Meet the Team
CAST Studio’s team brings together expertise in performance, education, creative production, college operations and professional development.
Each member contributes a distinct perspective to the College’s work, united by a commitment to purposeful training and the development of emerging artists.
Paul Schofield
Founder & Creative Director
Paul Schofield is a Musical Supervisor, Composer, Orchestrator, Arranger and Producer whose work spans theatre, concerts, recording and original musical development.
His musical supervision credits include Hair – In Concert at the London Palladium, directed by Arlene Phillips; Oti Mabuse – I Am Here; and Caroline – A New Musical. As Managing Director of Three Pin Productions Ltd, he has produced national and international touring work, studio albums and original musicals for Cunard.
His producing credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Passion at Hope Mill Theatre and Martin Sherman’s Rose, starring Maureen Lipman. His composition work includes Simon Stephens’ Song From Far Away, starring Will Young, at HOME Manchester and Hampstead Theatre.
As Founder and Creative Director, Paul brings his experience of developing productions, collaborating with artists and creating professional work into CAST Studio’s creative direction.
Claire Louise Auguste
Principal & Chief Executive Officer
Claire Louise Auguste is a creative and educational leader with more than 20 years’ experience across music, performing arts, education and creative development.
An alumna of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, her background is rooted in performance. A multi-skilled musician and performer, she achieved a Performance Diploma in Classical Flute at the age of 14 and trained to advanced levels in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Flamenco. Her performance experience includes the BBC Proms with the BBC Philharmonic and recording the Blue Peter theme with composer Murray Gold.
Her career spans performance, directing, consultancy and creative production. As the driving force behind STAGESCHOOL by RSL Awards, she helped revitalise performing arts qualification frameworks and develop an international platform supporting performers, teachers and training organisations.
As Principal and CEO of CAST Studio, Claire Louise brings artistic, educational and strategic experience to the leadership of the College. She believes that exceptional training requires care for the individual alongside consistently high expectations.
Her ambition is for CAST Studio to be a place where individuality is celebrated, talent is taken seriously and students develop into confident, adaptable and employable creative professionals.
Kathryn McCormick
Course Leader – BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
Kathryn McCormick is an educator, singing teacher, musical director and performer whose work centres on technical development, individual confidence and inclusive learning.
She has taught across private, school and youth theatre settings, supporting students with vocal technique, repertoire selection, audition preparation and performance anxiety. She achieved her LTCL in Classical Performance with Distinction in 2018 and continues to perform as a guest soloist and recitalist.
Her experience working in SEND settings informs her belief that effective teaching must respond to how each student learns. She combines clear expectations with a supportive approach, helping students develop secure skills and greater independence in their practice.
As Course Leader, Kathryn oversees the academic delivery of the BA (Hons) Musical Theatre, supporting students and faculty in maintaining a coherent, engaging and purposeful learning experience.
Mariana Candé Sany
College & Operations Manager
Mariana Candé Sany combines a performing arts background with the organisation and attention to detail that support the daily life of CAST Studio.
She trained at Conservatoire EAST in Bury St Edmunds, studying theatre, physical theatre, voice, improvisation, dance and film. She subsequently trained at Identity School of Acting in London, focusing on screen acting and character development.
Her experience as a performer gives her an understanding of the demands and opportunities of training. As College & Operations Manager, she works closely with students, staff and visiting practitioners to support the practical delivery of College life.
Mariana brings an approachable, considered presence to her role, helping to maintain a welcoming and organised environment for the CAST community.
Derek Aidoo
Head of Student Engagement & Creative Practice
Derek Aidoo is a performer, creative practitioner and mentor with experience across musical theatre, music production and community engagement.
He studied music production and business at Hammersmith and West London College before completing a degree at the University of Westminster, where he founded Healthy Happy Music. He continued his musical theatre training at London Voice and Motion and has supported young people through the London Mayor’s Mentoring scheme.
His theatre credits include Nativity! The Musical, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, MJ The Musical and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. He also delivers workshops for theatre schools in the UK and internationally.
At CAST Studio, Derek connects professional performance experience with a commitment to student engagement and creative exploration. His work encourages students to participate fully, develop their own artistic voice and recognise the contribution they can make within a creative community.
Gemma Naylor
Head of Professional Development
Gemma Naylor is a performer, creative and educator whose experience spans theatre, television, music and commercial content.
She has performed in London’s West End and at theatres across the UK, alongside her work as a face of Nick Jr. and in original television content. Her work also includes commissioned content for major sports brands, reflecting her interest in wellbeing and resilience within demanding professional environments.
As Head of Professional Development, Gemma draws on her ongoing industry experience to help students understand how to present themselves professionally, build meaningful relationships and recognise opportunities.
Through mentoring and industry preparation, she encourages performers to identify what they uniquely offer and communicate it with authenticity. Her focus is on making the professional world more accessible and equipping students with the awareness and practical tools to begin navigating it independently.
Our Wider Faculty
Our core team is supported by an extended faculty and network of industry professionals, bringing further perspectives and specialist experience into the learning environment.