Charlaina thompson
Charlaina is a playwright, award-winning drama educator and producer.
Born in Australia and raised in the UK, she returned to Australia in 2001, completing her Masters of Drama and Education degree at Flinders University.
Affectionately known as Ms T to her students, Charlaina has taught Performing Arts at four renowned Adelaide schools, directing and producing over 100 productions, musicals, original plays for Youth Theatre and Adelaide Fringe. Her sold-out shows inspired the launch of Yellow Brick, giving her the opportunity to share her work locally and globally.
Her debut, adult play ‘Dust”, a gripping drama infused with Yorkshire grit, humour and heart will premier at The Mill for Adelaide Fringe. ‘Dust’ has been awarded a MatchLab 2024 grant by Creative Australia and an Arts South Australia grant to develop this trilogy over the next 3 years to tour overseas to The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Yorkshire Playhouses and Regional Australia.
MEET THE TEAM
Craig McArdle
Craig McArdle is a freelance actor, director and Drama teacher in SA. Graduating from Acting at Wakefield College, and Leeds Metropolitan University and in 2009 was accepted into Horizon Theatre Arts and went on to win the Holden Street Edinburgh Fringe Award for Heroin(e) for Breakfast in the same year. Craig continued to work in theatre, film, stage, opera and screen with his lasted project The Royal Hotel currently screening on Netflix. He is a respected drama educator, choreographer and actor who actively works with many South Australian schools through Drama South Australia and SA Casting. Craig currently holds a permanent position as an Educational Support Officer mentoring primary and middle school students at Scotch College in Adelaide.
Krystal Cave
Krystal Cave is an Australian actor, coach, and visual artist with a rich background in the performing arts. Originally known as Krystal Brock, she trained at the Adelaide College of the Arts before earning a scholarship to study film in Los Angeles.
Krystal also won the prestigious 'Neil Curnow Award' for career development.
After returning to Australia, Krystal combined her love for acting with a passion for coaching, working both screen and stage while mentoring the next generation of talent. She also spent four years as a talent agent, further enriching her understanding of the industry.
Carla Philips
With 9 years of experience in Youth Theatre across Adelaide, Carla specialises in writing, directing, and tutoring young people to create work that reflects their interests and experiences. Carla has worked with Prospect Theatre for Young People for over five years and contributed to devising performances showcased at the Adelaide Fringe Festival and DreamBig Festival.
Carla is dedicated to creating accessible and meaningful theatre that empowers young voices. The foundation of her pedagogy is inclusive practices of workshopping, developing and devising original work in collaboration with young people to develop their confidence and creativity.
