Exciting News - Brand New Judge

Judges

  • Chris Holland

    Chris Holland has been starring in West End musicals for over twenty years from the legendary and original production of MISS SAIGON, Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 1993 to appearing as Jean Valjean in LES MISÉRABLES; Firmin in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; Billy Kostecki in DIRTY DANCING; Pharoah in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT; Khashoggi in WE WILL ROCK YOU; Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel in GREASE, and Elwood Blues in THE OFFICIAL TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES BROTHERS.

    Chris has created roles in new work such as Rags Ryan in BURLESQUE and Davy Harrison STINGS' production of THE LAST SHIP. He's also renowned throughout the West End for originating the 'Holland Hop' in Cameron Mackintosh's original production of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

     

    A most versatile and sought after vocalist for concerts and events and headlines with major orchestras. He presents a coveted one-man show and is a multi award winner for his work with TalkSport Radio.

    ​In 2013 Chris was awarded a Fellowship of The London College of Music and provides teaching, coaching, concerts, gigs, events and performances in as many different contexts as you can think of!

    Chris has been teaching singing and acting for over 15 years, preparing students for roles in the West End and on Broadway, vocational colleges (including Mountview, PPA, TBA, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, MTU Cork), and has helped build the enjoyment and confidence of many a recreational student!

    ​Chris brings his unrivalled West End performing experience to his students, adapting lessons to suit each individual and their specific needs, all taught in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Since moving to Ireland in 2014 Chris has helped many students with their practicals for Junior and Leaving Cert, finding original and exciting programmmes.

    ​Chris holds the highest award from The London College of Music FLCM and regularly prepares students for LCM Musical Theatre exams with excellent results.

  • Karen Williams

    ARAD RTS PDTD, AISTD DDE ​Karen trained as a Senior Associate of The Royal Ballet School and then full-time at Elmhurst Ballet School. She graduated with a National Diploma in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Her professional theatre credits include; Dirty Dancing, Aldwych Theatre, (Penny, Vivian and Mrs. Shumacher), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, UK Tour, Disney’s Beauty and Beast, UK Tour, Hello Dolly! Theatre Royal, Lincoln, Cats, German and Swiss Tour, (Victoria-White Cat), New English Contemporary Ballet (Soloist), Cats, UK Tour (Cassandra, Victoria and Tantomile). Karen is judging the stage performance and production awards.

  • Alan McGrath

    Film & TV Credits

    Disney’s Disenchanted (Dance Captain) directed by Adam Shankman, Disney’s Epic Pilot, EMA’s MTV Awards , Gone music video by James Vincent McMorrow (Choreographer), Eurovision 2018, Eurovision 2013 , ITV This Morning with Jedward, The Voice of Ireland, Ireland’s Got Talent, Penny Dreadful, The Tudors, Vikings, Little Women, My Super Sweet 16 MTV , Ireland Am Guest Choreographer,

    Don’t Tell The Bride (Choreographer).

    Window Pain Music Video starring Gemma Leah Devereaux. (Choreographer)

    High & Low Music Video Gemma Hayes (Choreographer). Festival of families (Croke Park)

    Theatre Credits:

    Singin’ in the Rain – Cork Opera House, Grease – Gaiety Theatre, Pirates of Penzance – Helix Theatre, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty – The Irish Ballet School (Helix Theatre), Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin (Dance Captain & Assistant Choreographer), Late Late Toy Show, Hairspray, Back To The 80s, Grease (Director/Choreographer) Sutton Park, 2FM Promo Shoot – RTE (Choreographer), The Golden Era – Mansion House, Tribute to Earl Gill – Gaiety Theatre, IFTA Awards

    Artists:

    Alan has performed with artists as varied as Justin Bieber, David Guetta, Jessie J, Selena Gomez, Tao Cruiz and Flo Rida at the Odyssey Arena, London Beat, Ace of Base at 3 Arena and was part of the support act for the Westlife Farewell Tour. Opium Dublin Choreographer For Samantha Mumba (Opium). All of Irelands Eurovision Winners (Eurovision Tour) The 2 Johnnies, Jedward,

    Music Video Credits:

    Window Pain starring Gemma Lee Deveraux , James Vincent McMorrow - Gone, Jedward - Bad Behaviour

    Tours/Production Credits

    Celtic Woman Voice of Angels, Celtic Woman Homecoming (PBS and Fox News), Dublin’s Irish Cabaret, Westlife Farewell Tour, Jedward (Bad Behaviour and Carnival Tours). Irish Dreams Germany, Assistant to Heather Morris (Glee) & Kobi Rozenfeld at international dance Workshops. Wicked Adventures at Tayto Park Director/Choreographer, Santa’s Grotto RDS Choreographer. The 2 Johnnies( Electric Picnic & 3 Arena)

  • Jarra Braidwood

    ​Jarra Braidwood studied fashion design and craft at Sallynoggin College of Further Education. Jarra has worked backstage at many productions (including Lady Gaga at the O2 /Three arena!) Jarra has taught art and sewing for many years, guiding students of all ages from 4years up to adults through many mediums of art creation and seamstress skills. Jarra has led many Art Camps and intensive workshops in community libraries, schools, community groups and studios and will be judging our Costume, Props and Sets Awards. Jarra is judging costumes and set/Props costumes.

  • Rob (Rob G) Gormley

    Rob has been on the radio for over 25 years and today can be heard on East Coast FM's popular breakfast show "Freshly Squeezed" as well a being the weekend afternoon presenter and main swing jock on Dublin's FM 104. Fellowship Award.