The Team
MEET THE TEAM
Darnell Shakespeare
Founder & CEO
Creative Director
Darnell has worked at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Peckham, The Albany and Barking Broadway Theatre in Learning & Artistic management roles where he has always had the creative needs of young people at the heart of the work.
He has developed an approach that is inclusive and open. He works with the ideas that young artists bring into the working space. Darnell is well connected to a network of industry professionals that will bring additional skills and opportunities to ELTS members.
Jan
Sharkey-Dodds
Product Manager
General Manager
Jan has worked in theatre for over 30 years, with a particular focus on work with young people and the community. She believes in the power of theatre to change lives and give communities a voice. She started her ‘career’ at the age of 16 as a dancer and singer on the northern club circuit and on cruise ships. She has worked as an actor, director, producer, team manager and workshop leader with a range of organisations including Greenwich Young People’s Theatre, Oval House, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Theatre Peckham & Royal Opera House. Her work has taken her to all corners of the globe including Mexico, India, Taiwan, and Lewisham. She now focuses on supporting new theatre organisations and mentors emerging artists to make their unique impact on the creative landscape.
'I really do believe in the community. I really do believe in the genius in every person.'
-Joan Littlewood. Director Theatre Royal Stratford East 1953 - 79
Chelsea
Paige
Product Manager
Administrative Producer
Chelsea Paige trained as an actor at the Abilene Christian University and gained a BFA in Musical Theatre before getting her Masters in Acting at the University of East London. She also completed courses in Sketch Writing and Improvisation at the Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC.
She has worked as a teacher for several years at Dallas Children’s Theatre in Texas where she taught students aged 5-18 in acting, singing, and dance.
Some of her most memorable performances include Little Shop of Horrors, Is He Dead, Big Fish, and Godspell.
Keanu Johnson
Office Manager
Creative Associate
Keanu Adolphus Johnson trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and obtained a BA Honours Acting Degree. Since graduating he has performed in the musical Never Lost At Home, New Wolsey Theatre - Ipswich. As well as the Offie recognised Adult Panto, Dick Whittington at Above the Stag Theatre - Vauxhall.
Amy
Wallace
Product Manager
Creative Associate
Amy Wallace graduated in 2021 from Italia Conti with a Bachelors Degree in Acting, where she played roles such as Desdemona in Othello, and Paige in Great Britain. Soon after graduating, she filmed the short feature film “Letters for Lost Lovers”. More recently Amy has been approached to collaborate on some new writing with an established playwright, and is excited to be exploring new creative strands alongside her acting.
Sam
Peace
Tech Lead
Creative Associate
Sam Peace is an actor and graduate of Italia Conti. He won the Spotlight Prize for screen acting in 2021 and is currently expanding a farce he wrote during lockdown. He is also a portrait photographer and works out of his studio in Bermondsey.
Alanna
McCourt
Product Manager
Creative Associate
Alanna McCourt is a 22 year old student from Ireland. She is currently in her final year at the University of East London, where she studies Music Performance and Production. In previous work, she gained experience arranging and conducting in workshops with the Ulster Youth Choir during the summers of 2014-2019. Her grade eight in musical theatre singing has prepared her for the last three years as a wedding and events singer.
Charlie
gregor
Product Manager
Creative Associate
Charlie Gregor is a 22 year old dancer. He trained at London Boys Ballet School and graduated from The Royal Academy of Dance with a BA in Ballet Education and a Licentiate of Royal Academy of Dance. He is specialised in ballet, jazz, contemporary, commercial, gymnastics and lyrical. He has taught with amazing companies like English National Ballet School. In the future he would like to have his own dance school/ company.
