericay. Katie also has a CYQ qualification in Kids Dance Fitness. After appearing on several West End stages including Her Majesty's Theatre and The Royal Opera House, Katie performed in various cabaret acts before becoming a voice coach. Professional contracts include; resident vocalist for Parkdean Holidays and Entertainment/Show team Manager for Hoburne Holidays. Katie joined Star Struck as singing coach in 2006 and has enjoyed managing Star Struck, Grays since 2015.
Jane Gull
Film & TV Guest Teacher
Jane comes from a performance background and has worked in theatre, film and TV for many years, she is now a full time director and currently has six feature films in development.
Jane’s award winning feature film 'My Feral Heart' became the UK’s most successful ‘cinema-on-demand’ film of all time. Jane has written, directed and produced several acclaimed shorts including the multi award winning 'Sunny Boy' acquired by CH4 and ARTE TV. Jane is a graduate of the EIFF Talent Lab and Berlinale Talent Campus. Jane has been included in the 2019 BRITFLIX Power 100 list. Jane also recently directed Kevin McNally in 'Exploding Maggie' at the Tabards Theatre in London. Jane is always looking for new young talent to cast - many of Star Struck's students have appeared in her films.
Marie Francis
Dance Teacher & Choreographer
Marie graduated from London Studio Centre with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Dance. From 2009-2012 she choreographed and danced for singer ‘Bryan Ferry’ on UK, American and European tours, including a very emotional last ‘Roxy Music 'For Your Pleasure' tour of Australia. Corporate work includes; dancing, modelling and presenting for brands including Hitachi, Gucci, IWC, H&M, Dorothy Perkins and many more. Her film and TV credits include Walt Disney's 'Maleficent', several series of BBC's 'Horrible Histories', ‘You, Me & Them’, ‘Pompidou’ (BBC) 'Strictly Come Dancing' (BBC) and ‘A Little Chaos’ directed by Alan Rickman. In 2018 Marie was thrilled to be asked to return to the Horrible Histories franchise for it’s big screen debut Horrible Histories The Movie: Rotten Roman - spot her high kicking if you can!
Melanie Dayna
Dance Teacher & Choreographer
Mel trained at Masters Performing Arts College studying dance and musical theatre, following which, she worked as a commercial dancer, actor and choreographer.
Mel has alse worked as an entertainments production manager at Madame Tussauds London, and produced their live shows for ten years. Music is also Mel’s passion and she was also a singer/songwriter as part of the band ‘Penny For The Workhouse’, where she gigged and recorded. These days she prefers to teach and guide youngsters rather than performing herself.
Jamie Mander
Drama teacher
Jamie began his stage career at fifteen working in pantomime and theatre in Brighton and Sussex, Jamie then made his film debut aged seventeen in ‘We’ve got the toaster’ which received UK wide cinema release. Jamie studied acting for theatre, film and television at The Arts Institute, Bournemouth. Jamie graduated in 2008 & worked as a mime clown at Madame Tussauds where he met Mel and together they founded 6+6=13, a theatre company in which he directed and produced three west end plays. Jamie currently teaches at Joseph Clarke school for the visually impaired specialising in students with ASD.
Andrea Dalton
Drama Teacher
Andrea Dalton trained as a primary school teacher and holds an Associate Diploma in teaching Performing Arts. As well as teaching at Star Struck Theatre School, Andrea currently chaperones for the BBC and is a tour co-ordinator for a professional pantomime and Theatre In Education company. Andrea loves working with children and young people in the performing arts; Star Struck Theatre School offers the perfect combination.
Hollie-Blue Huntsman
Singing, Dance & Drama Teacher
Hollie-Blue began dancing at the age of eight after auditioning to be on Ant and Decs SMTV:LIVE and at the age of 12 she was chosen to star in the musical ‘Rent’ which toured Switzerland. After graduating from CPA studios with a Musical Diploma in 2011, Hollie-Blue starred as Vera Lynn in 'Bluebirds' at the London Fringe Festival in 2011 & 2012 and directed her first play ‘Borders’ in 2014. Since returning from a European tour as one half of a Motown & Abba Show her feet are now firmly on the ground teaching at Star Struck Theatre School.
Olivia Berarey
Dance Teacher
Olivia started as one of the first ever pupils at the opening of Star Struck Theatre School in 2003. She left in 2013 and studied musical theatre at South Essex College, then went on to continue her training for two years at KSA Academy of Performing Arts in London. Her theatre credits include ‘The legacy’ at Leicester Square Theatre, ‘Godspell’ at the Tramshed Theatre, ‘The Wiz’ at the Chelsea Theatre and various cabaret performances. Olivia has been teaching at Star Struck Theatre School for four years.
Claire Pratt
Drama, Dance and Singing Teacher
Claire Pratt has been performing since the age of 6. Starting at such a young age Claire has been lucky enough to perform on stages both locally and in the West End as well as on tv and in music videos. Claire achieved A levels and a Diploma in Performing Arts as well as LAMDA qualifications from Masters Performing Arts College. Claire has been teaching for Star Struck Theatre School since 2008 and still remains part of the team. As well as teaching, Claire has gained experience supporting children and young people who display challenging and risky behaviours through her work at Essex County Council and the Childrens Society.
Patrick Seymour
Drama Teacher
Patrick’s work as a professional actor ranges from theatre, film, TIE, radio, performance art as well as music videos and commercials. Patrick completed a two year tour of a one man play ‘Forever 27’ for which he received four star reviews from 'What's on Stage', 'Broadway Baby', and other publications. Patrick has been teaching at Star Struck Theatre School since 2011 and considers it a privilege to work with an amazing team and great students willing to be there, have fun and learn.
Hannah Nazareth
Dance Teacher
Hannah trained at Star Struck Theatre School until she was sixteen when she followed in Fran’s footsteps and graduated from The Italia Conti Academy in 2018. Since then she has worked as a professional dancer in Marrakech, Morocco and has made her theatre debut in ‘Aladdin’ at the Octagon Theatre as a dancer and understudy for Princess Jasmine. More recently she has been touring the country with the ICC Cricket World Cup, dancing for upcoming artist Celina Sharma. Other credits include: dancer for Arjun at the O2, dancing with George Ezra on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and with Stephen Mulhern on Britain’s Got More Talent.
Christopher Churley
Assistant
Chris joined Star Struck Theatre School at the tender age of four and continues to follow his dream of being on the stage. He gained an extended diploma in acting at The Colchester Institute and has appeared in productions of ‘Betty Blue Eyes’ and ‘History Boys’ at The Headgate Theatre, Colchester. Chris returned to Star Struck Theatre School to share his passion and hopes to further his teaching and acting career in the near future.
Kelsey Smith
Assistant
Kelsey’s love and passion for the theatre began when she started attending Star Struck Theatre School, Southminster at a young age. She continued her theatre studies throughout high school and has performed in many shows with Star Struck Theatre School and other groups. Kelsey's love for theatre is something she has taken with her everywhere and even though she is now a qualified accountant, she is so excited to be back at Star Struck Theatre School helping our students develop their passion and confidence in something we all enjoy!