Teaching Certificate – John Moores University
Registered Theatrical and Casting Agent for Film & Television
Colette Fenlon-Byatt began her career under the guidance of Norah Button who was instrumental in securing the first LEA Grant for her to attend the prestigious Hammond School, Chester and instilling in her the true meaning of theatre. The Liverpool Empire was to play a big part in learning her craft as one of The Winstanley Babes performing annually in pantomime with many celebrities. She also held the titles of North West Ballet and Modern Champion.
Chiltern was established in 1989 and has flourished into the well respected establishment it has now become. Thousands of students have passed through its doors and each holds a special place in its heart.
Mrs Byatt founded Chiltern Casting providing a never ending stream of local talent to the film, television, radio and theatre world.
She is a full member of the Royal Academy Of Dance, IDTA, ADA and affiliate ISTD, she also holds an MA in Dance Studies from John Moores University.
In a personal management role Mrs Byatt has guided the careers of Ray Quinn, Jennifer Ellison , Christine Tremarco, Ellie Young, Sarah Todd, Lisa Todd, James Lacey and countless others.
Chiltern continues to move forward under the expert guidance of her highly experienced and qualified staff, daughters Sharon and Michelle and her personal assistant Stephanie, ensuring the Chiltern ethos remains firmly in its original roots.
Miss Lorna Proctor- Cook is a highly experienced ballet educator, examiner, and creative leader with over 25 years of experience teaching and delivering ballet classes and workshops across a wide range of educational and vocational settings.
As the founder of Procter Dance Academy, former Head of Dance at LMA, and an established Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance, she brings exceptional knowledge, passion, and professionalism to every aspect of her work. Lorna has taught and examined students across all levels of the RAD syllabus, consistently nurturing technical excellence, musicality, and expressive performance.
Her teaching approach balances discipline with creativity, and she is deeply committed to helping each dancer grow with confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of individual artistry. She has successfully prepared students for entry into some of the UK’s leading full-time training institutions, including The Royal Ballet School, Elmhurst Ballet School, The Hammond, Northern Ballet School, Laine Theatre Arts, Doreen Bird College, SLP Leeds, Shockout Arts, Addict Dance Academy, and Italia Conti.
Many of her former students have gone on to pursue professional careers in dance and the performing arts. Known for creating inclusive, motivating, and supportive learning environments, Lorna is passionate about making classical ballet training accessible, empowering, and deeply rewarding. Alongside producing award-winning choreography and mentoring young dancers into the next stages of their careers, she continues to contribute to the wider dance community through her work with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Stephanie began her training at Chiltern at the age of nine. She then went on to train at Liverpool Theatre School and Phil Winstons Theatre Works in Blackpool where she was one of Phils first students.
She danced professionally on Costa Cruise Liners and at The Paradise Rooms before returning to Chiltern and her greatest love, teaching.
Stephanie has been instrumental in the development of so many Chiltern students over the years with two of her pupils, Ray Quinn and Natalie Wilcox becoming Janet Cram winners under her guidance.
She is Mrs Byatt’s personal assistant and works closely with the development of all Chiltern Youth Theatre Productions.
Stephanie is the choreographer for our selected lyrical team.
Michelle is an accomplished performer, choreographer and dance professional with extensive experience across theatre, film and television.
She trained at the prestigious London Studio Centre, where she had the opportunity to train under the guidance of Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear, and graduated with a Diploma in Musical Theatre.
Michelle’s professional career has encompassed a wide range of work across television, film and theatre, with credits including Business as Usual, Under the Skin, Watching, Coasting, Brookside, Clearasil, The Bill, Backup, SpringHill, Cold Feet, Prisoner: Cell Block H, The Tour and The Lily Savage Show.
Alongside her performing career, Michelle has developed a particular expertise in music editing and production for dance. She founded Clear Cut Music, creating professionally edited music specifically for dance schools and performers. Her specialist knowledge and creative approach have led to her work being widely sought after by dance schools across the country.
Michelle is passionate about supporting dance and drama students and helping them achieve their full potential, bringing her wealth of professional industry experience into her teaching and creative work at Chiltern Dance Studio.
She also holds a Level 2 qualification in British Sign Language and is a qualified Acrobatic Arts, Zumba and Zumbatomic instructor, further reflecting her diverse skills and commitment to inclusive, engaging dance education.
Sharon trained at the Arts Educational Schools, London where she gained a Diploma in Musical Theatre. She also has a Master’s Degree in Text and Performance from Kings College, London and RADA.
Sharon is the only actress to have played Linda, Mrs Lyons and Mrs Johnstone in Bill Kenwright’s successful West End production of Blood Brothers. Further West End credits include Aspects of Love and Grand Hotel directed by Broadway legend Tommy Tune.
Television credits include Moving On, Clink, Coronation Street, Holby City, MerseyBeat, Springhill, Dream Team, Mile High, Brookside and Bread. Film credits include My Kingdom with Richard Harris, Charlie Noades RIP and Powder.
In regional theatre she has appeared as Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream,Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Helen in A Taste of Honey at The Epstein Theatre Liverpool and as Trish in Knee Deep in Promises at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre.
Sharon created the prestigious D.A.D.A. course for Liverpool Theatre School and College of which she was the original course director and regularly visits further education establishments as a guest lecturer in all areas of the performing arts.
Sharon was inspired by her time as a member of the National Youth Music Theatre to provide Chiltern pupils with the same invaluable experience. She is now the Artistic Director of Chilterns in house Youth Theatre Company which recently celebrated its ten year anniversary.
Claire trained at Elliot Clarke school of Dance and drama at the tender age of fifteen. She joined Ricky Tomlinson’s then agency A.R.T. in the same week she landed her first professional role in Brookside which was to go on for four years. During this time Claire continued to train privately with the renowned Mrs Tessa Headspeath throughout her career believing that, as she was told “you never stop learning in this industry.” Her Television credits include: ‘Brookside’, ‘Hearts and minds’, ‘Hale and Pace’, ‘Springhill’ and ‘Nice Guy Eddie’.
Claire has worked extensively in the theatre working on the majority of Liverpool’s many theatres in numerous productions including: ‘Helena’ in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Lady Macduff’ in ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Mary Warren’ in Peter Oysten’s production of ‘The Crucible’ also landing leading roles in numerous kitchen sink productions including a regional tour of ‘All in Good Time’ and ‘Love on the Dole’ to name but a few. National tours include ‘There’s a girl in my soup’ and ‘In the dead of night.’
Claire also has commercial credits including the current ‘Dream Bingo’ commercial and ‘Coldzyme’ campaigns. In addition to this, she has many radio commercial voice overs to her credit. Including, the Merseyside police ‘Belt up’ campaign and the NHS ‘Breast is best’ campaign.
