Meet the Team
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Dan Caren
MANAGER
I have loved acting and the performing arts for as long as I can remember. From the age of 10, I knew I wanted to be an actor, and that passion has shaped every stage of my career. I studied Drama at Queen Mary's College before winning a scholarship to ArtsEd in West London, where I completed my Acting degree. During my training, I discovered a passion for teaching and began working at West London Drama Training at the age of 19 – a place that has remained a huge part of my life ever since.
Alongside teaching, I built a professional career as an actor in film and television and spent time working for a casting director, giving me invaluable insight into the industry. I now work as an agent at The Artists Partnership, representing actors across film, television and theatre. Having worked as an actor, acting coach and agent, I'm fortunate to understand the industry from a variety of perspectives and to pass that experience on to the young people I teach.
For more than 20 years, teaching has remained at the heart of what I do. I've worked with actors of all ages and experience levels, supporting drama school auditions, self-tapes, confidence building and performance technique. I'm incredibly proud to be part of West London Drama Training and to help create a place where young people can grow in confidence, develop their skills and discover a genuine love of performing. Watching students flourish, both on and off the stage, is the most rewarding part of my work.
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Olivia Mezaltarim
UPPER SCHOOL ACTING TEACHER
Olivia developed a passion for the performing arts from a young age, with a particular love of musical theatre and acting. She began teaching at just 16 and quickly discovered how rewarding it was to help young people grow in confidence, develop their creativity and enjoy performing in a supportive, fun and encouraging environment.
Drawing on her professional training at ArtsEd, Olivia brings fresh ideas, energy and industry techniques into every class. She is passionate about helping students develop their acting skills, physicality and confidence, while creating an environment where they feel safe to challenge themselves, take creative risks and enjoy the process of learning.
Olivia recently graduated from the BA Acting course at ArtsEd and is represented by an agent alongside her teaching at West London Drama Training.
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Aidan Watson
UPPER SINGING AND MOVEMENT TEACHER
Aidan is a 2025 graduate of ArtsEd and most recently completed a tour of Singin' in the Rain in China, where he played the Production Tenor and was First Cover Don.With over three years' teaching experience across acting, singing and dance, Aidan is passionate about helping every student find their voice, grow in confidence and reach their full potential. He believes every young performer has something unique to offer and encourages everyone to challenge themselves and give everything a go.
Aidan loves creating new vocal arrangements for students to explore and enjoys bringing energy, creativity and fun into every class. His aim is to inspire young performers to develop their skills, build confidence and discover a genuine love of performing.
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Angus Atkinson
LOWER SCHOOL ACTING TEACHER
Angus grew up in Brighton and originally trained as an actor at both ALRA and Drama Studio before moving into the industry as an agent under the mentorship of WLDT founder, Esta Charkham.Alongside teaching acting at West London Drama Training, Angus represents many of our young performers through Esta Charkham Associates. His unique experience as both an acting teacher and talent agent gives students valuable insight into the industry and helps prepare those who wish to pursue professional opportunities.
Angus is passionate about helping every actor reach their potential, whether through teaching, mentoring or representation. Above all, he wants every student to remember why they started in the first place – because they love performing. His classes are full of encouragement, creativity and, most importantly, fun.
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Grace Murray
LOWER SCHOOL SINGING TEACHER
Grace is a performer from Shropshire with a lifelong love of musical theatre and singing. She began singing lessons at the age of 11 and has since completed examinations up to her DipLCM in Musical Theatre Singing.Grace is currently studying for a BA in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd, where she continues to develop her skills as a performer while training with some of the industry's leading professionals.
She is passionate about sharing her love of singing and musical theatre with the next generation, helping students grow in confidence, develop their vocal technique and discover the joy of performing. Grace brings warmth, enthusiasm and encouragement to every class, creating an environment where every student feels supported to give their best.
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Raja Hollins
SATURDAY ASSISTANT
Raja joined West London Drama Training as a student in 2015 and quickly became a valued member of the WLDT family. His first production was The Music Man, and over the years he performed in many shows and summer schools, creating memories and friendships that have stayed with him ever since.
One of Raja's favourite productions was The Boy Friend, where he played a waiter with speaking lines, while Guys and Dolls remains a personal favourite because of its fantastic music.
After leaving WLDT at 18, Raja continued returning on Saturdays to support Esta and the team. As Saturday Assistant, he loves seeing today's students enjoying the same opportunities, friendships and sense of belonging that he experienced himself. Having once been in their shoes, he understands what makes WLDT such a special place and enjoys helping every child feel welcome and supported.

